FREELANCE TESTIMONIAL REQUEST SCRIPTS Free download from SoloStack — solostack.madethis.app/resources/freelance-testimonials ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── These scripts are copy-paste ready. Replace all [brackets] with your specifics. No fluff, no apologies, no pressure — just clear, professional asks that work. ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── SECTION 1: THE 5 CORE REQUEST SCRIPTS ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── SCRIPT 1: EMAIL AFTER DELIVERY ──────────────────────────────── Best timing: Within 24–72 hours of project completion or going live. How to customize: Replace [deliverable] with the specific output (the website, the email sequence, the rebrand, the strategy doc). Replace [niche] with the client's industry. Replace [Name] with their first name. Subject: Quick ask — [deliverable] is live! Hey [Name], So glad [deliverable] is live — it turned out great and I hope you're happy with how it came together. If you have 2 minutes, a quick sentence or two about our work together would mean a lot to me. I use them on my website to help other [niche] businesses know what to expect when they work with me. No format required — a few honest words is perfect. [Your testimonial link or: "Just reply to this email."] Thanks again — it was genuinely a great project. [Your name] ────────────────────── If they don't respond: See follow-up templates in Section 2. ────────────────────── SCRIPT 2: TEXT / SLACK MESSAGE ──────────────────────────────── Best timing: Right after a call where they said something positive, or 24 hours after project delivery when you already have a casual texting/Slack dynamic. How to customize: Adjust the tone to match your relationship with this client. Keep it short — the informality is intentional. "Hey [Name] — [deliverable] is looking great. Would you be up for leaving a quick testimonial for my website? Totally fine if not, but even 1–2 sentences would genuinely help. I can send a link if that's easier." ────────────────────── If they don't respond: Wait 5–7 days, then send Script 1 as a follow-up email to make it easier for them to respond in a longer-form format. ────────────────────── SCRIPT 3: MID-PROJECT (AFTER AN EARLY WIN) ──────────────────────────────────────────── Best timing: When a client spontaneously mentions a positive result, or when you can see early data showing the work is performing well. How to customize: Be specific about the result you noticed. Don't manufacture enthusiasm — only use this if they've genuinely shared something positive. Subject: Quick follow-up on those early [project] results Hey [Name], I noticed [specific early result — e.g., "the open rate on the first email is already at 38%"] — that's a really strong start and it's exciting to see the strategy working. Would you be open to sharing that as a quick testimonial? Something like what you just told me — before/after context and the specific result — would be incredibly helpful for me to share with future clients. No pressure at all — just thought it was worth asking while the win is fresh. [Your name] ────────────────────── If they don't respond: That's fine. Don't follow up on this specific ask — send the full post-delivery request (Script 1) when the project wraps. ────────────────────── SCRIPT 4: LONG-TERM CLIENT CHECK-IN ────────────────────────────────────── Best timing: At or near the 6-month or 12-month mark of an ongoing relationship, or during a natural check-in conversation. How to customize: Reference your specific work together. The "year in review" framing makes this feel like a relationship touchpoint, not a cold ask. Subject: [Project/Retainer] — year one wrap Hey [Name], It's hard to believe we've been working together for [X months / almost a year]. [Quick genuine reflection: "The [project/campaign/rebrand] we did in [month] was a highlight for me."] I'm in the process of updating my portfolio and client materials, and I'd love to include a testimonial from you if you'd be willing. Even a sentence or two about what we've built together and the results you've seen would mean a lot. Happy to send you 3 short questions to make it easy if that helps. Thanks as always — genuinely enjoy working with you. [Your name] ────────────────────── If they don't respond: Follow up once at the 7-day mark ("Just checking this didn't get buried") — long-term clients usually respond, they just forget. ────────────────────── SCRIPT 5: THE GUIDED QUESTION ASK ──────────────────────────────────── Best timing: Any time you're asking a client who tends to overthink or who has said "I'm not sure what to write." The 3 questions produce better testimonials than "say something nice" every single time. How to customize: The questions are universal — use them as-is. You can adjust the delivery context (email vs. a quick form link). Subject: Quick favor — 3 short questions Hey [Name], Would you be willing to leave a short testimonial? Instead of asking you to write something from scratch, I have 3 quick questions that take about 2 minutes: 1. What was the situation before we started working together? 2. What's changed or what result have you seen since? 