12 Testimonial Request Email Templates That Get Replies (2026)
Most testimonial request emails get ignored. Not because customers don't want to help — but because the ask is vague, badly timed, or too much work.
These 12 templates fix that. Each one is tested, copy-paste ready, and designed around a simple formula: make it easy, make it specific, make it feel good.
What's Inside
Why Most Testimonial Requests Fail
Before the templates — let's talk about why your current approach probably isn't working:
- Too vague: "Can you leave us a review?" gives no direction
- Too much friction: Asking someone to write a paragraph from scratch is a big ask
- Bad timing: Asking before the customer has experienced results
- No specific format: People freeze when they don't know what to say
The fix? Give them a link, a prompt, and a reason. That's what these templates do.
💡 Pro tip: Use a tool like Praised to create a beautiful collection page with guided prompts — then just drop the link into any of these templates. Response rates jump 2-3× when you give people a simple form instead of asking them to write an email back.
1. The Simple Ask
Best for: Any customer you have a good relationship with. No fancy timing needed.
Subject: Quick favor? (30 seconds)
Hey [Name],
Hope you're doing well! I'm collecting a few testimonials for [Company/Product] and you were one of the first people I thought of.
Would you mind sharing a quick sentence or two about your experience? I made it super easy — just click here: [collection link]
Takes about 30 seconds. No pressure either way!
Thanks,
[Your name]
2. After a Win
Best for: Right after delivering results, closing a project, or getting a compliment. Strike while the iron is hot.
Subject: So glad that worked out 🎉
Hey [Name],
Really glad to hear [specific result — e.g., "the new site is converting 2× better" / "you loved the final designs"]. That made my day.
Would you mind putting that in a quick testimonial? It helps other people like you find us. Here's a simple form: [collection link]
Even one sentence is gold. Thanks for being awesome!
[Your name]
3. After a Milestone
Best for: Subscription renewals, 6-month anniversaries, hitting usage milestones.
Subject: You've been with us [X months] — thank you 🙏
Hey [Name],
Just noticed you've been using [Product] for [X months] now. That means a lot to us — seriously.
If you've got 30 seconds, would you share what's kept you around? [collection link]
Your words help other [target audience] discover us, and we'd love to feature yours.
Thanks for sticking with us,
[Your name]
4. For SaaS Products
Best for: Software products where users have measurable outcomes.
Subject: How's [Product] working for you?
Hey [Name],
You've been using [Product] for a bit now and I'd love to hear how it's going.
If it's saved you time, helped you [specific outcome], or just made your life easier — would you mind sharing that in a quick testimonial? [collection link]
Takes less than a minute and helps us keep building the features you care about.
Cheers,
[Your name]
5. For Agencies & Freelancers
Best for: After project delivery when the client is happy with results.
Subject: Would love your feedback on our work together
Hey [Name],
Now that the [project name] is wrapped up, I wanted to check in — how are you feeling about everything?
If you're happy with how things turned out, would you mind sharing a quick testimonial? It really helps me land more clients like you (which is the best kind). [collection link]
No worries if you're too busy. And if there's anything I can improve, I'm all ears on that too.
Thanks for being great to work with,
[Your name]
6. For E-commerce
Best for: Post-purchase, especially after the customer has had time to use the product.
Subject: How are you liking your [product]?
Hey [Name],
You ordered [product] about [timeframe] ago — how's it working out?
If you love it, we'd be thrilled if you shared a quick review. Other shoppers really rely on honest feedback: [collection link]
As a thank you, here's [10% off your next order / free shipping code]: [CODE]
Thanks!
The [Brand] Team
Stop copy-pasting. Automate it.
Praised lets you send testimonial requests directly from your dashboard — with a beautiful collection form, star ratings, and one-click approve. Free to start.
Start Collecting Free →7. The Follow-Up
Best for: When your first ask went unanswered. Most testimonials come from the follow-up, not the first email.
Subject: Re: Quick favor? (still just 30 seconds)
Hey [Name],
Just bumping this up — I know you're busy! If you've got a spare minute, I'd really appreciate a quick testimonial: [collection link]
Even just one sentence like "I liked X because Y" is perfect. No pressure at all.
[Your name]
📊 Data point: Follow-up emails get 40% of total testimonial responses. If you're only sending one ask, you're leaving nearly half your testimonials on the table.
8. The Gentle Nudge
Best for: Customers who are busy or might feel awkward writing about themselves.
