This is Day 11 of 31 Days to Start Your Freelancing Business (Or Make Yours a Better One). Click here to read Day 1.
Today, your task is to put together some “social proof” about how good you are at what you do. It’s time to collect testimonials!
For the Beginning Freelancer
If you’re just starting out, you may wonder: “How am I going to get testimonials when I haven’t had even one client yet?”
Don’t despair; you have some alternatives:
Contact your previous employers and bosses, if any. Of course, only approach those whom you’re sure will say good things about you. Explain that you’re going freelancing and need feedback to include in your marketing materials.
Make sure to get permission to use the feedback, as well as the person’s full name, location (city and state will do), website URL, and photograph.
When it comes to client testimonials or feedback, the more details you provide, the better. You’ll want prospective clients to know that these are real people. As with references, your prospects should be able to trace these people and contact them, if necessary.
First names only, or worse, initials, will not be enough.
Do free work in exchange for testimonials.
This is a good strategy if you have absolutely no testimonials or have very few to begin with. You’ll find many people who are interested in this kind of bartering in the forums that you should be a member of by now.
I’ve heard other people say this arrangement is unethical. That is, the other person may be constrained to say nice things about you, because you have given them something free.
If you feel this way, you could always say that you only want their honest feedback – both positive and negative. Or, that you want their testimonial only if they are genuinely happy with your services. Otherwise, you welcome their suggestions for improving yourself.
If You’re Already Freelancing
Make it a point to always ask your clients for feedback, or a testimonial, as soon as you complete each job. This is when your performance is still fresh in their minds.
You could send a feedback request along with the official receipt for their payment, for example.
This is Day 11 of 31 Days to Start Your Freelancing Business (Or Make Yours a Better One). Click here to read Day 1.
Today, your task is to put together some “social proof” about how good you are at what you do. It’s time to collect testimonials!
Testimonials are important so your prospects know you’re a reliable service provider, who’s not going to leave them in the cold when they need you the most. Besides, prospects will believe what other people say about you, more than what you say about yourself. Click here to learn about the importance of client testimonials, and how to use them.
For the Beginning Freelancer
If you’re just starting out, you may wonder: “How am I going to get testimonials when I haven’t had even one client yet?”
Don’t despair; you have some alternatives:
- Contact your previous employers and bosses, if any.
Of course, only approach those whom you’re sure will say good things about you. Explain that you’re going freelancing and need feedback to include in your marketing materials.
Make sure to get permission to use the feedback, as well as the person’s full name, location (city and state will do), website URL, and photograph.
When it comes to client testimonials or feedback, the more details you provide, the better. You’ll want prospective clients to know that these are real people. As with references, your prospects should be able to trace these people and contact them, if necessary.
First names only, or worse, initials, will not be enough.
- Do free work in exchange for testimonials.
This is a good strategy if you have absolutely no testimonials or have very few to begin with. You’ll find many people who are interested in this kind of bartering in the forums that you should be a member of by now.
I’ve heard other people say this arrangement is unethical. That is, the other person may be constrained to say nice things about you, because you have given them something free.
If you feel this way, you could always say that you only want their honest feedback – both positive and negative. Or, that you want their testimonial only if they are genuinely happy with your services. Otherwise, you welcome their suggestions for improving yourself.
A benefit of this strategy is that these “free clients” could become eventually regular paying clients. Or, they could refer paying clients to you later on.
If You’re Already Freelancing
Make it a point to always ask your clients for feedback, or a testimonial, as soon as you complete each job. This is when your performance is still fresh in their minds. You could send a feedback request along with the official receipt for their payment, for example.
But no matter how diligent you are about requesting client testimonials, it’s possible for some to not respond right away. Don’t take it personally; they’re probably as busy as, or busier, than you are. Send a gentle reminder a few days later.
Another way to get testimonials is by offering to write the testimonial for them. Personally, I never do this. I prefer for my clients to use their own words. If you do use this strategy, make sure to get your clients’ approval of the testimonial before using it.
As an alternative, give you clients guide questions. Three questions should be enough and won’t overwhelm even the busiest clients. Ask for specific results and as many details as possible.
You may also want to make minor revisions to some of your clients’ testimonials, to make them more specific and compelling. If you do, get your client’s clearance.
This is a tough task for a Sunday – but it’s a critical one. Let us know how it goes by posting a comment below.
Lexi
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New at The Savvy Freelancer: Day 11: Get Proof of Your Freelancing Prowess http://is.gd/4dTtA
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
RT @lexirodrigo: New at The Savvy Freelancer: Day 11: Get Proof of Your Freelancing Prowess http://is.gd/4dTtA
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
This is currently where I’m at, collecting testimonials. I also do a job cheap with the testimonial as part of the payment. Thanks for the info, this is what I’m working on.
Chris Anderson´s last blog ..OMV Update Oct. 11th
RT @lexirodrigo Day 11: Get Proof of Your Freelancing Prowess | The Savvy Freelancer http://bit.ly/BAuTP
This comment was originally posted on Twitter