3. Would you recommend working with me, and if so, who would benefit most? Feel free to just reply to this email with a few words for each — I'll format it from there and send you a draft before I use it anywhere. Thanks so much — I really appreciate it. [Your name] ────────────────────── If they don't respond: Follow up with Script 2 (text/Slack) if the relationship is casual enough. Otherwise use the Day 7 follow-up template in Section 2. ────────────────────── ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── SECTION 2: FOLLOW-UP TEMPLATES (WHEN THEY DON'T RESPOND) ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── The rule: Maximum 3 follow-ups. Space them 7 days apart. After 3 attempts, let it go gracefully. FOLLOW-UP 1: DAY 7 (LIGHT BUMP) ──────────────────────────────── Subject: Re: [original subject] Hey [Name], Just making sure this didn't get buried — completely understand if now's not a good time. Even one sentence would be great. No pressure either way. [Your name] FOLLOW-UP 2: DAY 14 (REFRAME WITH EASY OUT) ───────────────────────────────────────────── Subject: Re: [original subject] Hey [Name], One more nudge in case the ask felt daunting — you can literally reply with 2 sentences and it's done. Something like: "I hired [your name] for [thing] and [result]. Would absolutely recommend." That's it. Or if now just isn't a good time, no worries at all — I'll stop bugging you! [Your name] FOLLOW-UP 3: DAY 21 (FINAL, GRACEFUL) ──────────────────────────────────────── Subject: Re: [original subject] Hey [Name], Last ask on this — if you have a minute before [end of month/quarter], I'd love a quick sentence. If timing's off, totally understood and no hard feelings. I've really valued our work together either way. [Your name] ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── SECTION 3: HANDLING "I'M NOT SURE WHAT TO SAY" ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Some clients want to help but freeze when the page is blank. These templates coach them without putting words in their mouth. TEMPLATE A: THE STARTER QUESTIONS METHOD ──────────────────────────────────────── "Totally get that — blank page is hard. Here are 3 quick questions to guide you: 1. What problem were you trying to solve when you hired me? 2. What was the most useful thing we worked on together? 3. What would you tell someone considering hiring me? Even a sentence per question gives me everything I need." TEMPLATE B: THE DRAFT-FOR-APPROVAL METHOD ─────────────────────────────────────────── "No worries — I can actually draft something based on our work together and send it to you for approval. You'd just need to say whether it sounds right, and change anything that doesn't fit. Would that be easier? Just let me know and I'll send you a draft to react to." [After they agree, write a specific, results-focused testimonial in their voice and send it as a Google Doc or email. Most clients approve with minor edits or no edits at all. Always get written confirmation before using it.] ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── SECTION 4: LINKEDIN RECOMMENDATION REQUEST ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── LinkedIn recommendations are more powerful than website testimonials in some contexts — they're tied to a real profile and visible to their network. Subject: LinkedIn recommendation — 2 minutes if you have it Hey [Name], I'm updating my LinkedIn profile and would love a recommendation from you if you're open to it. I'd return the favor with a recommendation for you as well. Your perspective on [specific project or skill] would be especially valuable since [brief reason — e.g., "you saw the full impact of the SEO work"]. Here's my LinkedIn profile: [URL] And if you want, here are 2 questions to guide you: — What was the project/result you'd highlight? — What type of business should hire me and why? Thanks so much — I really appreciate it. [Your name] P.S. I'll write yours immediately after you send mine — just send me your profile link. ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── SECTION 5: VIDEO TESTIMONIAL REQUEST (VIA LOOM) ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Video testimonials are rare and disproportionately powerful. Most clients won't do them, but the ones who do are gold. Ask selectively — for your best clients with the best outcomes. Subject: Would you be up for a 60-second Loom video? Hey [Name], I have a slightly bigger ask — would you be willing to record a short 60-second video testimonial about our work together? No editing, no prep needed. Loom makes it incredibly simple: 1. Go to loom.com (free) and click "New Recording" 2. Select "Camera only" or "Screen + Camera" — up to you 3. Record a 60-second answer to these 3 questions: — What were you trying to achieve before we worked together? — What happened after we worked together? — Who would you recommend me to? That's literally it. Share the Loom link with me and I'll use it on my website with your permission. If you're not up for video, a written testimonial is absolutely fine — just let me know! [Your name] ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── QUICK REFERENCE: WHICH SCRIPT FOR WHICH SITUATION ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Just finished a project → Script 1 (Email after delivery) Casual client / texting relationship → Script 2 (Text/Slack) Client mentioned a great result today → Script 3 (Mid-project win) Client you've had for 6+ months → Script 4 (Long-term check-in) Client who's not sure what to say → Script 5 (Guided questions) Client who doesn't respond → Section 2 (Follow-up sequence) Client who freezes on a blank page → Section 3 (Coaching templates) Client with a strong LinkedIn presence → Section 4 (LinkedIn recommendation) Top client with excellent results → Section 5 (Loom video) ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── More free resources at solostack.madethis.app/resources Get 50+ done-for-you business templates at solostack.madethis.app ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────