Testimonials from satisfied clients are almost as good as getting paid on payday.

Heck, sometimes it’s even better!

In addition to getting the warm fuzzies and some validation for your hard work, testimonials are also a priceless piece of social proof for your site. And who couldn’t use more social proof?

The Case for Testimonials

Testimonials add social proof to your message. I.e. When we see lots of others doing something, we assume that that’s the correct behavior and want to do it too.

Now who wants to go jump off a bridge with me? 😉

Testimonials add credibility. They show potential customers that you’re a real professional with a list of satisfied customers who achieved results from working with you.

Testimonials prove your ability to deliver on your promises. Which can come in handy to counteract the stereotype of “flaky freelancers!”

Testimonials help overcome the objection that your product or service won’t work for a particular customer. That’s why you should collect testimonials of all shapes and sizes!

How Do You Get a Testimonial?

Well, you have to ask silly!

It’s really not that hard in actuality. If you’re asking for feedback and handling any mistakes that happen effectively, you should know whether or not your client is happy with the work that you do.

And if you work with an online business owner, they probably “get” why a testimonial is valuable to your business and usually are more than happy to offer one up. Plus, you can make it really easy for them!

How soon can you ask?

My rule of thumb is 30 days.

Again, you want to make sure that you’re asking for feedback and the client is happy. If you’re not sure, spend the next couple of weeks over-delivering and then ask.

If you’re still not sure? Probably don’t ask. 😉

But if you’re writing or process work as a VA regularly and you know your client is happy with the work you provide, there’s no reason you can’t ask for a testimonial at the one month mark.

And if it’s a one-time project?

Ask every time.

Again, probably you should have a good idea that they were satisfied with your work first. Providing they are, ASK! Because, what do you really have to lose?

Making It Easy

The easiest way to make it easy, is to compile a list (via a Google or Word doc) of any compliments your client pays you.

Then after you’ve been working together a little while, draft an email to your client listing a few of your favorite compliments in bullet-point format. Lastly, introduce the list, make the ask and show them how easy it can be!

Pro Tip: Make your email SHORT AND SWEET! The longer the email, the more energy the client feels like it’s take. (I wrote a whole blog post on email etiquette awhile back that you might want to read too!)

My simple 3-step process:

1. Compile a list of any compliments your client pays you.
2. Draft an email to your client listing a few of your favorite compliments in bullet-point format.
3. Make the ask and show them how easy it can be.

Bonus Pro Tip: Screenshot/save any email or social media compliments you receive going forward.

Example Swipe Copy

Want an example of what this might look like? You’re in luck, I have one of those just for you!

Hey $Name,

I’ve really enjoyed working together this past month and hope you have too!

As I strive to grow my VA business, I was hoping you would take just a minute to write a testimonial about our working relationship. In an effort to make this as easy (and non-time intensive) as possible, I’ve compiled a list of compliments you’ve paid me –  here are a few of my favorites:

• Gina has really helped to improve my processes, save me time and stress out less.
• I love Gina’s ability to be so proactive and anticipate problems before they arise.
• Thanks for turning that around so fast Gina – I don’t know what I would do without you!

Feel free to use what you’ve said above to create your own. Or if you’re really short on time, just give me a thumbs up and I’ll put something together real quick for your approval.

Lastly, I’ll also swipe your photo from your profile, if that’s cool with you?

Thanks in advance,

~Gina

Where to Display Them

You can display testimonials EVERYWHERE!

On your website alone, you could literally add testimonials to each page. For example, consider adding them to your:

• Homepage
• About page
• Hire me page(s)
• Sales pages

And if you don’t have a website to put them on, consider adding them to your email footer (especially when you’re pitching), your resume or one-pager. Heck, you can even share them socially from time-to-time – I do! I also sometimes add them to sales emails too.

In fact, I collect each and every testimonial that comes my way. It doesn’t mean I display them all on my website, it’s just that I never know when I’ll want to use them in the future!

And if nothing else, I can review them when I’m not having such a good day. 😉

For example, I have a testimonial sitting in my Google Drive re: my affiliate program. It looks like this:

And one of my goals this week is to redo my affiliate sign up/login page. Guess where I’m going to be sticking this bad boy?

Bonus Pro Tip #2: Gathering testim0nials is a way to build social proof, i.e. establish that you’re a legit professional doing excellent work. And it goes a long way with potential customers – it’s super powerful! Check out this article on one of the fastest ways to build social proof. 

Wrapping It Up

Testimonials are a great source of social proof to help convince potential clients to give you a shot.

You can ask a satisfied client in as little as 30 days for a testimonial. The easier you make it for them, the more likely they’ll comply (and in a timely manner). 

How many testimonials do you currently have? And where are you currently displaying them?

Want to learn more about how to create and gather powerful testimonials? It’s one of the (many!) things we teach inside The #FullyBookedVA System and you can sign up HERE.