Testimonials 101 For Freelancers: How to Leverage Testimonials as a Freelancer To Boost Sales and Retain More Clients

As a freelancer, you are a business owner.

You’re a creator. You’re a marketer and salesperson. A lot of the time, you’re customer support ??.

When it comes to building trust with potential clients, nothing is more powerful than testimonials.

A well-curated set of testimonials can turn your portfolio from good to game-changing, giving future clients the confidence they need to hire you.

So, how can you effectively gather testimonials, and why should you prioritize them?

Let’s dive into the “why” and “how” of testimonials for freelancers.

Why Do Testimonials Matter for Freelancers?

1. Testimonials Build Social Proof

When prospective clients see that others have trusted you and had positive experiences, they’re more likely to trust you too. Testimonials act as social proof that you’re credible, reliable, and skilled. This is particularly crucial in freelancing, where potential clients may have limited information about you beyond your portfolio…

2. Good Reviews Enhance Your Credibility

A portfolio can showcase your work, but testimonials speak directly to your work ethic, reliability, and communication skills — qualities that are harder to convey visually. Testimonials provide evidence from real people that you’re as capable and dependable as your portfolio suggests.

3. Testimonials Differentiate You from Competitors

Testimonials add a unique voice to your profile, one that competitors can’t replicate. If a client highlights your punctuality, patience, or knack for problem-solving, those qualities can make you stand out among freelancers with similar portfolios but fewer personal endorsements.

4. Reviews Support Higher Rates

When potential clients see that others value your work highly, it can justify a higher rate. Testimonials often focus on the value you bring, making it easier to position yourself as a premium freelancer.

How to Collect Powerful Testimonials

1. Request Testimonials at the Right Time

Timing is everything. Reach out for a testimonial when the client is most satisfied with your work — typically right after project completion. They’ll likely be enthusiastic about the results, and their positive experience will be fresh in their minds.

2. Make It Easy for the Client

Not everyone is comfortable writing testimonials. Simplify the process by asking specific questions to guide them, like:

• What made you choose me for this project?
• How did my work impact your business or project?
• Would you recommend me to others, and why?

Alternatively, you can write a draft based on your interactions and ask if they’re comfortable with it. Most clients appreciate this, as it saves them time while still allowing them to give honest feedback.

Clients also appreciate an easy way to leave testimonials — you can use Revyou to create a unique link where clients can leave you reviews. These reviews can then be edited, managed, and displayed on custom homepage.

3. Use Project Management Platforms

If you work through platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer.com , clients often leave reviews upon project completion. Take advantage of these reviews by asking clients for permission to display them on your personal site, review aggregator, or social media!

4. Follow Up with Past Clients

If you didn’t ask for a testimonial right after finishing a project, it’s not too late. Reach out to satisfied clients you’ve worked with in the past. They’ll often be happy to support you, especially if they had a memorable experience.

5. Use a Testimonial Request Template

Craft a polite and professional email template to request testimonials. A simple template might look like this:

Hi [Client’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well! I loved working on [project name] with you and am glad we could achieve [mention a successful outcome]. If you have a moment, I’d be so grateful if you could share a brief testimonial of our collaboration. This would really help others understand how I work and the value I strive to bring.

Thanks again, and I’m looking forward to staying in touch!

Best, [Your Name]

6. Express Gratitude

Once a client provides a testimonial, express your gratitude. Not only is this courteous, but it also strengthens your professional relationship. Happy clients are likely to give referrals and recommend you to others in their network.

Where to Display Testimonials for Maximum Impact

1. Your Website

Dedicate a section of your website to testimonials. You can display them prominently on your homepage, portfolio pages, or create a separate “Testimonials” page for more detailed client stories. Arrange testimonials in a way that highlights the different types of work you do and the range of clients you’ve helped.

2. Your Link-in-bio and Social Media Profiles

Social media is a great place to share testimonials, especially platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram where prospective clients are often active. Consider creating a visually appealing post for each testimonial or a highlight reel that shows various client feedback. Or include in your link-in-bio some of your favorite reviews to help convert anyone who visits the link.

Freelancers often use Revyou profiles as their link-in-bio to showcase their top links and reviews left for them by clients. Explore example profiles here .

3. Freelance Platforms

If you’re on freelance platforms, make sure you’re regularly collecting and responding to feedback there as well. Testimonials and ratings on these platforms can greatly impact your profile’s visibility and credibility.

4. Proposals and Pitches

Include snippets of testimonials in your proposals or pitches. If you’re reaching out directly to a potential client, a relevant quote can show them that you’re experienced and capable of solving their specific challenges.

Conclusion

Testimonials are essential to growing your freelance business.

They don’t just support your claims about your abilities — they give future clients tangible proof from real people.

Whether you’re just starting out or are an established freelancer, building a strong collection of testimonials can help establish you as a trustworthy, skilled, and sought-after professional.

So, as you complete each project, remember to ask for feedback and make testimonials an integral part of your growth strategy.

They’ll become one of your most valuable assets, helping you secure new opportunities and achieve long-term success in freelancing!