But if you’re waiting for clients to leave glowing reviews on their own, you might be waiting a long time. The truth is, you have to ask — and guide the process to get testimonials that actually help you convert new customers.

In this article, you’ll learn how to request, collect, and display powerful testimonials that build confidence, highlight your value, and help new clients say yes.

Why Testimonials Matter So Much

Before people buy from you, they ask — sometimes silently:

• “Has this worked for anyone else?”
• “Can I trust this person with my time or money?”
• “Will this actually solve my problem?”

Testimonials answer those questions instantly.

They:

• Build credibility
• Reduce risk
• Offer proof that your service or product works
• Show how you help real people with real problems

And the best part? You don’t need hundreds. A few strong, specific testimonials can go a long way.

When and How to Ask for a Testimonial

Timing matters. Ask too early, and the client hasn’t seen results yet. Ask too late, and the excitement fades.

Best moments to ask:

• Right after delivering the result or product
• When a client gives you unsolicited praise (“That was amazing!”)
• During a follow-up or check-in message

How to ask:

• Keep it short and direct
• Explain why testimonials help your business
• Make it easy to respond

Example message:
“Hi [Name], I really enjoyed working with you on [project/product]! If you’re open to it, would you be willing to share a short testimonial about your experience? Just a few lines about what stood out or how it helped would mean a lot.”

Ask Specific Questions to Get Better Responses

Many clients want to help — but they don’t know what to say. Guide them with targeted questions.

Instead of:
“Can you write a testimonial?”

Ask:

• What were you struggling with before we worked together?
• What result or benefit did you experience?
• What surprised you about working with me?
• Would you recommend this to someone else? Why?

These prompts lead to detailed, trust-building answers — not just “Great service!”

Offer Multiple Ways to Respond

Not everyone wants to write a paragraph. Give your clients options:

• A written testimonial (via email or form)
• A short voice message
• A video review (great for social proof)
• A social media comment you can quote (with permission)

Match the method to the client’s style and comfort level. Make it friction-free.

Get Permission to Share

Always ask for consent to use testimonials in your marketing — even if they sent it freely.

Include:

• Permission to use their name and photo (optional)
• Where you’ll share it (website, Instagram, sales page, etc.)
• Option to approve edits for grammar or clarity

Respect builds trust — and happy clients usually say yes.

Use Testimonials Where They Matter Most

Don’t hide testimonials on a separate page no one visits. Place them strategically where they influence buying decisions.

Best places to display:

• Homepage
• Sales or product pages
• Service descriptions
• Email campaigns
• Social media posts and Stories
• Proposal documents or client decks

Use formatting like bold text or highlights to draw attention to the most impactful phrases.

Format Testimonials for Maximum Impact

Raw testimonials are powerful — but formatting helps clarity.

Tips:

• Pull out short, punchy quotes for emphasis
• Add the client’s name, photo, or business (with permission)
• Include the result or transformation clearly
• If it’s long, use bullet points or bold to make it scannable

You want readers to get the message quickly — even if they don’t read the full quote.

Turn Testimonials Into Marketing Gold

Testimonials aren’t just “nice words” — they’re versatile content.

Ways to repurpose:

• Create quote graphics for Instagram or LinkedIn
• Add voice snippets to promo videos or Stories
• Use phrases in Facebook Ads or email headlines
• Build a carousel of results on your sales page

Your clients’ words are your best marketing copy. Use them well.

Keep Collecting — and Updating

Testimonials can lose relevance over time as your audience or offer evolves. Make it a habit:

• Add a follow-up message to your client workflow
• Set reminders to refresh testimonials every few months
• Highlight new results, recent services, or improved processes

The more current and relevant your testimonials, the more effective they become.

Final Thought: People Trust People More Than Brands

You can tell people how great your business is — or you can show them what real clients say.

Testimonials provide proof, perspective, and persuasion. They help your future customers feel safe, understood, and confident in choosing you.

So don’t wait for perfect feedback to fall in your lap. Ask, guide, and amplify your clients’ voices — because they’re the ones turning trust into traction.

Trust is the foundation of every strong business relationship. And while flashy marketing can get attention, trust is what turns a lead into a loyal client.

In this article, we’ll walk through smart, honest strategies to build trust with your first clients—even if you’re brand new.

