How to Get Testimonials That Actually Sell (Not Just Say “You’re Great”)
- Amanda Keller
- Feb 18
- 2 min read
Let’s be honest—most testimonials sound something like this:
“I loved working with [Your Name]! They were so professional and kind.”
That’s sweet. But it doesn’t really sell.
If you want your testimonials to actually convince potential clients to hire you, you need more than vague compliments. You need real stories, specific results, and emotional impact.
Here’s how to get testimonials that do exactly that—and help turn curious browsers into confident buyers.
Why Strong Testimonials Matter
Did you know that:
✅ 92% of people trust testimonials and reviews just as much as personal recommendations
✅ And businesses with strong social proof can see a 34% increase in conversions?
Yep—what other people say about you matters.But only if what they say is actually useful to the person reading it.
The Secret? Ask the Right Questions
Most clients want to give you a good testimonial—they just don’t know what to say. That’s why guiding them with specific questions makes all the difference.
Here’s what to ask for a story-driven, high-impact testimonial:
✨ Before Working Together
Start with context. This helps your future clients relate.
What problem or challenge were you facing before working with me?
How were you feeling about your business/brand/website before?
💡 This shows potential clients, “I’ve been there too.”
💡 The Decision to Work Together
This gives insight into why someone chose you and helps address doubts others might have.
What made you choose me over other options?
What hesitations (if any) did you have before hiring me?
💡 This builds trust and helps overcome objections.
🚀 The Transformation & Results
This is the part that sells—concrete wins, big or small.
How has your business improved since working with me?
Can you share any specific wins (more clients, higher revenue, more confidence)?
What feedback have you received about your new brand/website?
💡 Specific outcomes paint a clear picture of the value you provide.
🔥 The Recommendation
This helps reinforce the decision to hire you.
If someone is on the fence about working with me, what would you tell them?
Who would you recommend my services to and why?
💡 This is where the testimonial ties it all together with a confident endorsement.
Bonus Tip: Make It Easy!
You can send these questions in a short Google Form or email and invite clients to answer them in their own words. You don’t need to use every answer word-for-word—combine the best parts into a clear, concise testimonial (with their approval).
Great testimonials don’t just say you’re good—they show it, with real stories and results. So stop settling for generic praise. Ask better questions, get better testimonials, and let your happy clients do the selling for you.
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