How to Ask for a Testimonial From a Client | Template That Actually Works

For busy business owners, adding positive client testimonials and customer feedback can dramatically boost credibility and conversions. 

Yet many hesitate to ask, fearing they’ll seem pushy or burden clients. But if we told you there’s no reason to hold back when asking for testimonials or simply a favour from another human being? And there are ways to keep it ethical and polite without intruding on your customers’ boundaries.  

We’ll explain (with psychology and statistics) when to ask, how to frame the request, and provide ready-to-use templates (email, social, video) so you can gather client feedback confidently and effectively. 

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to ask for a testimonial from a client. Templates will be provided with examples and best practices.

When Is the Right Time to Ask for a Testimonial?

The best time to ask is when customer satisfaction is highest, right after a successful project, purchase, or once they’ve seen results.

Look for positive cues: praise in emails, reviews, or social media. These moments are natural triggers.

Include testimonial requests in follow-ups or customer milestones so they don’t feel like an odd favor.

For example, you could be a stylist with a salon. Right after you have just pleased your client, and they seem grateful to you, you can directly ask them: “Do you mind if I post your words as a testimonial? It’d mean a lot for my business.”

(And if they say ‘no,’ it’s okay. Respect their boundaries and move on. But believe us, there’s less likelihood of that!)

By aligning your ask with positive experiences, you tap into the psychological principle of consistency: once someone has publicly voiced satisfaction, they’re naturally more likely to follow through with a formal testimonial. 

How to Ask Clients for Testimonials (Best Practices for Customer Feedback Request)

Don’t see customers as a means to an end. For testimonials—and your business—to thrive, treat each relationship as long-term. When you prioritize their best interest, they’re more likely to reciprocate. 

Tips on How to Ask for Testimonials:

1. Personalize your message
Use their name and mention specific results or moments. Speak directly with warmth and avoid sounding scripted. Make them feel valued, not used for marketing.

2. Be concise and clear
Respect their time. Briefly explain why you’re reaching out and what you need—a short quote, sentence, or quick video. Ask simply: “Would you be open to sharing a few words?”

3. Use guiding questions
Help them respond with prompts like:

• What challenge were you facing before?
• What changed after using our service?
• Would you recommend us, and why?
  

4. Offer format options
Let them choose how to respond—email, LinkedIn, voice note, video. This flexibility boosts replies.

5. Show appreciation
Be grateful, no matter their response. A thank-you, discount, or client spotlight helps—but keep it sincere, not transactional. Reciprocity matters.

6. Choose the right channel
Match your approach to the relationship. Formal clients? Email or LinkedIn. Close collaborators? A casual chat or call.

For more scripts, see our email templates for testimonials and our guide on questions to ask customers to request testimonials.

One last thought. To gather more in-depth and helpful testimonials, consider using a few well-crafted interview questions to ask customer service clients. These can uncover stories that go beyond basic praise. 

Pair this with a brief customer service questionnaire to structure responses, covering their initial problem, your support process, and the result they experienced. 

Ready-to-Use Testimonial Request Templates (How to Request Client Testimonials)

Asking for testimonials doesn’t need to feel awkward. With the right timing and tone, most happy clients are more than willing to share a few kind words. Here are customizable templates for different platforms, styles, and relationships.

📩 Email Testimonial Request Templates

1. Simple and Direct

Subject: Quick Favor. Can You Share a Line or Two?
Body:
Hi [Client Name],

Hope all’s well! It’s been great working with you on [project/goal], and we’re thrilled with the results.
Would you be open to writing a short testimonial—just a sentence or two—about your experience?
It would mean a lot to us and help others in [industry/role] understand how we can help.

Thanks so much for considering this!
[Your Name]

2. After Project Completion or Success

Subject: You Crushed It. Mind Sharing a Win?
Body:
Hi [Client Name],

Congrats again on wrapping up [project/success metric]!
We’ve loved being part of your journey and seeing [specific result].
Would you mind sharing a quick testimonial? Just 2–3 lines about your experience would be amazing.

Let me know if you’d like a few guiding questions or examples. I’d be happy to help.
Appreciate you!
[Your Name]

3. More Formal/Corporate Tone
Subject: Request for Testimonial on Recent Collaboration
Body:
Dear [Client Name],

Thank you for the opportunity to work together on [project/service].
We’d love to feature your feedback as part of our client success stories. If you’re open to it, could you provide a brief testimonial (2–4 sentences) on your experience with [your company]?

We value your insight and would appreciate your input greatly.
Warm regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Title | Company Name]

💬 Chat/WhatsApp/SMS Testimonial Templates

4. Friendly and Casual Ask

"Hey [Name], you seemed super happy with [Product/Service] last time.
Would you mind dropping a quick line or two about what stood out to you? Even a 20-second thought helps us a ton!"

5. Repeat Client or Close Relationship

"You've been with us for a while, and we really appreciate your support.
We’re collecting testimonials from our best clients, and I’d love to include yours if you're open to it.
Just a few words about your experience would mean a lot!"

