Adela Belin

As a freelance writer, there are many ways you can use to convince new ghostwriting clients of your skills and services. You can use your portfolio, take a trial test, or use testimonials from current and past clients.

We are going to look at using testimonials. Why? Testimonials are a powerful tool to instil trust and persuade new clients to hire you. They provide social proof which adds to the credibility of your services.

Unfortunately, many freelance writers rarely ask clients for testimonials or feel awkward starting such a conversation with clients. So, here’s a breakdown on how to request a testimonial from a client to grow your freelance business.

But first, here are a few factors to consider when requesting a testimonial from a client:

• Always get it in writing to avoid legal issues or privacy issues when you decide to use it in your marketing materials.
• Provide examples: understand that some clients know less about writing testimonials. As a result, share examples for the best responses.
• Use a headshot: to make your testimonial more authentic, include a headshot from your client, website, or social profile.
• Proofread to correct minor errors in grammar and punctuation.
• Avoid pressuring clients into writing testimonials.

1. Send an email after completing a project

The best time to request a testimonial from a client is after completing a project. All the details about the project, result, and success are still fresh in their mind, and they can give you the best response.

So when sending a wrap-up email and final invoice once a project is completed, remember to ask clients what they feel about your services. You can do this via email, phone call, or SMS.

Whatever method you choose, this is the best time to know what you are good at, your weakness, and areas you can improve. Remember to make it easy for clients to write responses by using a template or directing them to your website review page or online review platforms to write the review.

2. Use LinkedIn’s ‘Ask For Recommendation’ feature

LinkedIn serves majorly as a platform for marketers, recruiters, and job seekers. Today, 93% of recruiters on the platform are looking to fill job positions. One place other than your bio and activity log that potential clients assess when scouting for potential candidates is the recommendations you have.

Would it be ideal if you can gather testimonials from clients or your network on LinkedIn in the ‘Ask For Recommendation’ section and convince recruiters of your skills and abilities? Here’s an example from Helen Tweedy.

The good thing with such testimonials is you can repackage them for your author bio, social media profiles, or about us page.

3. Be specific

The probability of a client rumbling a lot when writing a testimonial is real. This can leave you with a lot of editing, especially if it were a video testimonial. To save time and make it easy for them to express their opinion, show them the specific details they should say about you or your services.

One way is by reminding them of the great result you produced. Another way is to ask questions that yield the best quotes. Let’s see some examples of questions you may ask.

• What are my strengths?
• What have you achieved since you began using my services?
• What would you tell another person who may want to work with me?

Remember that what your client says in your testimonials can have a lot of impact (negative or positive) on potential clients you are trying to attract. Once you specify what you need in your testimonials, it will ensure the response clients give in your testimonials resonate with what a prospect might look for in a review/recommendation.

4. Ask when the client is engaged and satisfied with your work

For ongoing projects, you need not wait until you complete the project or to complete a milestone to ask for a testimonial. Look for a time when the client is happy with your result or working relationships and request them to write you a recommendation.

For example, if the agreement was to increase website traffic by 1000 new visitors in five months and you did it in three months, you can send your first request for a testimonial. So start engaging your clients once they have experienced success with your services.

5. Get permission to use unsolicited positive comments

Sometimes, a client may say nice things about you on social media, podcasts, or online discussion groups. Do you know you can use these as testimonials?

Yes. However, get permission to quote what the client said. It is unethical to use someone’s words or name for promotion without their consent.

6. Suggest swapping testimonials

In the freelance business, you are probably working with other professionals, like proofreaders, graphic designers, search engine specialists, or influencers. If you have used the services of an influencer or editor, suggest swapping testimonials.

You can visit their social media profiles, for example, LinkedIn, and write a review. After that, ask them to do the same. Remember not to pressure them.

7. Give them options

To get the best responses, avoid limiting your clients to a particular method or way of writing testimonials. There are so many ways clients can give testimonials.

The written word is common, but you can also ask for a video testimonial. You can ask clients to send you a 10-30 second video recording or selfie with their response, like in the example below.

Source

You can also ask them to share responses using emojis. Such emojis should reflect their moods before and after using your services. You may also ask them to post their responses on Google reviews or write the review on your social media page or tag you in their review on social media. Here’s an example.

Source

Ensuring clients use their most preferred method to give reviews gives them freedom of choice to share the best responses.

The Takeaway

Marketing your services by only using your own words is an uphill task. Yes, potential clients may listen to you or read your blog posts and tweets, but they may not believe them until they see somebody like themselves also blowing your trumpet.

As a freelance writer, it is prudent to actively collect testimonials from your clients, be it after a project’s completion or when you have delivered excellent results, and use them to persuade reluctant and potential clients to hire you or work with you!