How to ask for testimonials as a new freelancer

By FastBuySale Newsroom · 9 Nov 2026 · 10m ago

Why testimonials matter early on

When you are new, clients have little to go on. Your portfolio shows what you can do, but testimonials show what it is like to work with you: whether you met deadlines, communicated clearly and delivered results. A few genuine, specific testimonials can make the difference between a client choosing you or a more experienced freelancer. The challenge is asking without feeling awkward. This guide explains how.

When to ask

The best moment is right after a project ends well, when the client is pleased and the work is fresh in their mind. If a client sends a positive message during the project, thank them and ask if you can use their comment as a testimonial. Do not wait months, because enthusiasm fades and contacts move on.

Who to ask

Ask clients you worked with directly, especially those who saw clear results. Former employers, colleagues and collaborators can provide references about your skills and reliability, labelled appropriately rather than presented as client testimonials.

Make it easy

Busy clients are more likely to help if you make it simple. Send a short message thanking them, explaining that you are building your portfolio, and asking two or three questions: what challenge did you need help with, what did working with me involve and what changed as a result. Offer a short deadline and say a few sentences is plenty.

Example request

Thank them for the project, mention one specific success, ask if they would be willing to share a few sentences about the experience for your website or profile, include two or three prompts and ask whether you may use their name, role and company.

Written and video testimonials

Written testimonials are easiest to collect. Short video testimonials can be powerful but require more effort from clients. Offer video as an option for enthusiastic clients only.

Permissions

Ask explicitly whether you can publish their name, job title, company, photo and logo. Some clients prefer to remain anonymous or share only first names. Keep a record of permission.

Editing

You can trim testimonials for length or fix typos, but do not change the meaning. Send the edited version for approval.

Using platform reviews

Reviews on freelance marketplaces are a form of testimonial. Do not ask clients to leave reviews in exchange for discounts, and do not copy platform reviews to other sites if the terms prohibit it without permission.

Worked example: testimonial impact

Leo sends proposals for three months without testimonials and wins 2 of 40, a 5 percent rate. After adding three specific testimonials and a short case study, he wins 5 of 40 proposals the next quarter, a 12.5 percent rate. Testimonials were not the only change, but clients mentioned them in calls. The percentage calculator on this site helps track rates.

Turning testimonials into case studies

With permission, combine a testimonial with the project background, your approach and results to create a case study.

Displaying testimonials

Place testimonials near your services, pricing and contact sections, and include them in proposals where relevant.

Staying within advertising rules

Endorsements must reflect honest opinions and real experiences. Disclose any connection, such as a free service or family relationship. Do not use testimonials that suggest results typical clients cannot expect.

What makes a testimonial persuasive

The most persuasive testimonials are specific. A comment saying great to work with is pleasant but vague. A testimonial explaining that the freelancer rebuilt a booking page in two weeks and enquiries rose noticeably the next month tells a future client exactly what you do and why it mattered. Prompt clients to mention the problem they faced, what it was like working with you and what changed. Names, roles and company names, used with permission, add credibility, because readers can see a real person stands behind the words.

Following up without pestering

Clients often mean to reply but forget. If you have not heard back after a week, send one polite reminder, perhaps offering to draft a short version based on comments they made during the project for them to approve. If they still do not reply, let it go. Pushing repeatedly can damage a good relationship, and the client may return with more work or a referral later even without a testimonial.

Collecting feedback at the end of every project

Build a simple feedback step into your process. When you deliver final files, include a short note asking what worked well and what could be improved, followed by a request for a testimonial if they were happy. This makes asking feel routine rather than awkward, and the improvement suggestions help you grow.

Handling negative feedback

Not every client will be delighted. If feedback is critical, thank the client, ask questions to understand the issue and consider what you can learn. Never publish only selected parts of a mixed review in a way that changes its meaning.

Keeping testimonials fresh

Update your testimonials as you complete more projects, replacing older ones with those that match the work you want more of. Remove testimonials if a client asks you to.

Getting testimonials when you are brand new

If you have not had paying clients yet, there are honest ways to start. Offer a small, clearly defined project at a reduced introductory rate to a local business, a charity or someone in your network, and explain that you are building your portfolio and would value honest feedback afterwards. Collaborate with other freelancers on a shared project. Take part in community or volunteer projects that use your skills. In each case, present the testimonial accurately, for example noting that the work was a volunteer project, so readers are not misled.

Using references alongside testimonials

For some clients, especially larger organisations, a reference they can contact may matter more than a published quote. Ask past clients or managers whether they would be willing to act as a reference, and only share their contact details with their permission. Brief them on the kind of role or project you are applying for so they can speak to relevant strengths.

Where to store testimonials

Keep all testimonials in one document or spreadsheet with the client's name, the date, the project, the exact wording approved and the permissions given, such as whether you may use their name and logo. This makes it easy to pick the right testimonial for each proposal and to remove one quickly if a client asks.

Testimonials on social media

Clients sometimes praise your work publicly on social media. Thank them publicly, and ask privately whether you may quote them on your website. A screenshot without permission can feel intrusive, so a quick message asking first keeps the relationship positive.

Matching testimonials to services

If you offer several services, collect testimonials for each one. A client considering a website redesign wants to hear from other website clients, not only from someone who hired you for social media graphics. Group testimonials by service on your website, and include the most relevant one in each proposal.

Video testimonial tips

If a client agrees to a video testimonial, keep it simple. Send three questions in advance, suggest they record on their phone in good light and a quiet room, and keep it under a minute. Offer to schedule a short video call and record it with their permission instead. Edit lightly for length, add captions so people can watch without sound and send the final version for approval before publishing.

Thanking clients properly

Always thank clients who give a testimonial, and let them know where it appears. A brief update later, such as telling them it helped you win a new project, strengthens the relationship and may lead to referrals.

Timing for long projects

For long or ongoing projects, you do not need to wait until the very end. Ask for a testimonial after a major milestone, such as a successful launch, while the result is fresh and visible to the client.

Reader questions

Questions about freelancing? Send them through the Ask page on this site.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. No results are guaranteed.

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