Let’s start with a quick story. I was in a meeting with a new partner who was introducing me to another partner of her company and as she is going over my skills and expertise she says, “I mean just look at her testimonials page! Wow, they say all you need to know about how amazing she is!”
Fun fact, that person she was talking me up to recently signed on as a new client of mine!
Now, I want to delve into something that might just be the secret sauce to boosting your freelance career – testimonials. Yeah, those little golden nuggets of praise from clients are more than just a pat on the back; they’re your ticket to a thriving business and new clients knocking at your door!
Why Testimonials are Your Best Friends
Picture testimonials as your career’s cheerleaders, shouting from the virtual rooftops about how awesome you are. So why exactly do they leverage your freelancing business for success?
- Trust Builder Extraordinaire: In the digital age, where a Google search is the new first impression, testimonials serve as trust signals. When potential clients see that others have had a stellar experience with you, it’s like getting a recommendation from a friend. And we all know we’d trust a friend’s word over an ad, right?
- Proof in the Pudding: Sure, you can tell clients until you’re blue in the face that you’re the best at what you do. But testimonials? They show you’re not just all talk. They’re evidence that you deliver on your promises, and that’s gold in the freelancing world.
- Highlight Reel: Testimonials can spotlight your skills in action. It’s one thing to list what you can do; it’s another for a client to rave about how your coding wizardry saved their website or how your design skills brought their brand to life.
- SEO Juice: Good testimonials can also boost your visibility online. When your clients mention your name and services in their praise, it can help your SEO efforts, making you more discoverable to future clients.
How Testimonials Can Lead to More Business
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty – the actual business-growing magic of testimonials.
- Credibility Booster: When prospects are comparing freelancers, having robust testimonials can tip the scales in your favor. It’s like having a portfolio that not only shows your work but also vouches for your professionalism and work ethic.
- The Domino Effect: One great testimonial can lead to another, and another. It’s a cycle of positivity that can keep your business growing. When new clients see that others have had great experiences, they’re more likely to take the plunge themselves.
- Referral Generator: Happy clients leave glowing testimonials, and they also tend to refer you to others. It’s a two-for-one deal! Every testimonial increases the likelihood that your clients will become repeat customers or refer you to their network.
- Market Insight: Testimonials can provide you with insights into what you’re doing right and what clients value most about your work. This information is invaluable as it can guide you on what to keep doing and what to tweak.
How to Ask for Testimonials
Asking for a testimonial doesn’t have to be awkward. Here’s a pro tip: just be genuine. After you’ve wrapped up a project, and your client is happy with the work, simply ask if they’d be willing to provide feedback. Most clients are more than happy to help, especially when they know how impactful their words can be for your business.
If you have ongoing clients (i.e. not a one-and-done task), give it some time to build your relationship before asking for a testimonial. I typically wait six months and then have a check-in with my client to see how they feel about our working relationship. If the feedback is positive and we’ve established that awesome working flow together, that’s when I ask for the testimonial.
Remember, it can be super simple. Here’s an example:
“Hello Jill! Thanks for your feedback on how our working relationship is growing. I’m elated to hear you are happy with my work! Hey, I have a favor to ask. Would you be willing to write me a testimonial about my work? Testimonials help me out a lot and I would truly appreciate it! Doesn’t have to be long or fancy at all. Thank you so much!”
This has worked for me 100% of the time.
Wrapping It Up
So, dear freelancers, let’s start viewing testimonials as more than just nice words. They’re powerful tools that affirm your skills, build your reputation, and, ultimately, keep that business ball rolling. Plus, they’re the warm fuzzies that remind us why we love doing what we do, right?
Got any testimonial success stories or tips of your own? Share them below – let’s all help each other level up our freelance game!
Now go out there and get those glowing testimonials!
Danielle LeBaron | Virtual Assistant | Operations Manager | Eagle Mountain, UT |Salt Lake City, UT | Lehi, UT | Colorado Springs, CO | Fort Collins, CO 