Testimonials for your services help you sell more of them. Prospective clients read your web page, email, or ad, learn all about your services and offer, and are interested. 

But they’re not sure. There are many other lawyers and firms who do what you do. How do they decide who to choose?  

They look at what your other clients have said about you. 

Other than a direct referral, nothing makes a stronger case for choosing you than testimonials.

Problem is, testimonials rarely show up on their own accord. You have to ask for them because people are busy and don’t think about testimonials, or don’t think you want or need them.

But many will provide them if you ask.  

When a client thanks you for getting them a good outcome on their case, or says something nice about you or your staff, that’s a good time to ask. 

Be direct: “That’s so good to hear. Would you mind if I mention that on my website?”

If they hesitate, tell them you won’t use their name, just their initials or first name and last initial. It’s not nearly as good as their full name (and photo, city, company) but better than no testimonial. 

Much better. 

If a client praises you or thanks you via email, or posts it on social media, ask if you can use a screen shot (and blot out their name and email address). 

One of the simplest and most effective ways to prompt your clients to supply testimonials is to survey them. You can give survey forms to clients at the end of their case, mail them, or post them online and link to them in your newsletter. 

If you do seminars, pass out surveys or evaluations at the end. Attendees aren’t recommending your services, but that’s okay. They’re recommending the quality of the information you provided, and describing your thoroughness and personality.

Prospective clients would like to hear that. 

If you’ve published a book related to your practice, look at the (good) reviews. These are public and you can screen shot them and use them, (but it’s best to ask for permission).

Another way to prompt for testimonials is to ask clients if they will recommend your firm to friends or business contacts. Thank them, give them some business cards to pass out and ask what they will say about you. Write that down and ask if you can mention that in your marketing. 

When you have several testimonials in hand, package them up and send them to clients, subscribers, and prospects, and mention how much you appreciate hearing these great comments.  

Your satisfied clients, your subscribers and social media followers, appreciate your work and are willing to provide testimonials.  

All you have to do is ask.