● The short answer
Ask right after a win, make it nearly effortless, and be specific. Send three short questions instead of "would you write a testimonial?", offer a quick call and draft it from their words for their approval, and get written permission to use their name. Keep testimonials honest: real customers, their real opinions, and any connection to your business disclosed.
Key takeaways
- Ask right after a visible win, while gratitude is fresh.
- Replace "write a testimonial" with three specific questions or a short call.
- Draft from the customer's own words and get written approval and permission.
Why most testimonial requests fail
"Would you mind writing us a testimonial?" sounds easy, but it hands a busy customer a blank page and a writing assignment. Most mean to do it and never do. The fix is to make it smaller, more specific and better timed.
The how is where we come in.
What we walk through with you, for your business:
- A testimonial process that works
- What makes a testimonial persuasive
- Keep it honest
- Our take
Every business is different, so the plan is too. Tell us where you want to show up and we will show you what it takes.
Talk to usMore questions
Can I edit a customer testimonial?
You can make light edits for length, grammar and clarity, but not change the meaning or add claims the customer did not make. Send the final version back for approval. The FTC's Endorsement Guides say endorsements must reflect the endorser's honest opinion, so the approved text should be something they agree with.
Can I reuse Google reviews as testimonials on my website?
Often yes, as long as you quote accurately, attribute them, and do not cherry-pick in a way that misrepresents your overall rating. Linking to the source review adds credibility. For anything more prominent, such as ads or a homepage hero quote, ask the reviewer for permission first.
Sources
- FTC: FTC's Endorsement Guides: What People Are Asking
- FTC: Federal Trade Commission Announces Final Rule Banning Fake Reviews and Testimonials
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