Collecting testimonials is hard. Add an incentive to your testimonial collection and you’ll get far more responses.

Here are seven ways to incentivise happy customers to leave you a testimonial.

TLDR

Here’s a visual showing you the key incentive types you can use to collect more testimonials:

#1. Ask with purpose

Remember to explain whyyou’re collecting testimonials, that is, they help you reach new customers and grow your business.

When customers understand why their testimonial matters, they’re much more likely to leave one.

For example, private chef Chris Martin reminds his clients that his business lives off referrals.

#2. Offer a discount code

Everybody loves a good discount or coupon, and your customers are no exception. Offer a discount or coupon code to your customers in exchange for leaving a testimonial in your testimonial collection form.

It rewards customers for sharing their experience, and the code brings them back to buy again.

#3. Trade exclusive content

Offer exclusive content to your customers in exchange for a testimonial.

This can be in the form of a lead magnet, a video tutorial, or access to a private community. Exclusive content is a powerful way to show your customers that you appreciate their feedback and value their loyalty.

#4. Run a competition

Run a competition where customers can win a prize for leaving a testimonial. You could offer vouchers, discount codes, experiences or free product access. This could be run as part of a campaign, and mentioned in your emails and social posts, or part of your always-on testimonial collection flow.

A prize gets more customers to take part and makes leaving a testimonial feel less like a chore.

#5. Offer a donation to charity

Consider donating to a charity in exchange for a testimonial from your customers. It gives customers a reason to write one and shows your company gives back.

#6. Provide early access

Offer early access to your new product, service or content in exchange for a testimonial. This is a unique way to reward your loyal customers, show them that you value their feedback, and generate social proof for when you launch.

#7. Feature them on your website

Feature your customers on your website in exchange for a testimonial. This can be in the form of a case study, a blog post, or their testimonial itself. Featuring your customers shows you value their feedback and builds trust with potential customers.

Adding a link to your customers’ websites also helps them improve their domain ranking or authority, which can improve their search rankings.