Knowing how to ask for testimonials is crucial for building trust, boosting credibility, and influencing potential customers. Testimonials aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential social proof that can turn browsers into buyers.

However, asking for testimonials effectively requires a thoughtful approach. This guide will walk you through 10 proven strategies to request testimonials, complete with actionable tips and examples tailored to different methods.

N.B. You can collect unlimited written testimonials and 10 video testimonials for free with Bonjoro Testimonials - get your free account here.

Why Customer Testimonials Matter

Before diving into how to ask for testimonials, let’s explore why they’re so impactful:

• Build Trust: Prospects are more likely to trust the words of a satisfied customer than your marketing claims.

• Drive Conversions: Testimonials add a layer of authenticity to your messaging, nudging hesitant buyers to take action.

• Humanize Your Brand: Customer feedback showcases real-world experiences, making your brand relatable.

Now, let’s explore how to ask for testimonials in ways that are effective, authentic, and easy to execute.

How to Ask for Testimonials: 10 Strategies

1. Send a Follow-Up Email

Email remains one of the most effective ways to request testimonials. Use follow-up emails to thank customers for their business and invite them to share their feedback.

Pro Tip: Automate this process by triggering testimonial request emails after a purchase or project is complete. You can do this by creating an automation inside your email marketing platform, and adding your testimonial request link.

Example 1: Professional and Polished (B2B / Corporate Clients)

Subject: Share Your Experience with [Company Name]

Hi [First Name],

Thank you for trusting [Company Name] with your [project/service]. We truly value your partnership and would love to hear about your experience working with us.

Your feedback helps us refine our offerings and continue providing the highest level of service. If you have a moment, please share your thoughts by clicking the link below. It only takes 2-3 minutes!

👉 [Leave Your Feedback Here]

We appreciate your time and look forward to continuing to support your success!

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Company Name]

Example 2: Warm and Friendly (E-Commerce / Retail)

Subject: How Was Your Experience with [Brand Name]?

Hi [First Name],

We hope you’re loving your new [product]! We’d be so grateful if you could take a minute to share your experience with us. Your feedback helps us improve and lets others know what makes [Brand Name] special.

Click below to leave your testimonial:
👉 [Share Your Feedback]

As a thank-you for your time, we’ll send you a 10% discount code for your next purchase! 🎉

Thanks for being part of the [Brand Name] family. We’re so happy to have you here!

Warmly,
[Your Name]
The [Brand Name] Team

Example 3: Conversational and Caring (Service-Based Business)

Subject: Tell Us About Your Visit to [Business Name]

Hi [First Name],

It was wonderful seeing you at [Business Name] for your [appointment/service]. We hope you had a great experience!

Your feedback means a lot to us, and it helps us ensure we’re always delivering the care and attention you deserve. If you could spare a moment, we’d love to hear your thoughts.

👉 [Share Your Experience]

If there’s anything we can improve, don’t hesitate to let us know—we’re here to help.

Thank you for choosing [Business Name]!

Best wishes,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Business Name]

2. Leverage SMS for Quick Requests

Text messages are highly effective for grabbing attention, especially when emails go unread. Keep your message short and provide a link to your testimonial page.

Example 1: Professional and Polished (B2B / Corporate Clients)

Hi [First Name],
Thank you for choosing [Company Name] for your [project/service]. We’d love to hear your thoughts about working with us—it only takes a minute! Click here to share your feedback: [Link].
Your input helps us grow and better serve clients like you. Thank you!

Example 2: Warm and Friendly (E-Commerce / Retail)

Hi [First Name],
Hope you’re loving your [product name]! 🛍️ We’d be so grateful if you could share your experience with us. Just click here: [Link].
As a thank-you, we’ll send you a 10% discount code for your next purchase! 🎉

Example 3: Conversational and Caring (Service-Based Business)

Hi [First Name],
Thanks for visiting [Business Name]! We’d love to hear how your [appointment/service] went. Your feedback means the world to us. Share your thoughts here: [Link].
Let us know if there’s anything we can do to make your next visit even better!

3. Embed a Link on Your Website

Add a testimonial request link to high-traffic pages on your site, such as your homepage, blog, or thank-you pages.

Pro Tip: Use a CTA like “Love [Your Product]? Share your experience!” to catch visitors’ attention.

4. Ask In-Person

If you interact with customers face-to-face, asking for testimonials during or after your service can be very effective.

Since most customers won’t have time to provide a testimonial on the spot, offer an easy way for them to follow up later. Use tools like QR codes, short URLs, or even follow-up emails.

Example:

You: “No rush, of course! Here’s a card with a link to leave a testimonial whenever you have a moment. It’s super simple—you can just write a quick comment or even record a short video if you prefer.”

If they agree:

• Hand them a business card with a QR code linking to your testimonial page.

• Or collect their email or phone number (with permission) and let them know you’ll send them a quick link to make it easy.

5. Incorporate Testimonial Requests Into Social Media

Social media is a great platform to connect with customers and ask for testimonials. Create posts encouraging followers to share their experiences, or send direct messages to those who frequently engage with your brand.

Example Post:

We want to hear from you! If you’ve loved your experience with [Your Business], share your testimonial here: [Link].

6. Combine With a Net Promoter Score (NPS®) Survey

If you’re already using NPS to gauge customer satisfaction, take it a step further. After customers rate you, ask those who give a high score to leave a testimonial.

Example Follow-Up:

Thanks for your feedback! Would you mind sharing your experience with others? Submit a quick testimonial here: [Link].

7. Offer Incentives

Sometimes, customers need a little extra motivation. Offering a discount, gift card, or entry into a giveaway can encourage them to leave a testimonial.

Remember: Incentivising testimonials isn't illegal. But if you provide an incentive for a review or testimonial you have to declare this when you share or publish it.

Example:

Share your experience and get 10% off your next purchase! Submit your testimonial here: [Link].

8. Feature Testimonials in Events

If you host events (virtual or in-person), invite attendees to share their experiences during or after the event. Provide a quick and easy way to leave feedback through links or forms.

As with in-person requests, make sure the follow up method is clear and frictionless for your customer. For example:

• Send them a follow-up email with a testimonial request link

• Hand them a card with a QR code on to scan and complete at, or after, the event.

9. Add Requests to Receipts and Packaging

Include a short testimonial request on customer receipts or packaging. A QR code or short link makes it simple for customers to leave feedback.

Example:

Enjoyed your purchase? Share your thoughts with us at [Link]!

10. Follow Up on Positive Interactions

Did a customer leave a positive comment on social media, send you a thank-you email, or praise you during a call? Use that moment to ask for a testimonial.

Example:

Hi [First Name], we’re thrilled to hear you had a great experience! Could you share your feedback here? [Link]

Tips for Asking for Testimonials Effectively

• Be Timely: Ask for testimonials when the customer’s experience is fresh.

• Make It Easy: Use direct links, QR codes, or pre-filled forms to reduce friction.

• Personalize Your Requests: Address customers by name and reference their specific experience.

• Follow Up: If your first request goes unanswered, send a polite reminder.

• Be Transparent: Let customers know how their feedback will be used.

Ready to Gather Testimonials?

With Bonjoro Testimonials, you can streamline the process of collecting and showcasing customer feedback. Whether it’s video testimonials or written reviews, our platform makes it easy to request, manage, and display customer praise.

Collect unlimited text testimonials and 10 video testimonials with Bonjoro for free