5 years ago I figured out the “hack” to getting lots and lots of clients.
What’s the hack? Get really good testimonials.
After every single project I did on UpWork, I asked my clients for a review.
So I ended up with a big wall of them on my UpWork profile:
Once I had that “big wall of proof”, getting jobs got easier.
And even better, clients started reaching out to me.
Why are testimonials so important? Because on the internet, everyone automatically assumes that you’re a scammer.
Testimonials are the best way to prove that you aren’t a scammer. When people see that you actually did the thing you promise for somebody else, they get way less scared to buy from you.
So ask every single one of your clients for a testimonial.
The catch is, you need to know how to get good testimonials.
(There’s a huge difference between a good testimonial and a bad testimonial. A bad testimonial is better than nothing, but only barely.)
How do you get good testimonials? First of all, whenever you can, get a video testimonial. Video testimonials make much better proof, because they’re harder to fake. Also, videos carry a lot more emotion than words on a screen.
Second, I write my clients a loose script.
I don’t want them to just read the script word for word — because they’ll sound like a robot. That being said, 9 out of 10 clients won’t understand how to give you a good testimonial… so you need to give them some guidance.
(In fact, if you write them a script, they’ll probably be relieved. It’s easier to read from a script than to come up with something from scratch.)
How do you write the script? The best way to write a testimonial is to tell a story.
First, say where your client was before they hired you. Then, list all the ways you helped them. Finally, say the tangible outcomes they got by working with you.
Get just a few of these testimonials, and people will trust you a whole lot more.
-Theo
P.S. Want another great way to get people to trust you?
Create lots and lots of really good content.
Need some help with that? I will write daily emails to your list, in your brand voice.
Then, your readers will fall in love with you, and they will buy all your courses and sign up for all your coaching.
If you want to chat about that, send me a reply. :)