A kinder way to say “please write a testimonial”
Why it can fall flat
“please write a testimonial”
Adding “please” to “please write a testimonial” makes a bare instruction sound like a favor you are calling in, and it leaves the reader guessing what to say. A better request asks for a short, honest comment about working together and makes it easy to give.
Say this instead
- 01
Would you be open to sharing a couple of sentences about working with us on the website project? A short quote would really help us show new clients what we do.
Client · Email
Fits a project that has just closed well, since naming the project and the size of the ask makes yes easy.
- 02
Hi Priya, thanks for choosing us! If you're happy with the service, could you reply with a line or two we can share as a review? No pressure either way.
Customer · SMS
Right after a good service moment, replying to a text keeps the effort very low.
- 03
Hey Jesse, would you be willing to write a few lines about working together on the migration? I'm updating my profile and your view would mean a lot.
Coworker · Chat
A peer who saw your work up close will respond to a clear reason and a specific project.
- 04
Would you be comfortable giving me a short recommendation for my profile, based on the Q3 reporting project? I can send a few points to make it quick to write.
Boss · Email
Offering talking points saves your manager time and makes a yes more likely.
- 05
Glad the launch went well! Could I quote you on that? A sentence or two would be perfect, and if it's easier I can draft a line for you to edit.
Client · Chat
Best right after the client has praised you, because it turns a compliment into a usable quote.
- 06
Would you share a couple of sentences on how the mentoring program worked for you? I'd like to include it in our team update. Totally fine to say no.
Someone you manage · Chat
The explicit opt-out matters when you manage the person, so the request does not read as an order.
- 07
If you have a minute, we'd appreciate a short review of your experience. Two or three sentences is plenty; what problem we helped with is the most useful part.
Customer · Email
Guidance on content and length stops people from putting the task off.
- 08
Hi Gautam, glad the repair is sorted. Would you mind texting back a sentence on how it went? We'd like to share it as feedback on our page.
Client · SMS
Small jobs and clients you already text suit this quick, informal request.
Examples
Hi Chloe, Thank you for such a smooth rollout of the new booking system. Your team's feedback made a real difference. Would you be willing to share two or three sentences about how the project went? I'd like to use it on our website, and I'm happy to draft something for you to adjust. Best regards, Arin
Hi Simon, really glad the training day was useful for your team. Would you mind writing a sentence or two about it that I could share? Happy to draft something if that's easier.
What to avoid
- Opening with a bare command instead of giving the reason and asking politely.
- Asking for something vague like “a nice review” without saying how long it should be or what to cover.
- Pushing for an answer or sending repeated reminders within a day or two.
- Writing the whole testimonial yourself and asking them to sign it, with no room for them to edit.
- Asking at a bad moment, such as before a problem is fully resolved.