How to write a review or testimonial request brief?

Niels Schmidt
Asking for reviews and testimonials is an important aspect of building trust and credibility for your business, and thereby creating new leads from your happy customers. In today’s landscape, a good request at the right time can significantly impact your customer’s decision to share their experiences. Whether you're reaching out to clients for feedback or seeking testimonials to enhance your brand's reputation, understanding how to write a review or testimonial request message is essential. In this article, we will explore effective strategies, approaches and best practices to help you compose your requests with confidence. And, of course, improve your request-to-review conversion rate.




Fact Sheet

Feature Reviews Testimonials
Consumer Trust 88% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
Source: Nielsen
70% of consumers are more likely to use a business with positive reviews.
Source: HubSpot
Engagement Businesses that respond to reviews see an increase in customer engagement by up to 30%.
Source: ReviewTrackers
Personalized requests increase the likelihood of a response by 40%.
Source: GetFeedback
Automation Automating review requests can save businesses up to 50% of time on follow-ups.
Source: Trustpilot
Sending an email request within a week after a purchase yields the best results.
Source: Podium
Purchase Decision 91% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase decision.
Source: BrightLocal
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Understanding the importance of reviews and testimonials

Reviews and testimonials serve as social proof that can elevate your brand's reputation and attract new customers. They provide insights into customer satisfaction and highlight the value of your products or services. When customers share their positive experiences, it not only boosts your credibility but also influences potential buyers. In fact, businesses with a higher number of positive reviews tend to outperform their competitors.

Crafting your review or testimonial request email

When writing your review or testimonial request email, clarity and personalization are key. Start by introducing yourself or your business. It's essential to establish a connection and remind the recipient of their experience.

Here’s a simple structure to follow:
- Begin with a warm greeting. (e.g. 'Hey Sophie, I hope everything is good')
- Briefly express gratitude for their business. (e.g. 'We loved helping you, and it means the world to have awesome customers like you.')
- Clearly state your request for a review or testimonial. (e.g. 'We’d really appreciate it if you could share your thoughts about your experience. It helps us grow and lets others know what to expect!')
- Include a direct link to where they can leave their feedback. (e.g. 'It’s super quick – just click the link below to leave a review')
- End with a friendly closing. (e.g. 'Thanks a ton for taking the time to help us out! If there’s ever anything you need, just give us a shout.')

Best practices for review and testimonial requests

To make more effective review requests, consider the following best practices:


- Personalize your message: Personalize your email to each individual customer to make them feel valued.
- Don't be pushy: Respect your customer's time and preferences. A gentle nudge is often more effective than pressure.
- Keep it short and direct: Busy customers appreciate concise messages.
- Include a clear call to action: Make it easy for customers to understand what you want them to do and how to do it.


Timing your request for maximum impact

Timing plays a significant role in the success of your review requests. The best time to ask for feedback is shortly after a purchase or service interaction, ideally within a week. This timing ensures that the experience is still fresh in the customer's mind, increasing the likelihood of a positive response as they are right then feeling the benefits.

Examples of an effective request testimonial sample:

Here are a few templates you can use as inspiration for your requests

As an email

Subject: I would love your feedback! 🌟

Hi [Client's Name],

I hope this message finds you well! I wanted to take a moment to thank you for choosing me as your health coach and for all the effort you’ve put into your wellness journey. It’s been amazing to see your progress!

Your experience means a lot to me, and I’d be so grateful if you could share a quick review or testimonial about your journey and how we’ve worked together. Your feedback not only helps me improve but also inspires others to take their first step toward better health.

You can leave your feedback here: [Insert Link]

Thank you so much for your time and for being a valued part of my coaching family. If you have any questions or need further support, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Wishing you continued success and wellness,
[Your Name]


As a chat message

Client's Message:
Hi, I just wanted to share - I’ve [lost weight/gained muscle] and feel amazing! Your guidance and support have made such a difference. I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done to help me get here.

Looking forward to what’s next!

Best,
[Client's Name]

Coach's Response:

Subject: So Proud of You!

Hey!

That’s amazing to hear - congratulations! Your hard work is paying off, and I’m so proud of your progress.

If you’re up for it, I’d love for you to share your story. Your experience could inspire others! You can leave a quick testimonial here: [Insert Link].

Thank you again, and let’s keep the momentum going!

Best,
[Your name]

Follow-up strategies for review and testimonial requests

Following up is an important step in the review request process. If you don’t hear back after your initial email, consider sending a gentle reminder. Here are a couple of strategies to keep in mind:

- Send a reminder email a week or two later, reiterating your appreciation and the importance of their feedback.
- Thank customers who have left reviews, as this encourages future participation and fosters loyalty.

Conclusion

Crafting a thoughtful and effective review or testimonial request can greatly enhance your business's reputation. By following the strategies discussed in this article, you can create requests that resonate with your customers and encourage them to share their positive experiences. Remember, reviews are not just feedback; they are valuable assets that can propel your business forward.

FAQ

What is the best time to ask for a review?
The best time is shortly after a purchase or service interaction, ideally within a week.

How can I make my request more personal?
Use the customer's name and reference their specific purchase or experience in your email.

What should I do if a customer leaves a negative review?
Respond professionally and offer to resolve their issue. This shows potential customers that you care about their experience.

Can I automate my review requests?
Yes, automating requests can save time and ensure consistency, but remember to personalize where possible.

How do reviews improve my business?
Positive reviews enhance credibility, attract new customers, and can improve search engine rankings.

What should I include in my follow-up email?
Thank them for their time, remind them of your request, and provide the review link again.

Is it okay to offer incentives for reviews?
While many businesses do, ensure you comply with any legal regulations and maintain transparency.

How can I ask for testimonials on social media?
Post a request on your social media channels, encouraging customers to share their experiences publicly.

Show me an example of a testimonial sample
On our website you can see some of our different widgets showing a sample of what the testimonials and the widgets look like.


For more insights, check out this YouTube video on writing effective review requests:




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