How to Follow Up on a Testimonial Request Without Being Annoying
Most testimonials come from the follow-up, not the first ask. Learn how to nudge customers politely and double your response rate.
The data is consistent: a large share of testimonials arrive only after a follow-up. People are not ignoring you — they are busy. A well-timed, gracious nudge is the difference between a quiet inbox and a full Wall of Love.
Wait three days, then nudge once
One follow-up after roughly three days captures most of the people who meant to respond and forgot. A second nudge has diminishing returns and risks irritation.
Reverse the effort
Offer to do the work: “Happy to draft something based on our last call — just reply ‘yes’ and approve it.” This converts the silent majority.
Add an easy opt-out
Explicitly giving permission to say no (“totally fine to skip”) paradoxically increases yeses by removing pressure.
Reference the original moment
Remind them why you asked: “After the great results last month, I’d love a quick line.” Context re-activates the goodwill.
Know when to stop
If two messages go unanswered, move on gracefully. Pushing further damages the relationship for a single quote that is not worth it.
Key takeaways
- One follow-up at ~3 days captures most responders.
- Offer to draft it for them.
- Give explicit permission to decline.
- Stop after two messages.
Frequently asked questions
How many times should I follow up?
Once, occasionally twice. Beyond that you risk the relationship for marginal gain.
What if they say they’re too busy?
Offer to draft it for their approval. Most “too busy” responses convert when the writing burden is removed.
Collect testimonials like this with Credibuilt
You don’t need a developer or a video crew. Credibuilt gives you a branded collect link, an approval inbox, and a one‑line Wall of Love embed that loads in milliseconds. It’s free forever — start collecting in under two minutes.
Keep reading: Testimonial Request Email Subject Lines That Actually Get Opened