Testimonial Template

Testimonials, reviews, case studies – whatever you call them, it takes doing great work and building strong relationships to gather ones that reflect your value as a service provider.

Get the worksheet: We’ve outlined a free tracking template and a few email ideas to get you started on who to reach out to, what to say, and where to put them on your website.

Case studies = Longer narratives about the entire project that covers the client, challenge, approach, and outcomes. Gather these from people who agree before the project that if it goes well, they’d be happy to write a review. I typically send 4-5 questions in an interview format in a Google form, then compile them into content and SEO Case studies.

Testimonials = At least 1-2 paragraphs you can use on social media and 3rd party review sites.

Reviews = A phrase or two that acts like a marketing tagline that you can sprinkle throughout your website to support and prove claims. EG: “Saved me hours each week.”

You likely have more fans than you think.

Who to reach out to

Obviously, previous clients. But if you feel like it might be out of the blue, you may want to reach out to a peer that you already know and trust and offer a trade, so that you can both build case studies for your own and 3rd party websites.

If you’re a bigger outlet and working with volume, you can segment by different parameters, like success of the project, to narrow down a pool of happy clients to start with.

What to say

Don’t use AI and you’ll already sound authentic. Be honest and thankful – you’re seeking their help. If you have made offering help and being a “giver” part of your ethos, this won’t feel selfish. Follow up once, and perhaps not a 3rd time but instead stay present by adding value in ways like engaging in communities or on social.

Where to put them

Wherever you’re selling a product, naturally.

And also – wherever you make a claim, like “save hours each week with this method”. If you’ve previously saved someone else hours each week using this method, this claim is validated by linking to the case study or mentioning the quote and project.

Download the free testimonial tracker

Grab the template, go to File > make a copy of this client review tracker or use it as inspiration for your own.