How to Ask a Client for a Testimonial and Referrals

Clients are essential to your business growth in more ways than the obvious one – paying you for your services. You can also request testimonials and referrals from your clients to help build your business. In this blog, I’m going to share my advice on how to ask a client for a testimonial and referrals, as well as my EXACT templates asking for each.

Asking for Client Testimonials

When you’re looking at purchasing a product or service, what’s the first thing you do? I’m guessing you look to see if there are any online reviews. Testimonials are crucial to solidify customer loyalty, social proof, and brand legitimacy. It comforts potential clients and reassures them that you’re a professional who has worked with people like them.

I know it can be scary to ask for something from a client. I’ll just drop this right here – I’ve never had a client say ‘no’ to giving me a testimonial. I do think it’s important to wait enough time before asking for one to build a relationship with the client, though. You don’t want to ask after a week or two of working with them because you’re still in the learning phase. They wouldn’t have much to go on to write a review for you. I recommend waiting at least four months before asking for a testimonial. 

Here is the EXACT template I send my clients to ask for testimonials!

Hi (client’s first name),

I’m working on updating my website and was wondering if you’d be willing to share a testimonial? I’ll include your name, a photo, and a link back to your website. I’d love it if you could touch on the quality of my work and how I contribute to the team. 

Thank you!

Eden

You can edit what you’d like the client to speak to; just make sure it aligns with the type of clients you want to attract. Maybe you’re going into web design and want a client to speak to how quickly you turned around the project or the quality of the work you performed. This can vary between clients, too! Get a good mix of testimonials that speak to:

• The quality of your work
• Your work ethic
• How you contribute to larger teams
• Your work style
• How you helped them grow their business

Your page will continue to grow and grow and soon, your testimonials page will be overflowing with glowing reviews!

WHAT IF YOU’RE BRAND-SPANKING NEW AND HAVEN’T WORKED WITH CLIENTS YET?

It’s okay! You don’t have to have testimonials on your website right away. However, if you have anyone who can speak to your character or work ethic, those would be fantastic quotes to include while you’re trying to book clients! Anything that can reassure prospective clients that you’re legit is great to include.

Asking for Client Referrals

Referrals are one of the best ways I find new clients. Again, after working with a client for a few months and we have a good relationship, I ask them to recommend me to people in their network who may be interested in my services. It’s a super easy ask, and if they’re happy with your work, they’ll be more than happy to recommend you. You just have to let them know you’re open to more work!

Here is the EXACT template I send my clients to ask for referrals!

Hi (client name),

I wanted to send you a quick message and let you know how much I enjoy working with you and your brand. I currently have space available to take on new clients if you know of anyone who is looking for blog writing and strategy services.

I would be so grateful if you passed my information along. If you’d like, you can refer people to my website to learn more about the services I offer. 

Thank you for being such a wonderful client!

Warm regards,

Eden

I’ve even had clients upsell themselves after I mention the services I offer. Even though she didn’t have a referral for me at that time, I still got new business out of the email. People won’t know you’re open to more work unless you tell them. They might start to keep an eye out for opportunities for you, too!

Another thing I want to mention relating to referrals… If a client took the time to talk about you to someone in their network, that person reached out to you, and you booked them as a client, you need to send a major thank you to your client. I always send a small gift to them via Sugarwish to show my true appreciation for supporting my business. It always makes my client’s day and makes them feel valued.

It shouldn’t be scary to ask clients for testimonials and reviews. If it is, you might need to wait a little longer and work on building a stronger relationship with them before asking. But, as I mentioned, I’ve never had anyone say ‘no’ to a request for a testimonial, and I’ve gotten so many referrals from my network! People won’t know you want or need something from them until you ask. Now that you know how to ask clients for a testimonials, get going on those emails!

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