Your Best Friend in Business: How to Get Killer Testimonials That Sell
Let’s talk about one of your besties in business: testimonial. Think of them as your trusty wingman (or wingwoman!) when it comes to showing off your services. They build trust, create connections, and make selling your product or service that much easier. Check out how to get good testimonials that sell, why are they so important and what you can do with them once they’re in your hands.
Why Testimonials Are a Must-Have
Ever bought something based on a glowing review? Yeah, me too! Testimonials work like that—when someone else vouches for your work, it takes the pressure off your future clients. Instead of wondering whether your service is the right fit, they get proof from people who’ve been there, done that. It’s like having a friend say, “You’re going to love this.”
Think of testimonials as the social proof your business needs. In a world where people are flooded with options, they need to know why they should pick you. Testimonials bridge that gap, giving your clients the confidence to say “YES!” because someone else already did.
Okay, we’ve established that testimonials are like the friend who always hypes you up. But let’s dig deeper—why are they truly your business’s BFF?
They build trust: Testimonials are like a seal of approval from someone who has experienced what you offer. They help potential clients see that you’re not all talk—you deliver.
They create emotional connection: When a testimonial highlights the emotional transformation a client went through, it helps your audience relate on a personal level. They see themselves in that story.
They handle objections: Many people are hesitant to take the plunge and buy because of lingering doubts. Testimonials can address those doubts head-on. For example, if someone’s concerned about cost, a testimonial mentioning the value of your service can help calm their fears.
They make selling easier: Imagine having a conversation with a potential client where you don’t have to say a thing—your testimonials do all the talking! They tell your story, highlight your skills, and ultimately make the sale for you.
What Makes a Testimonial “Good”?
Not all testimonials are created equal. The difference between “She was great!” and “She transformed my business in just 30 days!” is everything. The first one might make you smile, but the second one? That makes your potential clients sit up and take notice.
A good testimonial paints a picture of the client’s journey—where they were before, how you helped them, and the results they saw afterward.
Key Elements of a Great Testimonial:
Specifics: What problem were they facing, and how did your service/product solve it?
Results: What tangible outcomes did they see? Did their sales increase? Did their stress levels drop?
Emotion: How did they feel before and after working with you?
Client Consent: Always Ask First!
Before I tell you how to get good testimonials that sell, let’s pause for a quick, but super important legal note. You must get permission from your clients before using their testimonials in any marketing materials. I know, asking can feel a little awkward, but it’s essential for maintaining trust and following privacy rules. Plus, most happy clients are excited to help you out!
Here’s a simple way to ask:
“Hey [Client Name], I’m so happy to hear about the results you’ve seen from our work together! I’d love to share your feedback as a testimonial on my website and social media, with your permission, of course. Let me know if that’s cool with you!”
If you are sending a questionnare, you can simply add a question such as:
Do I have permission to use your answers in marketing?
a) Yes, and you can use my name
b) Yes, but I'd like to stay annonymous
c) No
Once they give you the green light, you’re free to show off their words!
Questions to Ask for Good Testimonials
So how do you actually get good testimonials that sell? It’s all about asking the right questions. Here are some to get you started:
Why did you purchase my product/service? What were you hoping it would help you do? What intrigued you the most?
What problem were you facing before you started working with me?
How did my product/service help solve that problem?
What do you love most about my product/service? How has it helped you in business?
How did you feel before and after working with me?
What surprised you the most about the experience?
What is one thing I should keep doing?
What is one thing I should stop doing or do better next time?
If a friend was considering buying my product/service and asked you if they should, what would you tell them? If your answer was “you should do it!” why?
By asking open-ended, specific questions, you encourage clients to give more detailed, useful feedback that really speaks to the value of what you offer.
How to Use Testimonials Like a Pro
Now that you’ve got some killer testimonials in hand, what do you do with them? Everything, literally. Testimonials are more versatile than your favorite pair of jeans. You can use them everywhere.
Your website: Place testimonials on your homepage, sales pages, or product pages to give your potential clients that extra nudge.
Social media: Share testimonials in Instagram Stories or feed posts with a fun graphic to grab attention.
Newsletters: Drop a glowing testimonial in your newsletters and show your readers the transformation you bring.
The key is to weave testimonials into your messaging so they feel natural, not forced. They should enhance your content by adding a layer of proof and trust—making your audience think, “Wow, if it worked for them, it’ll work for me, too!”
Here is how I used one of my client’s testimonials on Instagram:
Your business deserves testimonials that don’t just sit pretty but sell for you. When you have the right words from your clients, your brand can connect on a deeper level and make selling feel effortless.
