Free templates · 6 scripts
Testimonial request templates for freelancers
6 free messages that get you testimonials with real substance, not just “great to work with!”. Each comes as a DM and an email. Fill the [brackets] and send.
Ask right after the win
The best moment is when they’ve just told you they’re happy. Ask that same day.
DM version
So glad [project] landed well, [Name]! Would you be up for writing 2–3 lines about working together? I’ll send a couple of quick questions to make it easy.
Email version
Subject: Quick favour? Hi [Name], Really glad [project] turned out so well. Thanks for trusting me with it. Would you be up for writing a short testimonial (2–3 lines is perfect)? It helps other [client type]s decide if I'm a good fit. I'll send three quick questions to make it easy. Sound OK? [Your name]
The guided questions
Send these instead of “can you write a review?”. Questions get specific answers.
DM version
Thanks [Name]! Just answer these in a line each: 1) What was going on before we worked together? 2) What changed after? 3) Would you recommend me, and to who?
Email version
Subject: 3 quick questions for your testimonial Hi [Name], Thanks again for agreeing! A line or two for each is plenty: 1. What was the situation before we started working together? 2. What changed afterwards? (A number helps if you have one.) 3. Who would you recommend me to? I'll tidy it up and send it back for your OK before I use it anywhere. [Your name]
Turning “you’re amazing” into numbers
They sent praise but no detail. Ask one follow-up for something measurable.
DM version
Thank you, [Name], that made my day! One quick thing: roughly how much did [result] change, and over how long? Something like “from [X] to [Y] in [time]” is perfect.
Email version
Subject: Re: your testimonial Hi [Name], Thank you so much, that really made my day. One small follow-up: do you know roughly how much [result] changed after we worked together, and over what time? Something like "from [X] to [Y] in [timeframe]" is perfect. Only if you have it to hand. No need to dig! [Your name]
Gentle follow-up
They said yes but haven’t sent it. Wait about a week, then nudge once.
DM version
Hi [Name], no rush at all, just a nudge on the testimonial. If it’s easier, I can draft something from our chats for you to edit. Want that?
Email version
Subject: Testimonial: want me to draft it? Hi [Name], Just a gentle nudge on the testimonial. I know things get busy. If it's easier, I can draft a few lines based on what you've told me, and you can edit or approve it. Would that help? [Your name]
Asking permission to use their name
Before you publish anything. Always get a clear yes.
DM version
Here’s the final version: “[testimonial]”. OK to share it on my site with your name and [company/photo]? Happy to make it anonymous if you prefer.
Email version
Subject: OK to share this? Hi [Name], Here's the final testimonial: "[Testimonial text]" Are you happy for me to share it on my website and socials with your name, [role] and [company]? If you'd rather keep it anonymous, I'll use "[client type]" instead. Thanks so much, [Your name]
Turning a happy client into a referral
After the testimonial is done, while they’re still feeling good about it.
DM version
Thanks again, [Name]! If you know any other [client type] who’s dealing with [problem], I’d love an intro. No pressure at all.
Email version
Subject: One last thing Hi [Name], Thanks again for the testimonial. It means a lot. If you know anyone else dealing with [problem], I'd be grateful for an intro. Even just forwarding this email works. No pressure at all, and thanks again for a great project. [Your name]
Why most testimonials don’t help
“Great to work with, highly recommend!” is nice. It doesn’t convince a stranger.
A testimonial that sells has three parts:
- Before: what was going wrong.
- After: what changed, with a number if possible.
- Who it’s for: so the reader can see themselves in it.
The guided questions above are built to get all three.
One rule
If you can’t show it on a screen, don’t claim it. No made-up numbers, no made-up clients. Real, small proof beats big, fake proof every time.
Testimonial FAQ
When is the best time to ask for a testimonial?
Right after a clear win, ideally the same day the client tells you they’re happy. Waiting weeks makes it harder for them to remember details.
How do I get a testimonial with real results in it?
Ask guided questions: what was the situation before, what changed after, and roughly by how much. Then ask one follow-up for a number if they leave it out.
Can I write the testimonial for my client?
You can draft it from what they’ve told you, but they must read, edit and approve it. Never publish words a client didn’t agree to.
Do I need permission to use a client’s name?
Yes. Always get a clear yes before publishing a name, company, logo or photo. Offer an anonymous version if they’d prefer.
What if I have no clients yet?
Do a small real project first, even at a reduced rate, so you have a genuine result. Never invent a testimonial.
