Easy Ways to Get More Client Testimonials

Key Concepts

• Testimonials: Client feedback used as social proof to build trust and aid decision-making.
• Service-Based Businesses: Businesses that offer intangible services rather than physical products.
• Client Management System (CMS): Software used to manage client interactions, bookings, invoices, and contracts (e.g., Honeybook).
• AI Note Taker: An artificial intelligence tool that transcribes meetings and generates to-do lists.
• Social Proof: Evidence of popularity or acceptance of a product or service by others.
• Verified Reviews: Testimonials submitted through platforms that confirm the identity of the reviewer (e.g., Google My Business, Facebook, LinkedIn).
• Content Creation: The process of producing material for various platforms, such as podcasts, videos, and social media.
• Merchandise: Branded products sold to promote a brand and generate revenue.
• Call to Action (CTA): An instruction to the audience designed to provoke an immediate response.

Five Ways to Request Testimonials

This episode of Freelance Friday podcast focuses on the critical importance of testimonials for service-based, course, and coaching businesses, especially as the year-end approaches for reflection and planning. The host, Latasha James, shares five strategies for requesting testimonials, catering to introverted and shy individuals.

1. Leverage AI Transcription for Organic Praise

• Methodology: Utilize AI-powered note-taking tools, such as Honeybook's AI note taker, during client calls. These tools provide full transcripts and organized to-do lists, which can capture spontaneous positive feedback from clients.
• Key Point: Instead of actively taking notes, which can distract from client engagement, the AI captures valuable insights.
• Actionable Insight: If a client offers praise organically, ask for permission to use their exact words as a testimonial. If a transcript isn't available, politely ask the client to repeat their positive feedback for recording. This approach reduces the "ask" hurdle as the client has already expressed satisfaction.
• Technical Term: Honeybook AI Note Taker: A feature within the Honeybook client management system that uses artificial intelligence to transcribe meetings and generate summaries.

2. Conduct Client Interviews

• Methodology: Request a brief interview with satisfied clients, either at the end of a call or during a short coffee chat. Record these interviews for later transcription.
• Key Point: This method is particularly effective for clients who may not be strong writers. It makes the testimonial process easier for them.
• Real-World Application: Latasha James used this strategy for her "Social Media Management Accelerator" course, offering a beta rate in exchange for Zoom interviews. This resulted in high-quality video testimonials used on her landing page.
• Tool Recommendation: Riverside.fm: A platform recommended for high-quality video interviews with built-in transcription services, formatting tools for social media clips, and more.
• Benefit: Video testimonials are considered more compelling and authentic in the current digital landscape, especially in the age of AI.

3. Request Verified Reviews on Public Platforms

• Methodology: Ask clients to leave reviews on public platforms like Google My Business, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
• Key Point: These platforms offer verified reviews, adding a layer of authenticity that is harder to fake compared to testimonials directly posted on a website.
• Supporting Evidence: The host notes that anyone can write words on a website, but verified platforms require actual users to submit reviews.
• Framework: Provide clients with a simple template or prompt to guide their review. This can include questions about their situation before working with you, their struggles, the achieved win, and what they enjoyed most.
• Actionable Insight: Include a link to the review platform in your email signature or social media bios to make it easy for clients to leave feedback over time.

4. Offer a Gift with a Testimonial Prompt

• Methodology: Send clients a thoughtful gift, such as merchandise or a small token of appreciation, along with a card that includes a QR code or link for leaving a testimonial.
• Key Point: While gifts should not be given with the expectation of receiving something in return, in marketing, it can be a mutually beneficial gesture.
• Real-World Application: Latasha James discusses her own merchandise, such as hats with the slogan "Create for people, not algorithms," designed in Canva and printed via Teespring. She emphasizes that even if a testimonial isn't received, clients wearing the merchandise act as walking billboards.
• Considerations: Be mindful of IRS limits on deductible gifts (around $50). The gift should be useful and appropriate for the client base.
• Benefit: A well-received gift and a handwritten note can make clients more inclined to share positive feedback.

5. Utilize Surveys for Feedback and Testimonials

• Methodology: Send out annual surveys to clients and audience members to gather feedback and solicit testimonials.
• Key Point: This method "softens the ask" by framing it as a request for general feedback, making it a more passive approach.
• Supporting Evidence: Latasha James shares her intention to relaunch listener surveys for her podcast, asking for feedback on what listeners enjoyed, what they want more of, and any ideas they have. She also encourages listeners to share testimonials if the podcast has been helpful.
• Benefit: Surveys are particularly useful for clients with whom you may not have had extensive one-on-one interaction or where direct results are not immediately apparent. They allow for a broader collection of feedback.
• Actionable Insight: Include a section in the survey for testimonials, making it optional. This approach is less self-serving as you genuinely seek feedback to improve your offerings.

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Offerings

Latasha James announces her Black Friday/Cyber Monday promotions, starting early. Key offers include:

• 50% off all courses: Use code BFCM. This applies to individual courses, not bundles.
• Special Offers: Course bundles, platform audits, and private mentorship.
• VIP Day Giveaway: For every $100 spent during the promotion period (ending December 1st), clients receive one entry for a chance to win a VIP day in Latasha's studio. This eight-hour session can be used for podcast batching (recording 6-8 episodes), filming a course, or recording ad reads, with Latasha providing hands-on support as a cinematographer and audio tech.

Conclusion

Testimonials are a vital component of social proof, helping potential clients make decisions and establishing a business as the obvious choice. By implementing these five strategies, service providers can effectively gather valuable feedback, even if they are introverted. The host encourages prioritizing testimonial collection and also reminds listeners to check out her merchandise and participate in her listener survey. She emphasizes the importance of asking for a photo or logo alongside testimonials to enhance their impact when video is not used.