Sales Skills / Tell Stories That Sell / Lesson 14

LESSON 14 · TELL STORIES THAT SELL

Ask for Testimonials Without Awkwardness

Practical ways to ask for testimonials without awkwardness, so happy customers gladly say a few words for you.

Asking is easy when you make it easy. Ask at the moment of joy.

10 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

10 tips that really help

These ideas come from Building a StoryBrand (Donald Miller), Pitch Anything (Oren Klaff), Made to Stick (Chip Heath and Dan Heath), and everyday practice. The first six help the most. Pick one and try it today.

TIP 1

Ask while the success is fresh

The best time to request a testimonial is right after a happy result, when the customer feels proud and grateful.

TRY THIS
Watch for a thank-you message.

TIP 2

Make the request very easy

Offer two or three simple questions or a short form so the customer does not face a blank page.

TRY THIS
Send questions instead of asking for an essay.

TIP 3

Offer to draft it for approval

Many busy customers appreciate a draft in their own words that they can edit and confirm.

TRY THIS
Write a short draft from their earlier comments.

TIP 4

Ask specific questions

Questions such as what problem did we solve and what changed produce useful answers rather than vague praise.

TRY THIS
Prepare three questions today.

TIP 5

Get permission to use their name

Always confirm how and where the testimonial will appear, and whether the name and company can be shown.

TRY THIS
Keep their approval in writing.

TIP 6

Thank them warmly

Gratitude for their time keeps the relationship strong and makes them happy to help again later.

TRY THIS
Send a short thank-you note.

TIP 7

Show them where it appears

Sending a link to the published testimonial makes customers feel valued and sometimes brings referrals.

TRY THIS
Share the page after publishing.

TIP 8

Never change the meaning

Light editing for spelling is fine, but altering what they said destroys trust and can harm your reputation.

TRY THIS
Send edits back for approval.

TIP 9

Collect different formats

Written quotes, short videos and star ratings each reach different buyers, so gather a mix over time.

TRY THIS
Offer a video option to your happiest customers.

TIP 10

Build asking into your process

When asking becomes a routine step after every project, you collect proof steadily without awkwardness.

TRY THIS
Add it to your delivery checklist.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many sales conversations.

ASK

“Would you be willing to share a few words about your experience?”

EASY

“I can send you a few questions to answer.”

DRAFT

“I can write a draft for you to edit.”

PERMISSION

“May I use your name and photo?”

THANKS

“Thank you so much.”

“I will show you where it appears.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
List customers likely to say yes

DAY 2
Ask at a happy moment

DAY 3
Offer three simple questions

DAY 4
Offer a draft to edit

DAY 5
Ask permission to use name and photo

DAY 6
Thank them

DAY 7
Use the testimonial

More lessons in “Tell Stories That Sell”

Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.

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