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Guide · As the provider
How to ask a client for a review or referral
Happy clients are often glad to help. Here’s how to ask.
Pick the right moment
Right after a job they’re happy with, while it’s fresh.
What you might want to sayHey, remember that job last spring?
Porcupine · Soft start-up“Remember that job last spring?” asks them to dig up a memory. “Glad the new deck is working out!” starts from the job they just loved.
What might land betterGlad the new deck is working out! Could I ask a quick favor?
Ask simply
A plain ask is easier to answer than a pile of qualifiers.
Honest and hearable ›What you might want to sayIf it’s not too much trouble, and only if you want, maybe you could possibly leave a review sometime?
Porcupine · A clear, doable request“If it’s not too much trouble, and only if you want, maybe” buries the ask. “Would you be willing to leave a short review?” is the ask.
What might land betterI’m so glad you’re happy with it. Would you be willing to leave a short review? It really helps my business.
Make it easy
Send the link, and say a sentence or two is plenty.
What you might want to sayJust look me up somewhere.
Porcupine · A clear, doable request“Look me up somewhere” is homework. A link, and “a sentence or two,” is a minute.
What might land betterHere’s the link. A sentence or two is plenty.
Make it easy to say no
Leaving room for a no keeps it comfortable.
Ask, don’t pressure ›What you might want to sayIt would really mean a lot if you’d do this.
Porcupine · Ask without guilt or leverage“It would really mean a lot” adds pressure. “No pressure at all” takes it away.
What might land betterNo pressure at all.
Thank them either way
Whether or not they write one, thank them for their business.
Us against the problem ›What you might want to sayCool.
Porcupine · Say what you appreciate“Cool” is short for thanks. “Thanks again for your business” says it in full.
What might land betterThanks again for your business. It was great working with you.
The common mistake
Waiting months to ask
By the time a project is a distant memory, it’s harder for clients to write something. Ask while it’s fresh, ideally within a few days of finishing.
If it doesn’t go the way you hoped
What they might say, and what you could say back.
If they saySure, I’ll do it later.
You could sayThank you! Here’s the link again, for whenever you’re ready.
If they sayI don’t really do reviews.
You could sayNo problem at all. Thanks for your business.
If they sayCould I just tell a friend about you instead?
You could sayThat would be wonderful. Thank you!
Putting it together
The whole message, before and after.
What you might want to sayIf it’s not too much trouble, and only if you want, maybe you could possibly leave a review sometime?
Porcupine · A clear, doable requestGlad they’re happy, a simple ask, the link and an easy out. It asks for a small favor in the easiest way.
What might land betterI’m so glad you’re happy with it. Would you be willing to leave a short review? A sentence or two is plenty, and here’s the link. No pressure at all. Thanks again for your business.
Run a Quills Check on yours
Write what you want to say, however it comes out. I’ll show you if the quills are up, and a version with them down.
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Common questions
When is the best time to ask?
Right after a job they’re happy with, while it’s fresh. A day or two later works too.
How often can I follow up?
Once, lightly, is enough. After that, let it go.
Should I offer something in return?
Many review sites don’t allow rewards for reviews. A sincere thank you is enough.
Know someone this would help?
Send them this guide. The link shows its title and one of its examples.
Find the words with Porcupine
PorcupineIf they don’t reply, I’ll help you follow up once, lightly.
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Guides are general information, not legal, financial or professional advice. If you’re afraid of how someone might react, put your safety first and talk to someone you trust (Safety first).