Testimonial request templates you can copy
Updated · 6 min read · By George Ryder
These are short, friendly testimonial requests for the situations small businesses meet most often. Copy one, swap the parts in [square brackets], and send it. Each asks for one small thing, gives one link, and says how long it takes, which is what gets replies.
Emails
1. After finishing a project
For freelancers, agencies and consultants, sent within a day or two of handing over the work.
Subject: Quick favour, [Name]?
Hi [Name],
It was great working with you on [project]. I'm really pleased with how [specific thing] turned out.
Would you write a few words about working together? It takes about a minute, there's no sign-up, and it helps other people decide whether I'm the right fit:
[link]
Thanks so much,
[Your name]2. After a purchase has arrived
For shops, sent a few days after delivery, not on the day of the order.
Subject: How are you getting on with your [product]?
Hi [Name],
Your [product] should have arrived a few days ago, and I hope you're enjoying it.
If you have a minute, we'd love to hear how you're finding it. Your words help other customers choose with confidence:
[link]
It takes about a minute. Thank you for shopping with us!
[Your name], [Business]3. After an appointment or service
For coaches, trainers, salons, tradespeople and anyone who sees customers in person.
Subject: Thanks for today, [Name]
Hi [Name],
Thanks for coming in today. It was lovely to [specific moment, e.g. "see the progress you've made"].
If you're happy with how it went, would you leave a short testimonial? It only takes a minute:
[link]
See you next time,
[Your name]4. Replying when a customer praises you
When someone emails to say thank you. Ask permission to share what they already wrote.
Hi [Name],
Thank you, that really made my day!
Would you mind if I shared what you said as a testimonial on my website? If that's OK, the easiest way is to paste it here, where you can add your name and role:
[link]
And if you'd rather not, no problem at all.
[Your name]5. For a long-term or regular client
For retainers and repeat customers, at a natural milestone such as six months or a renewal.
Subject: Six months already!
Hi [Name],
It's been six months since we started working together, and I've really enjoyed it. [One specific highlight].
Would you be up for writing a short testimonial about the difference it's made? A few sentences is perfect:
[link]
Thanks for being such a great client.
[Your name]6. A polite follow-up
Once only, three to five days after your first request.
Hi [Name],
Just bumping this in case it got buried. If you have a minute, I'd really value a few words about working together:
[link]
No worries at all if you're busy. Thanks again!
[Your name]Text, WhatsApp and social messages
7. Text or WhatsApp
Short messages often get faster replies than email, if you already message this customer.
Hi [Name], it's [Your name] from [Business]. Thanks again for [project/visit]! If you have a minute, would you leave a quick testimonial? No sign-up needed: [link] 😊8. LinkedIn message
For business clients you're connected with.
Hi [Name], I really enjoyed working with you on [project]. I'm collecting a few testimonials for my website. Would you be happy to write a couple of sentences about working together? It takes about a minute: [link]. Thanks either way!Always-on requests
These sit in places customers already see, so you collect testimonials without sending anything new.
9. A line for invoices and receipts
Add it to the footer of your invoice template or receipt.
Happy with how it went? Tell us in a minute: [link]10. An email signature line
Every email you send quietly asks for you.
Enjoyed working with me? Leave a short testimonial → [link]11. A thank-you or order-confirmed page
For the page people see after booking or buying. Use it for services, or once the order has arrived.
Thank you! While you're here: if you've worked with us before, we'd love to hear how it went. It takes about a minute: [link]12. A printed card with a QR code
For receipts, packaging, business cards or a sign by the till. Put the QR code underneath.
Tell us how we did
Scan to leave a quick testimonial. It takes about a minute, no app needed.Subject lines that get opened
Short, personal subject lines work best. Some to try:
- Quick favour, [Name]?
- Could you spare a minute?
- How did we do?
- How are you getting on with your [product]?
- Thanks for working with me
- Would you share your experience?
- A small ask (one minute)
- Six months already!
Avoid all capitals, exclamation marks everywhere and words like “urgent”: they look like marketing and get ignored.
What makes these work
- One link. No attachments and no “just reply to this email with a few paragraphs”.
- A time estimate. “About a minute” makes it feel easy enough to do now.
- A reason. “It helps other people decide” tells them why it matters.
- An easy way out. “No worries if not” makes people more comfortable saying yes.
- Good timing. See when to ask for the moments that get the most replies.
Questions
Should I send these one by one or as a bulk email?
One by one, with a personal first line, gets far better replies than a mail-out. If you do send to a list, still use each person's name and mention what they bought or what you did for them.
Can I ask for a testimonial and a Google review at the same time?
You can, but two links in one message usually means fewer of both. Ask for one thing per message, and leave a week or two before asking for the other.
Is it OK to offer something in return?
It's best not to. If you do, the testimonial must say so, and in the UK and elsewhere it's illegal to hide an incentive. A well-timed, sincere ask works without one.