You snagged a new client, did an amazing job for them, and now the project is complete…or is it?
Before you say thanks and adios, there’s one more thing you need to do. This one step often gets overlooked by VAs, and yet it has the potential to help you land even MORE clients.
This important step I’m referring to is asking for a testimonial. Gulp.
Asking for a testimonial can bring up fear and self-doubt in a lot of people. You may think, “Who am I to ask someone to say something nice about me?” or “How embarrassing! I can’t do that!”
Well, I’m here to tell you that you and your services are valuable and that you have the right to ask for a testimonial. And yes, you CAN do it!
THE IMPORTANCE OF TESTIMONIALS:
You can talk all day long about how great your services are, but a gushing testimonial from another human being about how great your services are is more convincing. It’s called social proof and it works!
Imagine something you’ve recently purchased, perhaps on Amazon. Did you check out the reviews to decide whether the item was worth spending your hard-earned money on? The reviews are one reason why I love shopping on Amazon. You don’t see them when you’re shopping at Target (I still love you Target!).
Besides helping you land more clients, which I already touched upon, testimonials help you look legit. It signals that you’ve worked with other people and that they value you enough to put their name on something they say about you and your services.
TIPS FOR GATHERING TESTIMONIALS:
1) Get permission before sharing someone’s testimonial that includes their full name.
2) Add a headshot to your testimonials to give a face to those kind words. It’s more persuasive.
3) Make gathering testimonials part of your post-service process and do it every time you finish working with a client. (Grab a free Client Processes Trello Template here.)
4) Create survey forms with either Typeform or Google Forms (Learn how to use both and which questions you need to ask inside the Introvert VA Club.)
5) If someone in a Facebook group or other social media site recommends your services or gives you praise, take a screenshot. Ask the person if you can use it as a testimonial.
6) Create testimonial images easily using Canva. (You can post them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.)
HOW TO ASK FOR A TESTIMONIAL:
You can ask the client directly for a testimonial, but my favorite way of asking is to send a feedback survey. I combine the survey answers together to create a uniform and authentic testimonial. I then share the edited version with the person to make sure they approve before sharing.
Another way that you can gather testimonials is to piece together things your client has said in emails. This is a great way to get a testimonial from a busy client who doesn’t have time to write something up.
DON’T FORGET TO ASK!
Asking for a testimonial is common practice for businesses and your business shouldn’t be any different! Don’t be afraid to ask for it after completing your project and don’t forget! You want to share those enthusiastic reviews to grow your VA biz!
Want more help with testimonials? Check out the testimonial resources in Introvert VA Club!
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