What’s the best way to ask for referrals or testimonials?
Asking for referrals or testimonials can feel awkward or intimidating, but it's a crucial part of building social proof and expanding your network. Here’s a strategy that aligns well with a more authentic and human approach:
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Deliver Value First: Before you even think about asking for a referral or testimonial, make sure you’ve provided exceptional value. When your clients or customers are genuinely satisfied, they’ll be more inclined to help you out.
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Timing is Everything: Ask for testimonials after a client has expressed happiness with your work. This could be after a milestone has been reached or when a project is successfully completed. When the positive experience is fresh, people are more likely to give glowing feedback.
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Be Specific in Your Ask: When asking for a testimonial, guide them a little. Let them know which aspects of your work you’d love for them to focus on. A broad request might be overwhelming; a focused ask gets you meaningful and relevant responses.
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Make It Easy: For referrals, offer to draft a quick email for them to forward. For testimonials, you might prepare a couple of questions or even draft a short template they can tweak. The easier you make it for them, the more likely they are to take action.
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Express Gratitude: Make sure to express your gratitude—before, during, and after. Acknowledge their time and effort. Gratitude goes a long way in maintaining strong relationships.
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Follow Up and Share Outcomes: If their referral or testimonial leads to positive outcomes, let them know. Sharing your success reinforces their contribution and keeps the relationship warm.
When I ventured into freelancing, I often hesitated to ask for help, but reframing it as a way to include my happy clients in my journey made the process more genuine. Remember, people generally like to help, especially if they've had a good experience. Redefining success on your terms might involve building a community that actively participates in each other’s growth, and referrals and testimonials are a key part of that ecosystem.