I have never asked for a testimonial letter from past clients, although some have given them to me without asking. Is it a common practice for you to ask for testimonial letters? If so, how do you ask for them?
Thanks in advance,
Lorna Zeno
I've never asked for one. I received a few from some very thoughtful clients but most send me referrals.
I send out a questionaire 1 month after the sale. To see if their is anything I can do to improve my service.
I usually get letters within days of closing, but the ones I don't I have had them send a long letter in with the survey. But, I don't ask for them.
As part of a service check our company sends out a service questionaire to everyone who buys or sells through us. At the bottom of the questionaire there is room for comments. This is were I get my comments for my Testimonial web page. See here
http://www.realestateinkeswick.com/Testimonials/page_370810.html
There is nothing wrong with promoting yourself. I also use a Testimonial page in my Pre list package.
Thanks to all. The questionaire idea is great. Terry, I loved your testimonials page in your website. It sure gives confidence to prospects. I will probably do something alike.
Most of my clients volunteer testimonials. If they don't I ask for "feedback." Then I ask permission to put them on my website Testimonials Page with their full name, no initials.
I make up my own testimonials! Why bother the client? Just copy and paste the letters on someone else's web site(like Mark - he won't mind), add your name, ba da bing ba da bang. Has anyone ever seen a bad testimonial letter? What's the point. It's like they say - one aw sh**, whips out all the atta boys you've ever got. Every deal is a new adventure. Sorry my meds are wearing off!
I do ask them to write up in regards to the professional service and their experience working with me. All of them whom I have asked have done a great job in putting it togather. I like to use their opinion rather than writing up something on my own.
I do ask for testimonials, but never until we have closed the deal. Then I'll send a quick e-mail "Asking for a Favor" or I'll call to follow up with them a couple days after closing and casually ask if they'd mind helping me out, since referrals and word of mouth are paramount in my business.
If you're comfortable enough doing so, you could even provide them with a sample testimonial that you wrote up based on their situation....If they agree they can just sign it, add to it, change it, etc. This gives them something to go by. Many people have no idea what you really want them to write, so this helps give them a starting place. No fudging it though....it needs to tell a story and be truthful.