Best Practices for High‑Quality Testimonials

2025-10-09

Great testimonials are specific, relevant, and credible. Use these standards to turn raw feedback into persuasive, on‑brand proof.

Know your target audience

  • Prioritize customers who mirror your ICP: industry, company size, role, use case.
  • Match language and outcomes to the buyer’s priorities (speed, revenue, compliance).
  • Use recognizable peers to boost instant relevance.

Ask at the right moment

  • Immediately after a win: launch, KPI hit, support save, or renewal.
  • Embed asks into NPS/CSAT flows and onboarding milestones.
  • Offer options: quick quote, short video, or email approval of a draft.

Provide frameworks and examples

Guided prompts turn vague praise into persuasive copy. Share one of these:

  • Before → After → Outcome: What wasn’t working? What changed? What results?
  • Problem → Solution → Proof: The pain, why you picked us, numbers or time saved.
  • Quote starters: “We switched because…”, “Within X weeks…”, “The biggest surprise was…”

Share drafts and get approvals

  • Send a polished draft with name, role, company, headshot, and logo.
  • Confirm permissions: public website, ads, and social reuse.
  • Track approvals and expiration dates if required by legal.

How to write testimonials that convert

  • Pain → Solution → Results: Keep the arc tight; lead with outcomes.
  • Use data + emotion: Pair numbers (time saved, ROI) with feeling (confidence, peace of mind).
  • Keep it short: 40–80 words is scannable; bold the key phrase.
  • Attribute clearly: Full name, role, company, and (if allowed) logo/photo.
  • Format for reuse: A text quote, a designed image card, and a short clip.