Why Trust Is Everything in the Early Stages

Before you have reputation, reviews, or referrals, people are taking a risk by working with you. They’re wondering:

• “Will this person deliver what they promise?”
• “Are they professional?”
• “Is this a waste of my time or money?”

When you make trust your priority from day one, you reduce their hesitation—and increase your chances of winning the deal.

1. Be Clear and Honest From the Start

One of the fastest ways to build trust is to communicate clearly and transparently.

Start with:

• Clear service descriptions
• Realistic delivery times
• Honest pricing (no surprise fees)
• Clarity about what’s included—and what’s not

Even if your offer is simple, writing it down and sharing it upfront shows professionalism and avoids misunderstandings later.

2. Own Your Experience Level (and Frame It the Right Way)

Don’t hide the fact that you’re new—but don’t apologize for it either.

Instead, reframe it:

• “I bring fresh ideas and full attention to every project.”
• “I’m not juggling a dozen clients—you’ll get personal, focused service.”
• “I’m building my reputation through excellence and care.”

Clients value honesty more than perfection. If you can show dedication, integrity, and effort, they’ll often give you a chance.

3. Deliver More Than You Promise

This is one of the oldest trust-building rules in business: underpromise, overdeliver.

Examples:

• Finish the project a day early
• Include a small bonus (like a checklist, graphic, or extra revision)
• Send a follow-up guide after a service is complete

Small surprises create big impressions. They show you care—and clients remember that.

4. Be Responsive and Present

Clients feel anxious when they’re left in the dark—especially with new providers. You can build trust quickly by being visible and communicative.

How to do that:

• Respond to emails and messages promptly (within 24 hours)
• Give updates, even if there’s no news
• Set expectations: “I’ll deliver on Friday and check in Wednesday”

Professionalism isn’t just about skills—it’s about being reliable.

5. Create a Clean, Professional Presence

Even if your business is new, your brand doesn’t have to look amateur.

You don’t need fancy design—just clarity and polish:

• A one-page website or landing page
• A simple portfolio or service menu
• Professional email (no @gmail.com if you can help it)
• A clear bio that shows who you are and what you do

People trust what looks organized and intentional.

6. Show What You Do Have (Even If It’s Not a Client Portfolio)

Even if you haven’t had clients yet, you still have proof of value.

Ideas:

• Create mock projects or case studies
• Offer a free or discounted first project in exchange for a testimonial
• Share your process or behind-the-scenes work on social media
• Collect informal endorsements (from past coworkers, mentors, collaborators)

Start with what you can show—and let that build credibility over time.

7. Let Testimonials and Referrals Speak for You (As Soon As You Get Them)

Once you have a happy client—even one—ask for a testimonial immediately.

How to make it easy:

• Send a short form or sample wording
• Ask specific questions: “What did you enjoy most?” or “Would you recommend me to others?”
• Display testimonials on your site, proposals, and socials

Referrals and social proof multiply trust fast. One happy client can bring five more.

8. Stay Consistent—Even After the Sale

Trust isn’t just for getting clients—it’s for keeping them.

After a project, stay consistent by:

• Following up to check on results
• Offering support or maintenance (when applicable)
• Sending helpful resources
• Staying visible in their inbox or feed (but not pushy)

A trusted business is one that continues to show up after the invoice is paid.

9. Admit When You Don’t Know Something

Nobody expects you to know everything. If a client asks a question you don’t know the answer to, don’t fake it—be honest.

Say:

• “That’s a great question—I’ll research it and get back to you.”
• “I haven’t done that yet, but I’m confident I can figure it out.”
• “That’s outside my scope, but I can refer you to someone who does that.”

Admitting limits shows humility—and clients trust people who are real, not know-it-alls.

10. Trust Yourself First

Clients feel what you believe. If you’re unsure, hesitant, or apologetic about your value, they’ll hesitate too.

Practice confidence through:

• Rehearsing your offer out loud
• Charging a fair price (even at the start)
• Remembering: You’re not asking for charity—you’re offering help

Confidence doesn’t mean pretending. It means standing firm in your integrity and value.

Final Thought: Trust Is Built Through Action, Not Words

You don’t need a perfect brand, a 50-page portfolio, or years of experience to earn a client’s trust.

You need:

• Honesty
• Consistency
• Presence
• Care

When you show up like a professional—even if you’re brand new—your clients will feel it. And once you earn that trust, you’re no longer a “new business.” You’re their go-to expert.