How to Ask Clients for Video Testimonials

Why video testimonials matter

In a nutshell, they are the most effective way for your existing clients to tell prospective clients about the benefits of working with you.

But many businesses don’t use client testimonial videos for the simple reason that they are worried about asking their clients to provide them.

Our clients commonly come up with a whole slew of excuses to avoid asking their customers to provide video testimonials:

• “They won’t want to. I don’t want to upset anyone by asking.”
• “They are time-consuming. It’s too big an ask.”
• “I’m just not comfortable asking.”
• “Aren’t they a bit complicated and expensive to do?”

These days, the last point is pretty easy to deal with. 

So the biggest barrier is how to reach out of your comfort zone and ask.

Here’s a guide:

1. How to approach your clients to ask for a video testimonial

You have two main choices here:

• Write and ask via email or WhatApp/text
• Talk to them – in person or on the phone 

Writing your request:

• Is efficient and convenient; you can send the same email to multiple clients very quickly
• Gets over your fear of rejection because they won’t have to say ‘no’ to your face
• Is easier if are uncomfortable with conversations last It allows you to ask clearly without worrying about your words
• Puts less pressure on your client as it allows them time and space to consider your request before making their decision
• Allows you to include the practical details, for example how long it’ll take.

On the other hand, asking in a conversation can be received as more personal.

Ultimately, you know your clients and how they might respond. 

If you’re comfortable and confident in your relationship, a personal reach-out is probably preferable. But if you’re nervous about asking, an email or message is probably easier.

2. How to phrase your request for a client video testimonial.

Once you’ve decided how to approach your clients, what should you say?

You could approach it using phrases like this:

• Can I ask a favour? It’s completely fine if you can’t help.
• We are contacting a handful of clients to appear in a testimonial video, and I wondered if you’d be happy to take part? 
• The video will be 2-3 minutes long, and we’ll use it in our marketing materials, including on our website. 
• We won’t ask you to include any personal information. It’ll focus on our work together, how we’ve helped you, and the benefits you’ve got from working with us.
• If you’d like to, you can see the final video before it’s used.
• If you’d be happy to record a testimonial video, or have any questions, please reply to this email. I’ll then be in touch with more details.
• If not, please delete this email and I promise not to ask again!

If your client seems generally happy with the idea, they will almost certainly have  questions,  so you could give them a bit more information:

• How will the video be recorded? Online using a platform like Zoom, or via a smartphone?
• How long will the recording session take?
• How will the recording session be managed? Scripted, interviewed etc? (a lot of people find an interview style more comfortable)
• Where the recording session will take place (can be at work, or at home, as long as it’s a quiet and well-lit room)
• What to wear (you’d be surprised how many people stress about this!)

And don’t forget to thank them for their willingness to support you!

If you’d like some support with a client video testimonial project, or to discuss how we can provide your business with wider strategic marketing support, get in touch.

tabitha@themarketingassociates.co.uk or call 01233 720379

At The Marketing Associates, we specialise in strategic freelance marketing support for professional service practices, providing excellent quality advice on your marketing strategy to develop and grow your business on a retained basis.