5 Helpful Tips to Get Testimonials to Grow Your Business in 2025

Picture this: You’re strolling down the High Street, looking for a good café to grab a cup of tea and a slice of cake. You spot one with a queue out the door and another completely empty. Which do you choose? Exactly. The buzzing one. Why? Because there’s something reassuring about seeing others approve of a choice before you make it. That’s the essence of testimonials, and in the world of business, they’re as essential as tea and biscuits.

Testimonials aren’t just nice-to-have add-ons for your website; they’re powerful tools that can convert curious onlookers into loyal customers. But how do you go about getting them, especially as we stride confidently into 2025? Let’s dive in.

Why Testimonials Are the Business Growth Hack You Need

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s establish why testimonials are vital. In a world where people have the attention span of a goldfish (thank you, TikTok), trust is the currency of choice. Testimonials act as social proof, reassuring potential customers that others have taken the plunge and come out smiling.

According to a 2024 survey, 93% of people said reviews and testimonials influence their buying decisions. Whether you’re selling organic soaps or software, testimonials are like the cherry on top of your marketing sundae.

Now, let’s talk strategy.

1. The Art of Requesting Testimonials

Getting a testimonial is like asking a friend to help you move house. It’s not something most people will volunteer for, but they’ll often say yes if you ask directly (and maybe offer a pizza).

The key is to make it easy and painless. Here’s how:

• Timing is Everything: Ask for testimonials shortly after delivering your product or service. This is when your customer’s enthusiasm is at its peak.

• Make It Simple: Nobody wants to write an essay. Provide a template or a few guiding questions, such as:

  • What did you enjoy most about our service?

  • How has our product helped you?

  • Would you recommend us?

    
    

Example: Asking for a Testimonial the Right Way

Let’s say you run a luxury dog grooming business called “Pawsh Pooches.” After a grooming session, you could send an email:

Hi Sarah,

We hope Rufus is feeling fabulous after his pamper session at Pawsh Pooches! If you have a moment, we’d love to hear about your experience. Your feedback helps us improve and lets other dog lovers know they’re in good hands.

Click here to share your thoughts – it only takes 2 minutes!

Thanks a million,

The Pawsh Pooches Team

See? Polite, appreciative, and straight to the point.

2. The Power of Incentives (But Keep It Ethical)

Everyone likes a little incentive – it’s human nature. But tread carefully; outright bribery can feel dodgy and may even violate certain platforms’ rules. Instead, consider offering a token of appreciation. For example:

• A small discount on their next purchase.

• Entry into a prize draw.

• Exclusive access to a webinar or resource.

  
  

Make it clear that the reward is a thank-you for their time, not a condition for a glowing review. Authenticity is crucial.

3. Turn Compliments into Testimonials

Sometimes, customers sing your praises without you even asking. Maybe they drop a lovely comment on your social media post or send you an email about how much they love your product. Don’t let these golden nuggets go to waste!

• Reply promptly and thank them.

• Politely ask if you can use their comment as a testimonial. Most people will be delighted you value their words.

• If necessary, edit their comment for grammar and clarity but always seek their approval before publishing.

  
  

Example: Spontaneous Testimonial Turnaround

Let’s say a customer tweets: “Can’t get enough of @PawshPooches! Rufus has never looked better. #BestGroomersEver”

You reply: “Thanks, Sarah! We’re so happy Rufus is looking his best. Would you mind if we shared your kind words as a testimonial?”

4. Video Testimonials for the Win

If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video testimonial is priceless. In 2025, video content is still reigning supreme, so it’s time to embrace the medium.

• Keep It Casual: Customers don’t need to look like they’re auditioning for The Crown. Authenticity trumps polish.

• Guided Questions: Ask them to focus on their pain points before using your product/service and the results they experienced after.

• Easy Tech: Recommend tools like Zoom, Loom, or even a quick selfie video on their phone.

  
  

Imagine a heartfelt clip of Sarah holding Rufus, talking about how your grooming service has made her life easier and Rufus happier. Now that’s marketing gold.

5. Showcase Testimonials Like a Pro

A testimonial is only as effective as its presentation. Don’t let it languish on a forgotten subpage of your website. Make them shine by:

• Adding Photos: A picture of the customer (or their pet, product, etc.) makes the testimonial feel more real.

• Highlighting Key Quotes: Use bold text or pull quotes to grab attention.

• Social Media: Share testimonials on Instagram Stories, Facebook posts, or LinkedIn updates.

  
  

Example: A Testimonial Done Right

Imagine a glowing testimonial on your homepage:

"Rufus’s coat has never been shinier! The team at Pawsh Pooches is fantastic. They genuinely care about every dog and make the whole experience delightful. Highly recommend!" — Sarah L., London

Now add a photo of a grinning Rufus next to that quote, and you’ve got yourself a winning piece of social proof.

Don’t Forget to Say Thanks

Finally, always thank your customers for their testimonials. It’s not only polite but also reinforces your brand’s reputation for being thoughtful and customer-focused.

You could send a handwritten note (yes, people still love these in 2025), a thank-you email, or even feature them in a “Customer of the Month” spotlight.

AI and Testimonials

As we move further into the digital age, don’t be surprised if AI starts playing a role in how you collect and display testimonials. Chatbots can nudge customers for feedback, while advanced algorithms might help you identify the most impactful quotes. But remember: technology should enhance the human touch, not replace it.

Wrapping Up

Getting testimonials in 2025 doesn’t have to be as daunting as surviving a heatwave without a fan. With the right approach, a sprinkle of your charm, and a genuine focus on your customers, you’ll soon have a collection of testimonials that work harder than a barista during the morning rush.

So go on, give it a go. Because when your business looks like the café with a queue out the door, you’ll thank yourself for putting in the effort.

I hope you’ve found this blog helpful and that it inspires you to gather testimonials in 2025. If you ever need assistance with collecting testimonials or showcasing them effectively, feel free to reach out – I’d be more than happy to help. Cheers and best of luck!