Social Media Message Templates (DMs, LinkedIn, Instagram)

6. LinkedIn DM (Professional Tone)

Hi [Name], 

I’ve always appreciated your support!
I’m putting together a few short testimonials from [industry] professionals we’ve worked with, and I’d love to include your perspective.
If you’re comfortable, could you share a quick quote on how [Product/Service] has helped you?
A few lines via DM would be perfect. Thank you!

7. Instagram/Facebook Message (Casual Tone)

Hey [Name], hope you're doing great!
I’m building a small highlight series of customer stories and thought of you.
Would you mind sending a short note or even a quick voice message about your experience with [Product/Service]? Would love to feature you if you’re cool with it!

🎥 Video Testimonial Request Templates

8. Informal & Encouraging

Hi [Name], just saw how well you’re doing with [Product/Service]!
We’d love to hear your story. We’d be really grateful if you could record a short 1–2-minute video on your phone talking about your experience.
No need for anything fancy. Even a casual phone-shot/selfie clip sharing what changed for you would also work. We can send a few prompts if it helps!
Totally understand if not. No pressure at all. :)

9. Professional Client or Case Study Ask

Hi [Client Name],
We’re putting together a new case study series and would love to feature your success. Would you be open to recording a short video sharing:
– What challenges you were facing
– What solutions we offered
– What changed as a result

We’d handle the editing and promotion, Just need a quick video from your phone. Let us know if you’re interested!

Guiding Prompts to Include (Optional in Any Template)

If clients need help getting started, include 2–3 guiding questions:

• What problem were you facing before using our service/product?
• What specific results did you experience?
• How did it feel to work with us?
• Would you recommend us to others? Why?

Pro Tip: Make it Easy to Say Yes

You can also offer multiple format options:
✔️ Text quote
✔️ Voice note
✔️ Video
✔️ LinkedIn post
✔️ Google review

Let them choose what feels easiest. Add a thank-you gift or shoutout if appropriate, and always express genuine gratitude for their time.

You can customize each of these testimonial request templates to fit your style and client relationship. You can mix channels (email, phone, social) depending on what your customer prefers.

If you want to make collecting testimonials even easier, try Testimonial Donut. It lets you send beautifully branded testimonial requests in seconds, track responses, and even offer rewards. 

You just initiate a template, create a link, and start collecting video testimonials, Google reviews, text testimonials, etc. No awkward asks. Just better testimonials, on autopilot. 🍩

Following Up Without Being Pushy (How to ask for Testimonials from Customers “Again”!)

Even after a polite request, some clients need a nudge. Keep follow-ups friendly and pressure-free:

• Wait a bit: Give them a week or two to respond. People get busy.
• Send a gentle reminder: A quick note like, “Just checking in — even a couple of sentences would help!” keeps it light and considerate.
• Keep it optional: Phrases like “No rush” or “Totally okay if now’s not the best time” show respect for their schedule.
• Offer alternatives: Let them reply via text, voice note, or even approve a draft you write. The easier you make it, the better.
• Make it effortless: For busy clients, offer to record their feedback via a quick 10-minute call using simple prompts. It removes friction and shows support.
• Thank them regardless: Whether they respond or not, a kind message like “Thanks again — we’ve loved working with you!” maintains goodwill and keeps the door open.

With the right timing and tone, a soft follow-up often gets results without feeling pushy.

How to Use Testimonials Effectively

Capturing testimonials is only half the battle – displaying them strategically multiplies their value. Here’s how to maximize impact:

• Highlight Key Pages: Place standout testimonials on your homepage, landing pages, product pages, and even email footers. Real customer stories build instant trust.
• Add Context and Credibility: Include the person’s name, title, company, and if possible, a headshot or logo. Visuals like “John Smith, CEO, Acme Corp” boost authenticity.
• Show Specific Results: Prioritize testimonials that mention numbers or outcomes (“Our revenue grew 30%”). Concrete results grab attention and build authority.

• Leverage Video: Video testimonials are highly engaging. Embed them on your site or share on YouTube and social media. For tips on collecting these, see our guide on video testimonials.
  
  
• Use Across Marketing: Don’t silo testimonials. Turn them into visuals for social media, quotes in blog posts, or bullet points in proposals. 

• Update Regularly: Keep testimonials fresh. Periodically reach out to new clients for updates. Rotate different testimonials to showcase diverse results.

When you share real client stories where your future customers are already looking, on your website, emails, or social media, you’re giving them the confidence they need to say “yes.” 

Authentic testimonials build trust faster than any pitch ever could. The more they see you, the more they believe in what you do.

Final Thoughts

Hope our “how to ask for a testimonial from a client” templates help you kill your hesitation and ace your testimonials and social proof game. 

With the strategies and templates shared above, gathering customer feedback becomes straightforward. Reach out at the right time, follow best practices, and send polite reminders if needed. The more testimonials you collect, the more social proof you build – and the better your results.

Finally, there’s no best way to ask for testimonials. The method varies for different contexts, businesses, and customers. So, try different things and find what works best for you!

For extra help, check out Testimonial Donut, our free platform to collect, manage, and display client testimonials. Your customers are already thinking positively about your work; use these templates to turn their goodwill into powerful social proof!