Asking For A Mortgage Testimonial: What's The Best Approach?

Asking for a testimonial can be an uncomfortable experience, but it doesn't have to be. Testimonials are an important part of growing a business and establishing credibility. They serve as social proof, validating a product's or service's quality and effectiveness. Potential customers often rely on testimonials to assess the experiences of others, making them more likely to trust a brand that showcases positive feedback. So, how do you go about asking for a testimonial? Well, the best way to ask for a testimonial will depend on your business and your customers. Email is often the fastest and most effective way to request a testimonial, but in-person requests can also be very effective, especially if you engage with your customers face-to-face and know them well. If you've just completed a project and your client is happy with your work, ask for their testimonial as soon as possible. You could also consider sending a handwritten note with a small gift, and then following up with a call to ask how they might return the favour.

Asking for a testimonial after a positive experience

Asking for a testimonial can be an intimidating task, but it is a completely normal practice in all industries. Testimonials are crucial for business growth and establishing credibility. They serve as social proof, validating a product's or service's quality and effectiveness. Potential customers rely on testimonials to assess the experiences of others, making them more likely to trust a brand that showcases positive feedback.

Timing is crucial: It is most effective to ask when a customer is most likely to provide positive feedback, typically right after a satisfying experience. For example, a mortgage broker who has successfully secured a loan for a client is at the perfect juncture to request a testimonial. Delaying the request may result in customers not leaving a review at all.

Personalization is key: Address your client by name and reference specific projects or interactions to show you value their input. A personalized request makes clients feel appreciated and increases the likelihood of a positive response.

Be upfront and direct: Simply asking for a testimonial after a successful transaction can be effective. Let your client know that you want their review to come from a genuine place of satisfaction. You can also offer a reminder that you are looking forward to their feedback.

Provide a blank testimonial form: If your client is willing to provide a testimonial, make it easy for them to do so. You can provide a blank form or a few open-ended questions for them to answer. This can be done via email or regular postal mail.

Offer an incentive: While testimonials should be motivated by excellence, you can sweeten the deal by offering a small gift or incentive. For example, you could send a handwritten thank-you note with a gift card to show your appreciation.

Remember, the key to getting great testimonials is to provide excellent service and make it easy for your clients to share their positive experiences.

Using email to request a testimonial

Email is a quick and easy way to request a testimonial from a client. It can be a simple, repeatable, time-tested process for gathering client testimonials. It is also a good way to follow up with your customer after completing a big project. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Timing is key

If you have just completed a project and your client is happy with your work, ask for their testimonial as soon as possible. Those good vibes will not last forever, so strike while the iron is hot.

Be prepared

Keep an eye out for any testimonials that come your way without you having to ask for them. For example, if a client emails you to thank you for your patience, ask if you can share their kind words in your collection of testimonials. You can also be prepared by having a simple system in place, such as a dedicated testimonial page on your website where clients can submit their testimonials directly.

Make it easy for your client

Provide your client with a blank testimonial form that they can fill out. You can also include sample testimonials to give them an idea of what to write and how much detail to include. If you are sending your request via email, you could include a link to the form in your message.

Craft your message carefully

When asking for a testimonial, it is important to be polite and respectful. You can express your gratitude for their business and explain how their testimonial will help your business grow. For example, you could say something like: "It was an absolute pleasure working with you on your mortgage. Testimonials from clients like you can help others feel confident about choosing me as their mortgage broker." You may also want to include some questions to guide their response, such as: "Did we overcome any hurdles working together?" or "What would you tell someone who was considering working with me?"

Ask more than once

It is often necessary to ask for a testimonial more than once, without being pushy. You can do this by adding a quick follow-up email to your existing post-purchase email drip. You can also incentivize your clients to submit a testimonial by offering a small gift or discount.

Requesting a testimonial via regular postal mail

Requesting a testimonial through regular postal mail can be a great way to get feedback from clients, especially if you don't have their email address. Here are some tips and steps to help you through the process:

Tips for Requesting a Testimonial via Postal Mail:

• Timing is crucial: It's best to ask for a testimonial when your client is happy with your work. For example, if you're in the mortgage industry, sending a request a week before the mortgage is scheduled to complete might be a good time as your client is likely to be in a positive frame of mind.
• Show appreciation: A simple "thank you" can go a long way. Express your gratitude for their business and let them know that their feedback is important to you.
• Provide an incentive: Consider including a small gift, such as a gift card, along with your request. This can make your client feel appreciated and more inclined to write a testimonial.
• Make it easy: Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope to make it convenient for your client to send their response. You can also provide a blank testimonial form with simple questions or space for them to share their thoughts.
• Personalize your request: Add a personal touch by addressing the client by name and customizing the letter to fit your relationship with them. This can make your request more effective.

