How to Get Testimonials from Customers

“We love it so much!” …and then nothing.

Years ago, one of our very first clients launched her new website. We had poured so much heart into that project — late-night edits, design tweaks, extra time we didn’t charge for — the whole thing.

When the site went live, she messaged us: “We LOVE it! Seriously, you knocked it out of the park.”
I smiled at my screen.
I waited.
A week passed. Then another.

No testimonial came.

And that’s when I learned the golden rule of testimonials: People won’t write them unless you ask.

Even the happiest clients — the ones who adore your work and would refer you in a heartbeat — usually don’t sit down and write a glowing review without a little nudge.

So if you’ve ever wondered how to get great testimonials (especially when you’re new in business), this post is your playbook.

We’ll walk through:

• When to ask for a review (hint: sooner than you think)
• What to say so clients don’t get stuck
• How to clean it up for sharing
• Where to post those testimonials for max impact

Let’s get you the kind of praise that books your next dream client.

1. Ask When the Excitement Is Fresh

Think about the last time you had an amazing experience. Maybe it was an Airbnb that was perfectly styled or a course that completely shifted your mindset.

Now ask yourself: Did you leave a review right away?
…Or did life get in the way?

Exactly.

Your clients are no different. That’s why the best time to ask for a testimonial is right after the win.

• Website launched? Ask within a week.
• Brand reveal? Ask the day after.
• Photos delivered? Send the email while they’re still sharing them with friends.
• Product arrived? Give it a few days, then check in.

✨ Bonus Tip: Make this part of your workflow.
In our ClickUp setup, we have a repeatable “Project Wrap-Up” checklist that includes:

• Send testimonial request
• Share testimonial on social + our website
• Thank the client

2. Don’t Just Ask — Guide Their Words

Asking, “Can you write a testimonial?” is like asking someone to write a college essay with no prompt.
They freeze. They overthink. They write something like:
“She was great!”

That’s… not what you want.

Instead, give them a few simple questions. This turns the ask into a mini interview — way less pressure, way better results.

Try something simple like:

Hi [Client Name],

Thank you again for working with us — we loved creating your [project]!

If you have a few minutes, we’d love to hear more about your experience. Your feedback helps us grow and also helps others feel more confident about choosing us.

Here are a few quick questions (you can answer as many as you’d like!):

• Why did you decide to work with us?
• What was your favorite part of the process?
• What would you say to someone on the fence?
• [Optional] Have you noticed any results or changes since the project?

Thanks so much again — we’re so grateful for you!

– [Your Name]

3. Clean It Up for Sharing (And Make It Easy for Them to Post)

Once you get their answers, it’s time for a little testimonial magic:

• Combine their replies into one cohesive paragraph
• Edit lightly for grammar and flow
• Pull out the most impactful phrases

Then send it back with a friendly ask to share it on Google, Facebook, or wherever makes sense for your biz.

Here’s a template to make this easy:

Hi [Client Name],

Thank you again for your kind words — we loved reading your feedback!

We put together a short version of your testimonial (below). If you’re up for it, would you mind copying and pasting it to [link to review platform or profile]?

[Insert testimonial blurb]

Let us know if you’d like us to tweak anything. We so appreciate your support!

– [Your Name]

4. Use Testimonials Where They Actually Matter

Once you have that beautiful blurb, don’t just let it sit in your Google Drive. Get it in front of people!

Here’s where to use your testimonials:

• Homepage – Front and center as social proof
• Services Pages – Match the testimonial to the service they booked
• Sales Pages – Use one right next to your call-to-action
• About Page – Sprinkle in a story that shows off your process
• Contact Page – Reassure people they’re making the right choice

5. Share on Social (Without Sounding Like a Brag)

We aim to post a testimonial about once a week — often paired with:

• A preview of the project (especially websites or brands)
• A client photo
• A design tip related to their work

This way, it’s not just “look what someone said about us!” — it’s valuable content that educates and inspires your audience.

💡 Don’t forget: Tag your client, and use visuals that make it easy for them to re-share.

Recommended Resources

• ClickUp – Project management to track testimonial tasks
• Davey & Krista Showit Templates – Launch-worthy design with social proof built in
• Free Client Questionnaire – Get the info you need from your clients
• Élevae Visuals – Gorgeous mockups for showcasing client work
• FREE Canva Social Testimonial Template

Download the FREE Canva Social Testimonial Template —