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PL How to ask for customer testimonials to increase response rates
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Getting customers to share their thoughts about your business is not always easy. Most people stay quiet unless you ask them directly. Asking for testimonials might feel awkward, but it’s worth it.
According to a survey, 98% of people say reviews influence their buying choices. Nearly half won’t buy if a product or service has no reviews. That’s a big deal when building trust and convincing new customers to give you a try.
So, how do you ask for testimonials without it feeling forced?
Let’s dig into why one should ask for testimonials and some practical ways to gather customer feedback through different channels.
Why should you ask for customer testimonials?
Customer testimonials do more than just sit pretty on your website. They build trust, drive sales, and show new customers that others value what you offer.
Let’s dig into why testimonials are worth the ask:
1. Build trust and credibility
When people see others vouching for your product or service, they feel reassured. Testimonials act as proof that you deliver what you promise. 82% of consumers are more likely to buy from a brand that incorporates UGC in its marketing. A positive review is like a nod of approval from a friend.
2. Increase your sales odds
More reviews can mean more sales. Approximately 40% of shoppers consider UGC extremely or very important when making a purchase. Reviews make people feel confident about their purchase, whether they’re spending a little or a lot. And that confidence translates directly into more sales.
3. Strengthen your reputation
Testimonials help shape your brand’s image. They tell potential customers that others have turned to you for solutions and have been happy with the outcome. Shoppers trust that your solid reputation extends to everything you offer.
5. Give insights for improvement
Customer testimonials are a goldmine for spotting areas where you can improve. Negative reviews can highlight what needs fixing, while positive and neutral feedback can uncover opportunities to fine-tune your offerings. Listening to your customers helps you adapt and grow.
6. Boost local SEO
Online reviews can also give you a leg up in local searches. Businesses with more reviews and higher ratings tend to rank better on Google Maps. That means better visibility and more foot traffic from nearby customers. Reviews aren’t just about the likes and reviews tagged to them—they’re also a practical tool for customers to find you.
7. Amplify social proof
Humans follow the crowd. When people see others praising your business, they’re more likely to give you a chance. Testimonials, ratings, and user-generated content create a ripple effect. They show new customers that you’re worth their time and money, simply because others think so too.
5 best practices while asking for customer testimonials
The hesitation often comes from uncertainty or feeling like it’s too much work. Customers want to help when you make it easy and genuine.
The following steps cut out the confusion and create a quick, frictionless process that feels worth their time:
1. Ask and include a link
People often skip giving feedback when the process feels confusing. A clear link saves time and removes guesswork. Polite requests work best when they come at the right moment. Asking while the experience is fresh makes it feel timely and natural.
Also, adding a personal touch, like mentioning their purchase or experience, can make the ask feel genuine.
2. Create accounts on popular review sites
Customers trust familiar review sites like Trustpilot, Yelp etc., because they feel reliable. Having an active profile makes it easier for them to leave a review where they’re comfortable. Being present on these platforms also builds a sense of connection. It shows you care about hearing from people in places they already trust.
Keeping your profile updated with accurate details and photos encourages trust and engagement. A polished presence invites people to share their thoughts confidently.
3. Send targeted newsletters
Generic emails can feel cold and impersonal. A message tailored to specific groups like recent buyers, grabs attention and feels relevant. Timing matters. Reaching out soon after a positive experience increases the chance of a response while their enthusiasm is high.
Including a heartfelt thank-you in the email shows gratitude and strengthens the connection. Friendly subject lines make the message feel less like spam and more like a conversation.
4. Simplify the process
Lengthy or confusing steps scare people away from giving feedback. Short, clear instructions make the task feel doable, not daunting. Using tools like clickable star ratings or pre-filled options reduces effort. A smooth process encourages action without making it feel like a chore.
Having an option for quick one-sentence reviews can encourage even the busiest customers to respond. Simpler steps lead to more responses and fewer abandoned forms.
5. Offer thoughtful incentives
People appreciate gestures that feel genuine, like a discount or a small gift card. These rewards show that their time and effort matter to you. Transparency is key. Being upfront about the incentive keeps the ask honest and builds trust.
How to ask for testimonials from specific channels?
Here’s how to ask for testimonials from different channels with a direct, active, and simple approach:
1. Google (Restaurants & Cafés)
How to ask:
After a meal, send a follow-up message through email or SMS, or ask in person.
Provide a direct link to your Google review page.
Example: “Hey [Customer’s Name], we loved having you at [Restaurant Name]! If you snapped a great photo of your meal, we’d love to see it. Could you share it with a quick Google review? Here’s the link: [Insert link].
Thanks for dining with us!”
2. Your Website (E-commerce Fashion Brands)
How to ask:
Include a testimonial request in post-purchase emails.
Offer an easy form where customers can upload photos of themselves wearing your products.
Example: “Hi [Customer’s Name], you looked amazing in your new [product name]! We’d love to feature your style. Upload a photo and share a few words about your experience right here: [Insert link].
Can’t wait to see your look!”
3. Social media (Instagram, Facebook, etc.) (Beauty & Skincare Brands)
How to ask:
Encourage customers to post before-and-after photos after using your products.
Feature user-generated content on your feed or stories.
Example: “Hey [Customer’s Name], we’re so excited you tried [product name]! We’d love to see your results. Share a before-and-after photo and tag us @brandhandle for a chance to be featured!
Looking forward to seeing your glow!”
4. Email follow-up (Fitness & Wellness Services)
How to ask:
After a fitness program or wellness session, send an email requesting a short video testimonial.
Offer an easy way to submit it via a simple upload form.
Example: “Hi [Customer’s Name], you crushed it at [Gym/Class Name]! We’d love to hear about your experience. Could you send us a quick video sharing your progress or favorite part of the class? You can upload it here: [Insert link].
Thanks for inspiring others!”
5. Yelp (Local Service Providers – Salons, Spas, etc.)
How to ask:
After an appointment, send a follow-up text or email with a request for a Yelp review.
Encourage clients to include photos of their fresh haircut, nails, or treatment results.
Example: “Hi [Customer’s Name], we loved pampering you at [Salon/Spa Name]! If you’re happy with your results, could you share a photo and leave a review on Yelp? Here’s the link: [Insert link].
Thank you—we can’t wait to see you again!”
6. Third-party review sites (Trustpilot, etc.)(Electronics & Gadgets)
How to ask:
After customers have had time to use your product, send a review request with an option to upload unboxing or usage videos.
Example: “Hey [Customer’s Name], how’s your new [Product Name] treating you? We’d love to see it in action! Share a quick video of your setup or favorite feature on [Review Site Name] here: [Insert link].
Thanks for being part of our community!”
7. App stores (Google Play, Apple App Store)(Mobile Apps & SaaS Companies)
How to ask:
Use an in-app prompt or push notification to request reviews.
Encourage users to share screenshots or screen recordings of their favorite features.
Example: “Hi [Customer’s Name], enjoying [App Name]? If it’s making your life easier, share a screenshot or a quick review on [Google Play/Apple App Store]. It helps others find the app! Just tap here to leave your feedback: [Insert link].
Thanks for your support!”
