How to Get Testimonials From Your Clients

Many bookkeepers feel uncomfortable asking clients for testimonials. It can feel awkward or even a bit bold. But testimonials are one of the most powerful marketing tools for a bookkeeping business.

When I ask bookkeepers to ask their clients for a testimonial that they can use in their marketing, invariably I see them squirm in their chair a bit.

It's not in our nature to be so bold it seems.

Why Bookkeepers Struggle to Ask for Testimonials

There is something about the nature of bookkeeping work that makes this feel uncomfortable. Many of us are used to being the quiet professional in the background, making sure everything runs smoothly but not necessarily drawing attention to ourselves.

Asking for a testimonial can feel a bit like stepping into the spotlight, and that can feel unfamiliar.

But your clients already know the value you bring. Usually they are grateful for the work you do and happy to say so. They just need to be asked.

But more than that, this is a time when imposter syndrome can make an appearance.

What often comes up is the fear that you're not really any good at what you do, and what if your clients take this opportunity to tell you so!

What if your clients say no, that they're not comfortable referring you to others?!

The reality is that in all my years of my own bookkeeping business and my clients' bookkeeping businesses, we've never once had a client do anything remotely like that.

What usually happens is that they say, sure, I'd be delighted to.

What happens after that can vary.

A common scenario is that they're only too happy to write one for you, but despite their best intentions they never seem to get around to it.

This is usually because they want to do right by you and make it good but they're not great with words and it feels like a big task that they need to give their full attention to.

We have to make it easy for them.

4 Simple Ways to Get Testimonials From Clients

1. Use your client's own words

Often our clients will say something as part of a bigger email to us that we can use as a testimonial. In that case what I do is reply with a thank you and ask if I can use their words in my marketing. Like this:

"I just want to say THANK YOU! 🙂 for your patience with me and helping me with my business and keeping me accountable. Your input is invaluable 🙂 I am inspired, so thank you."
- Stella Vockins - Count Me In

I love that you're inspired!! Thank you so much for saying, you are welcome. By the way, this is an awesome testimonial thank you. Are you OK if I use it in my marketing??
- Stephanie

Keep an eye out for moments like this in everyday communication with your clients. Sometimes a quick thank-you email, a comment on a Zoom call, or a message after you've helped them through something stressful will contain exactly the kind of feedback that makes a powerful testimonial.

When that happens, just ask permission to use their words. Most clients are more than happy for you to share it, especially when they realise it might help other businesses find the support they need.

2. Make the request easy

You don't want your clients to feel that it's a big task so sometimes wording is important. I recently sent out a few emails asking for testimonials and the wording I used made it clear that I didn't want them to take a lot of time with this. Feel free to copy this and use it yourself:

"I was wondering if you would mind writing a sentence or two for me as a testimonial as I launch my online course for bookkeepers. I would really appreciate it.

Doesn’t have to be long, but something that speaks to the transformation that my coaching has meant for you and your business so far, and that you wouldn’t mind me quoting with a photo of you.

Would you mind? Just hit reply to this email and say what’s off the top of your head."
- Stephanie

"Stephanie did more than change my business, she changed my life and I could never thank her enough. Because of her my business is booming, my family life is happier, and my confidence in myself has never been higher. Working with her has been the best decision I've ever made and I highly recommend her to anyone looking to turn their bookkeeping business into their dream life!"
- Please feel free to use this anywhere it can be helpful for you and with any picture you can find of me."
- Tasha Glasman, Mint and Honey Bookkeeping

The key thing to remember is that people are busy. Even clients who genuinely want to help you may struggle to sit down and write something thoughtful from scratch.

That’s why keeping the request simple works so well. When you ask for just a sentence or two, it removes the pressure and makes it much more likely they will respond straight away.

3. Record Testimonials Instead of Writing Them

Next time you're meeting your client face-to-face (in person or on Zoom), you can ask them specific questions they can answer off the cuff. Ask them beforehand obviously, if you can record their response and turn it into a testimonial.

Audio may be better sometimes as some people can get nervous on camera. Use the voice recorder on your phone.

You can also upload the video or audio file to a platform such as otter.ai and it will transcribe it for you.

This approach often works brilliantly because people are usually far more comfortable speaking than writing. When they’re simply answering a question about their experience, the words come much more naturally.

You might ask questions like:

• What was your biggest challenge before we started working together?

• What difference has having your bookkeeping sorted made for your business?

• What would you say to another business owner thinking about working with a bookkeeper?

4. Write the testimonial for them

Sometimes the best way to get this done is to write it for them. Usually this comes at the request of a client who you have been working with for a while, and they just want you to write something and they will approve it.

Even though they are more than happy to refer you, they are grateful that this is another task that you can do for them.

If you do this, keep it honest and reflective of their experience. Send it to them with a note saying something like:

“I’ve drafted something based on the work we’ve done together. Feel free to edit it so it sounds like you.”

Clients often appreciate this approach because it removes the effort for them while still allowing them to approve exactly what is shared.

Why Client Testimonials Are Powerful Marketing for Bookkeepers

Testimonials help future clients see themselves in the stories of the businesses you already support. When someone reads about another business owner who was stressed about their numbers, overwhelmed by their accounts, or unsure about their finances, they immediately recognise their own situation.

That connection builds trust before they have even spoken to you.

So don't be afraid to ask your clients for testimonials. What they reply with will often bring you almost to tears, in a good way, and reassure you that you are valued, and it's brilliant marketing collateral.

If you haven't updated your testimonials for a while, it might be worth reaching out to a few of your favourite clients this week. You may be surprised by what they say about working with you.

PS: You could also check out testimonials about me. Get in touch if you're looking for support to build and grow your bookkeeping business and create a life you love.