The Golden Pencil: The Freelance Writer’s Resource

Here’s How I Get Testimonials About My Writing

by Anne Wayman on August 28th, 2008

(www.thegoldenpencil.com)

When a potential client comes to your website (if you don’t have a website see You’re a Writer - You Need a Website!) nothing is more reassuring than a few testimonials, provided they are genuine. Ideally they will be accompanied by a picture of the person endorsing your writing. I’ll admit I haven’t gotten pictures, but my websites do have a few testimonials and I know they help would-be customers make up their mind to contact me.

The way I get the testimonial is two-fold:

• First, I simply ask. I usually do this toward the end of the a project, often when the client is expressing gratitude for what I’ve done. I respond with thanks then add something like “would you be willing to give me a short testimonial for my website?” Usually the answer is “yes.”
• Next, I ask if they’d like me to write a sample of the kind of thing I’d like to have. Yep, that’s right. I offer to write it for them. Often I can hear the relief in their voices as they agree a sample is a good idea. After all, they hired me to write for them, so it’s not surprising they aren’t sure how to write how well they like my work

Of course, some say no, and some say they’d rather write it themselves. Of those who request a sample, many make a few minor changes and some just okay it the way it is.

Embarrassing to ask? Maybe. But think about it. Most people love to help - don’t you? If your client is happy with your work, asking them for a testimonial is almost a compliment to them. It let’s them thank you beyond what they’ve paid you.

Try it. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.
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Write well and often,

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POSTED IN: Marketing Your Writing