Years and years ago I shared scripts to trigger a “Tidalwave of Testimonials” by asking clients for their valuable feedback.
Seven years on and testimonials are still very much worth their weight in gold. But getting them can be tricky. Our clients are busy; they may not know what to say and put on the spot.
So what can we do to make it easier?
Problem – solution
Our simple solution is to do the work for them and write the testimonial in a short 5-10 minute interview. Providing a client with a ‘cognitive nudge’ makes it easier for them to reflect on your agency in a testimonial-friendly way.
I like these two simple questions for creating a succinct, clean, and powerful quote:
- What were you struggling with that led you to work with us, or buy from us?
- Now you’ve worked with us, what can you do better than you did before?
But easier still, is to write the first draft yourself.
Testimonial template - write it for them!
Here’s a basic template you can use to write the first draft of a testimonial in a few minutes:
“Before working with [- – agency name - - ] we had been struggling to [- - add a specific problem, e.g. convert clients - - ], which meant that [- - add the challenge of not solving this or risk of not solving this - -]. Now we can [- - add what they specifically can be/feel/do following the project - - ], which means that [ - - add what else they can do/be/feel as a result of this outcome - - ].”
A richer story
The questions and template will result in a stronger message about your agency and a bitesize story about the difference you made.
You could add further depth to this story, by asking a third question:
- What would have happened if you hadn’t solved this problem, or you hadn’t worked with us?
This question has the power to reveal more emotive responses. The fact is, without your work, many of your clients wouldn’t be in business.
These little morsels of insight are gold dust to sprinkle throughout your copy, content and social feeds.
Want more testimonial prompts and scripts? I’ve put together a pdf with my favourites, just drop me a line at anna@inkspiller.co.uk
