How to ask for a testimonial

I'm wanting to put a few pages of written testiomials in my presentation book. What's the best way to go about asking for a testimonial? What do you say to the client?

Originally Posted by Calvin I'm wanting to put a few pages of written testiomials in my presentation book. What's the best way to go about asking for a testimonial? What do you say to the client?

Calvin, I see they are not all rushing in to answer this one. I was curious what others would say because I've often wondered if there is an easy way to do this.

I have a form I use and I send it to my customers with their renewal notice (they pay for 6 a six month subscription). Logically, if a customer is renewing, I figure they are happy with their results and would be willing to do this. Sadly, they mostly get ignored--I think primarily because people are busy and don't want to take the time. If I am ever having a nice chat with a happy customer (which is infrequently because we usually communicate through other means), I might specifically ask them if they would mind saying a few words that I can use as a testimonial. This has paid off because the ones I got, are glowing! But truthfully, asking for testimonials is not my favorite thing.

Thanks for the input RainMaker!

We just hired a company to paint our house and when it was done I sat with the owner of the company and he asked me if I was satisfied, etc. By the end of the conversation I told him that he could use me any time as a reference and he asked me if I'd put something in writing sometime. I told hi I would.

I don't know if this fits what you're looking for but I offered a referral because I liked the guy and liked his work - he didn't have to ask - AND then he asked if I might put in writing.

It was very mutual and natural.

Calvin,

I've always found that asking for a referral personally is the best way to go. However, then you have the problem of either getting your customer to write something down, or the sometimes embarassing option of trying to take notes while they tell you how wonderful you are.

So, here's my solution: First, after I've completed a project, I just say something like: I'm in the process of updating my [presentation book, brochure, website, etc.]. I'd really like to include some of your comments about your experience with [me, our company, etc]. Would you be comfortable answering a few questions if I sent them to you in an e-mail?

Then, explain that if they just REPLY to your e-mail, they can jot down a few notes in response to your questions. Tell them not to worry about making the language perfect -- you'll be glad to do the editing for them.

I have several questions that help the customer think of what to say. Things like how would you describe the customer service you received from XYZ company. You'll have to think of your questions based on the business you are in. Open-ended questions, of course!

This helps because: First, if you give them the questions, you avoid the situation of having a bunch of testimonials that all say "Kathleen was great". Second, they are reminded they agreed to do this for you when they get your email. Third, its much quicker for them since they are just answering questions, not trying to write War and Peace. Fourth, you don't have any embarassment of talking about how great you are.
Most of the time, I've found that everyone knows the value of positive customer comments, so they're not really surprised when you ask them. This doesn't give you something on the client's letterhead, but you can always create good-looking pages that list the person's comments, their name and contact info.

Hope this helps - and good luck!

Kathleen

Originally Posted by KSA-Mktg Hope this helps - and good luck!n

That's a great idea. Thanks!

Good response. I'm amazed at how many of my customers don't use email! (Do you think they still have rotary phones, at home, too??)

Originally Posted by Calvin I'm wanting to put a few pages of written testiomials in my presentation book. What's the best way to go about asking for a testimonial? What do you say to the client?

If you get email from people who bought your book, just ask them to see if you can use their email as testimonial?

I don't get many emails but if I ever do that's a good idea. Thanks.

I was just asking about this in some other forum, and I think this is one of more practical and honest approaches. Real testimonials from real customers/clients. Testimonials should be like that.