How to Ask for Testimonials: Questions That Get Real Customer Stories

How to Ask for Testimonials: Questions That Get Real Customer Stories

Struggling to ask for testimonials? Learn how to collect authentic customer testimonials with the right questions, timing, and tips without sounding pushy.

Let’s be honest, asking for a testimonial feels a little… uncomfortable, right?

You know your customers are happy, you know they’re seeing results, but when it comes time to actually say:
“Hey, can you write me a testimonial?”
…it suddenly feels awkward.

Here’s the truth, though: your customers usually want to share their experience. They just don’t know what to say or where to start. That’s where you come in.

Instead of asking them to “just write something nice,” you can guide them with the right testimonial questions, and you’ll end up with stories that feel natural, relatable, and way more powerful than any polished sales pitch.

Why Testimonials Are So Powerful

Think about your own buying habits.
When was the last time you bought something online without checking reviews first? Probably never.

That’s exactly why customer testimonials work. They:

  • Build instant trust because people trust people, not ads.

  • Increase conversions on landing pages, websites, and emails.

  • Make your brand feel more credible and human.

In fact, studies say 92% of people trust testimonials more than traditional advertising. Ads talk at people. Testimonials talk to them. Big difference.

How to Ask for Testimonials Naturally

Here’s the good news: you don’t need to overthink it. You just need to ask at the right moment and make it super easy for your customer.

Here’s a simple formula:

  1. Pick the perfect timing → Ask when they’ve just achieved a win or shared positive feedback.

  2. Keep it simple → Give them a few short questions instead of an open “write me something.”

  3. Be specific → Vague requests = vague answers.

  4. Give options → Some people write, others prefer video. Both work.

The easier you make it, the better your testimonials will be.

The Best Testimonial Questions to Ask Customers

If you want testimonials that don’t sound robotic, you’ve got to ask the right questions. Here are some that actually work (and why).

1. Their Starting Point

  • “What challenge were you facing before using our product/service?”

  • “What made you start looking for a solution like ours?”

👉 Why this works: Future customers will relate because they’ve been in the same spot.

2. Their Decision

  • “How did you find us?”

  • “What made you choose us over other options?”

👉 Why this works: It highlights what makes you stand out without you having to say it yourself.

3. Their Results

  • “What has changed since you started using our product/service?”

  • “Can you share any measurable results (like time saved, revenue gained, or improvements)?”

👉 Why this works: Numbers and specific wins grab attention.

4. Their Feelings

  • “What do you love most about our product/service?”

  • “If you had to describe your experience in one word, what would it be?”

👉 Why this works: People buy on emotion first, logic second.

5. Their Recommendation

  • “Would you recommend us to someone else? Why?”

  • “Who do you think would benefit the most from our product/service?”

👉 Why this works: This frames your customer as an advocate, not just a user.

Bonus: Video Testimonial Questions

If you’re asking for a video testimonial, keep it short and natural. Just ask:

  • “Who are you, and what do you do?”

  • “What problem did you solve with our product?”

  • “What results did you see?”

  • “Would you recommend us?”

No scripts, no pressure. Just authentic stories.

Tips for Getting More Testimonials (Without Begging)

✔️ Personalize the request – “Hey Sarah, since you mentioned our software saved you 5 hours last week, would you mind sharing that as a quick testimonial?” (See? Way better than a copy-paste message.)

✔️ Automate the process – Use testimonial forms or software that makes it click-and-done.

✔️ Say thank you – A small discount, a feature upgrade, or even just a public shout-out goes a long way.

✔️ Showcase everywhere – Don’t hide testimonials on a single page. Use them in your social posts, emails, sales pages, and ads.

Wrapping It Up

At the end of the day, people trust people more than they trust brands. That’s why testimonials are marketing gold.

The secret isn’t just asking for testimonials. It’s asking the right questions, at the right time, in the right way. When you do that, your customers don’t just give you testimonials — they give you stories that sell.

So the next time a customer says, “I love your product!”
Don’t just smile. Say this instead:

👉 “That’s amazing to hear! Would you mind sharing your experience as a testimonial? I can send you a few quick questions to make it easy.”

Trust me, future-you will thank you.