27. Proven Tips for Collecting Powerful Testimonials

If you’ve ever said, “I just need more of the right people to find me,” keep reading, because we need to talk about something small but mighty: testimonials.

Here’s the truth: Your next best-fit client isn’t going to be convinced by your services page or even your portfolio alone. They want to know, “Has this person really helped someone like me?” and, “Can I trust them to deliver?”

That’s where social proof comes in.

A good testimonial answers those questions. A great one makes your dream client think, “That’s exactly what I need.”

But here’s the catch: most creative business owners aren’t collecting testimonials consistently, and the ones they do have aren’t working hard enough.

So, in this episode of the Higher Purpose Marketing Strategy podcast, I shared five proven tips for collecting powerful testimonials that help convert curious followers into confident buyers. Here’s a recap with a little extra insight and encouragement, especially for creative business owners like interior designers, photographers, coaches, planners, and other service-based pros.

Why social proof matters so much

If you’re not already collecting and using testimonials, you’re leaving money on the table.

Did you know that 9 out of 10 people trust what a customer says about a business more than what the business says about itself? Or that displaying testimonials can increase conversions by up to 34%?

This makes sense, right? When you’re about to spend thousands of dollars on a photographer, event planner, or design team, you want to hear from someone who’s already been through the process. You want to know what it was like. You want reassurance.

Testimonials are the modern-day word-of-mouth. And the best part? They don’t have to be complicated to collect.

When and how to ask for a testimonial

The best time to ask is when the results are fresh - right after a project wraps up or when your client sends that “I’m so happy with this!” email. Strike while the enthusiasm is high.

Instead of saying, “Can you write me a testimonial?” make it easy. Ask specific questions like:

• What was your biggest hesitation before hiring me?

• What surprised you most about working together?

• What results have you seen since we finished?

• What would you tell someone thinking about hiring me?

This gives your client a clear starting point and gives you rich, story-based responses you can use everywhere.

Should you ask for video testimonials?

Yes, but keep it casual. You don’t need a fancy production team. Encourage clients to record a quick phone selfie or hop on a Zoom call where you ask a few questions. You can even offer to send a script or talking points to help them feel more comfortable.

Here’s a stat to nudge you forward: Video testimonials convert at a rate 2–3x higher than written ones. That’s a big impact for a small time investment.

How to use your testimonials

Don’t let them gather dust in a Google Drive folder. Here are a few ways to get more mileage out of each one:

• Post them regularly on Instagram and LinkedIn (quote graphics and reels work great!)

• Add a scrolling testimonial section to your website homepage

• Use them in your proposals or service guides

• Include one in your email signature or nurture sequence

• Record a short “testimonial spotlight” video to share on stories

Remember: You’re not bragging—you’re building trust.

Quick tips to make the process even easier

• Set up a simple Typeform or Google Form with 3–4 questions

• Add a testimonial request to your offboarding process

• Offer an incentive (like a gift card drawing or a free resource) for those who submit

• Keep a folder of screenshots with kind DMs or emails to repurpose

• Batch the ask—send requests to 5 past clients today

If gathering social proof has been sitting on your “someday” list, consider this your sign. It’s one of the easiest, highest-impact things you can do to grow your credibility and convert more of the right-fit clients.

And if you’re wondering how to integrate testimonials into your larger marketing system - or if your current strategy just isn’t working the way it should - I’d love to help.

Schedule a free introductory strategy call and let’s take a look at what’s working, what’s not, and what we can tweak to help your marketing do more of the heavy lifting.

Because powerful testimonials aren’t just kind words, they’re strategic assets. And you deserve to have the right ones in place.