Subject: No pressure — but I wrote a starter for you
Hey [Name],
I know writing testimonials can feel awkward (what do I even say, right?). So I drafted something based on our work together — feel free to edit, rewrite, or toss it entirely:
"Working with [Your name/company] on [project] was great. They [specific thing you did well] and the results were [outcome]."
If that's close, you can just submit it here (or tweak it): [collection link]
And if it's totally off, no worries — tell me what you'd change!
[Your name]
9. The Specific Ask
Best for: Getting testimonials that address specific objections your prospects have.
Subject: Quick question about your experience
Hey [Name],
I'm collecting feedback and had a specific question for you:
What was your biggest hesitation before [buying/signing up], and how did things turn out?
A sentence or two would be amazing: [collection link]
This helps people who are on the fence right now make a confident decision.
Thanks!
[Your name]
10. LinkedIn Testimonial Request
Best for: B2B relationships where a LinkedIn recommendation would carry weight.
Subject: Would you write a LinkedIn recommendation?
Hey [Name],
Our work on [project] was one of my favorite collaborations this year. Would you be open to writing a quick LinkedIn recommendation?
If you'd also share a testimonial I can use on my website, even better — here's the link: [collection link]
Happy to return the favor if you'd like one too!
[Your name]
11. Video Testimonial Request
Best for: Customers who already gave a great text testimonial and are open to more.
Subject: Would you record a 30-second video?
Hey [Name],
Your testimonial was incredible — thank you again. I have a (slightly bigger) ask: would you be open to recording a quick 30-second video saying something similar?
It doesn't need to be polished at all — phone camera, natural lighting, just you being you. Here are a few prompts if helpful:
• What problem were you facing before?
• What changed after using [Product]?
• Would you recommend it?
Totally understand if that's too much. Your text testimonial is already gold.
[Your name]
12. The Testimonial + Referral Combo
Best for: Turning happy customers into advocates who bring you new business.
Subject: Know anyone who'd benefit from [Product]?
Hey [Name],
You've been using [Product] for a while and it seems like a great fit — which makes me think you might know others who'd benefit too.
Two quick asks (pick one or both!):
1. Share a testimonial: [collection link] (30 seconds)
2. Refer a friend: If someone comes to mind, just intro me — I'll take it from there
Either one means the world. Thanks for being part of this!
[Your name]
Making These Templates Work Even Better
Templates are a starting point. Here's how to maximize your response rate:
Use a collection page instead of "reply to this email"
Asking someone to write a free-form email reply is high friction. A dedicated form with prompts, star ratings, and a clear submit button converts 2-3× better. Praised gives you this out of the box.
Personalize at least one line
Reference their specific project, result, or something they said. Generic templates feel generic — one personal line makes it feel like a real conversation.
Keep the subject line short and casual
Best performers: "Quick favor?", "30 seconds?", "How's it going?". Worst: "We'd love your feedback on your experience with [Company Name]".
Send at the right time
- Tuesday-Thursday mornings get the highest open rates
- After a win (project delivery, positive result, compliment)
- At milestones (renewal, anniversary, usage milestone)
- Never on Friday afternoons or Mondays
Always follow up once
40% of testimonials come from the follow-up. Wait 3-5 days, keep it short, and make it easy to say yes.
Automate Your Testimonial Collection
Praised gives you a branded collection page, email request tool, one-click approval, and embeddable widgets. Set it up in 2 minutes — free plan available.
Try Praised Free →FAQ
When is the best time to ask for a testimonial?
Right after a positive interaction — a successful project delivery, a compliment, a milestone hit, or a support issue resolved. Strike while the sentiment is warm.
How many follow-ups should I send?
Send 1-2 follow-ups spaced 3-5 days apart. Most testimonials come from the first follow-up, not the initial ask. After 2 follow-ups, stop — you don't want to damage the relationship.
Should I offer incentives for testimonials?
Small gestures like a discount or free month are fine, but avoid paying cash for testimonials. Authenticity matters — readers can tell when testimonials feel forced or transactional.
How do I get video testimonials?
Start with text testimonials (lower friction), then ask your best respondents if they'd record a quick 30-60 second video. Provide specific prompts and let them use their phone — polished production isn't necessary.
What if a customer says no?
Respect it and move on. Some people are private or busy. You can ask if they'd prefer an anonymous testimonial or a star rating instead — lower commitment options often work.
The Bottom Line
Collecting testimonials isn't about begging for praise. It's about making it easy for happy customers to share what they already feel.
Pick a template, personalize it, drop in a collection link, and send it today. You'll be surprised how many people say yes when you just ask the right way.