Step-by-Step Process for Requesting a Testimonial via Postal Mail:

• Prepare the necessary materials: You will need a cover letter, a blank client testimonial form, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and optionally, a page with sample testimonials.
• Craft your cover letter: Start by expressing your gratitude for their business and explaining that you would like to request a quick favor. Let them know that you value their feedback and that prospective clients care about the experiences of your past clients.
• Provide details and instructions: Explain that you are seeking a brief testimonial, just a few sentences describing their experience with you. You can also mention how you plan to use their testimonial, such as on your website or in marketing materials.
• Include sample testimonials: If you have a page with sample testimonials from other clients, include it in your mailing. This can give your client an idea of the format and length of the testimonial you are seeking.
• Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope: Make it as easy as possible for your client to respond by including a self-addressed stamped envelope. This way, they won't have to worry about finding an envelope or postage.
• Mail the request: Send your package via regular postal mail, and consider timing it to arrive when your client is most likely to be available and receptive to your request.
• Follow up: If you don't receive a response after a reasonable amount of time, consider following up with a phone call or another letter to confirm if they received your request and if they need any further assistance or clarification.

Remember, requesting a testimonial via postal mail may require a bit more effort than sending an email, but it can be a thoughtful and effective approach, especially when you don't have your client's email address.

The importance of timing when asking for a testimonial

Timing is crucial when requesting a testimonial. It is most effective to ask when a customer is most likely to provide positive feedback, typically right after a satisfying experience. For example, a mortgage broker who has successfully secured a loan for a client is at the perfect juncture to request a testimonial. Similarly, an online course provider should seek feedback from students immediately after they have completed their course and received their certification. In the SaaS business world, the ideal moment for a testimonial is right after a support agent has resolved a technical issue for a customer. This is when clients are most willing to share positive experiences. The key is to engage with clients promptly following a successful service interaction.

Delaying the request can not only diminish the vividness and immediacy of the positive experience but may also result in customers not leaving a review at all. It is also a good idea to be prepared for the "accidental" testimonial. Sometimes, while working on a project, your client might say something spontaneously in casual conversation that would be a great testimonial. When this happens, send them an email right away and ask if you can use their kind words as a customer testimonial on your website or other marketing material. If they say yes, your work is done.

It is important to make sure your clients understand that you want their reviews to come from a genuine place of satisfaction. Testimonials should be motivated by excellence and not by a cup of coffee or other monetary offering. When asking for a testimonial, personalisation is key. Address your client by name and reference specific projects or interactions to show you value their input. A personalised request makes clients feel appreciated and increases the likelihood of a positive response. Consider mentioning how their feedback will help others and contribute to the growth of your business.

If you are asking for a testimonial in person, make your customer feel at ease. Ask them what will make them most comfortable. Try to frame the interaction as a conversation to keep it casual. If you are asking for a testimonial via email, it is best practice to tell your customers how you will use their words — for example, on a website or in an email to new customers — and how you will reference them in the testimonial. It is also helpful to include questions for them in case they have trouble coming up with praise on their own.

How to ask for a video testimonial

Asking for a video testimonial can be a tricky task, but it is not impossible. Here are some tips on how to ask for a video testimonial:

Seize the Right Moment

Asking at the right time is crucial. Ideally, you want to ask when your client is happy with your work. For example, if you just completed a project and your client is satisfied, ask for their testimonial as soon as possible while they are still feeling positive about the experience. Another good time to ask is after a class or event when everyone is feeling excited and emotional. You can announce that you are updating your website and would appreciate personal video testimonials to showcase their journey and experiences to potential new customers.

Prepare Your Clients

When you ask for a video testimonial, it is essential to provide context and explain why you are making the request. For instance, you could say, "We're really impressed with your work, and we'd love to be able to share your experience with our community." It is also helpful to highlight the benefits for them, such as increased exposure or helping others make a purchasing decision. Let them know that testimonials are a powerful form of word-of-mouth marketing and can significantly impact a business. You can also mention that you will be using a simple tool like Vocal Video, which will make the process quick and easy for them.

Make It Easy

The process of shooting a testimonial should be straightforward for your customers. Provide clear instructions and guidelines, such as asking them to film in a well-lit area with minimal background noise. Consider offering to create a script ahead of time or providing a list of questions or topics for them to discuss. This will make it easier for your clients to know what to say and ensure you capture the most important information. You can also suggest the medium for recording, such as FaceTime, Zoom, a video camera, or a mobile device.

Customize Your Outreach

While it may be tempting to use a generic template, customizing your request for each client can increase your response rate. Take the time to personalize your email or letter, and consider including your photo or a short video intro to add a friendly touch. Make your clients feel special and valued. If you have a physical office, you can provide blank testimonial forms for clients to fill out while they are there. This makes it convenient for them and increases the chances of receiving a testimonial.

Follow Up

After making your initial request, don't forget to follow up with your clients. Send a friendly reminder via email or give them a call. This shows that you are genuinely interested in their feedback and helps to keep the conversation going. It also gives them an opportunity to ask any questions or clarify any concerns they may have about the process. Remember to maintain a positive and polite attitude throughout your communications.

Frequently asked questions