Get Life Coaching Client Testimonials That Rock...

Knowing how to get life coaching client testimonials easily from your happy clients will transform the way your prospective clients view your credibility. Read how to approach clients for a are credible and authentic endorsement. 

It's not what you way about yourself that often matters, it's what other people (in this case your clients) say about your coaching that may convince prospective clients that you are the coach for them.  Prospective clients will see testimonials as proof that you do actually get results for your clients in your life coaching and are not all spin.

So read on for help on how to get testimonials and use them effectively in your marketing.

Easy, Elegant Ways To Get Life Coaching Testimonials

There are a couple of things that can get in the way of getting life coaching client testimonials from your clients:

• You may be reluctant and even a little embarrassed to ask for a testimonial.
• The client may find it difficult to put the benefits into words, even if they are delighted. 

 How to set up a process for gathering testimonials easily

• If you have an intake questionnaire for new clients ask something like, “At the end of our coaching session/series, would you be willing to give me a life coaching client testimonial as to the benefits you received?”

• Make sure you complete each session by asking what the client got from that particular session. Keep notes, especially about anything that compliments your coaching skills.

• At the end of a cycle of sessions, you could use a series of coaching evaluation questions  to get quality feedback from your client. Use this list to ask the client about how they experienced your coaching and what they have achieved.   You can send out the questions but I have had much better results from asking personally and informally at the completion session.
  
  
•  If the client who is willing to give a testimonial seems stuck on what to say, ask if they would like you to put something together from your notes.  Then use complimentary remarks to create the testimonial.  
  

Using Testimonials On Your Website

Having a page of testimonials on your website or relevantly scattering among your content is a great way to back up your coaching services offered to prospective clients.

However one thing I would advise against is letting your website person talk you into having them as a moving graphic, whether video or text, on your site that changes after a just a couple of seconds.  Personally I find it most annoying if I am trying to read a testimonial and the screen moves on to the next one before I have time to even take in the first couple of sentences.  Either keep them short enough to be read in a second or two or pause long enough to at least get the full essence of the testimonial. 

How NOT To Get Testimonials that rock

I have noticed a trend among some new coaches to offer free coaching, either a single session or a series, in exchange for a testimonial. Even to offer to play swapsies on this basis with other new coaches.

This is NOT the way to get a testimonial and in my view is actually out of integrity in a profession that is about integrity.  Someone who has had something for free with this condition is not going to give a completely honest or negative review.

By all means offer sessions as you get started but it should be given without the proviso that a testimonial will be forthcoming at the end of it

Write it for them but ask for their approval

Send what you have written to the client  saying how much you have enjoyed working with them  and “This is what I have put together  as your life coaching client testimonial from my notes on our sessions. Do feel free to correct or edit it in any way”. Rarely have I found the client  makes any alterations.  They are just pleased to have you do it for them.

Ask permission to include their name and profession

The client may have a business website and, with permission, that should be included. If the client is an employee or executive coach a company name is wonderful but the client may balk at that for privacy reasons. At least get some initials and a location to identify the source of the testimonial.  A testimonial without any identification at all useless and has no credibility (it can look as if you have written it yourself).

What to do with a very long life coaching client testimonial

Pick a sentence or two of the most relevant bits and then have a link “to read this full testimonial” on your website or say “the full testimonial is available on request”.

What to do if a prospect wants to contact a past client 

Make sure you get permission. Even though the past client has provided a testimonial, it is not OK to pass on their details to the prospective client without permission and preferably a little information about who is likely to contact them. 

How To Get Life Coaching Client Testimonials Using Video

Video testimonials are comparatively new but, believe me, properly done, they can be very powerful. Here are some vital things to be aware of if you go down video testimonial path.

• Keep it short – around a minute is plenty – and the words from your client should be energetic and to the point. The best way to do this is to ask questions and then be prepared to do some editing so it all flows together.
  
• Make sure the sound is clear and your client's voice doesn’t sound as if it had been recorded in the bathroom. Also check out background noise.
  
• Keep the background simple and uncluttered. Watch out for things like plants looking as if they are growing out of your subjects head.
  
• Check that lighting is flattering and does not shadow your client's face and there are no reflections from glasses.

Video: Testimonials Are About The Client's Journey

I am a great fan of  expert marketer Cindy Schulson's work. This short video introduces a little about the value of testimonials to your successful life coaching marketing strategy and makes a special offer to attend her free webinar and free coaching testimonial template to help you collect and use these invaluable marketing gem from your clients.

It looks like you are using a mobile and so you may not be able to see the in-video linking. You can also join Cindy's webinar "3 Steps to Create an Authentic Message" and take advantage of her free coaching testimonial template, by clicking here.

Some Coaching Testimonials Examples

As you can see, mastering how to get life coaching client testimonials needn't be a drama.

Here are a few examples from my files and a short description on the process of getting them. Read each one and you will get the picture on how you can help your clients to help you.

Example 1
This was a spontaneous testimonial in answer to a question on the coaching evaluation form. I could have shortened it easily if necessary.

Coaching with Wendy has been one of the most powerful experiences of my life. It is not often, in fact sometimes ever, that you can sit down and get completely present with yourself, and have someone be there to LISTEN to everything your thinking and feeling. And then in addition to just listening, help to equip you with the tools that you need to deal with the challenges life throws your way and work out what you really want and need from a situation. Wendy coached me through two of the biggest decisions I have made in my life so far, and it was because of her guidance and support that I felt I had the confidence to make these decisions. I am now living a bold life that I love and will continue to use what I have learned from my coaching for years to come.
Kyla Raby, Team Leader, World Youth International

Example 2
I wrote this one for the client to who was willing but  needed hep in writing a testimonial. He then edited minimally. As I said, don’t be shy, be willing to own how well you have coached.

When I started working with Wendy my life was pretty out of control both personally and financially. I was in overwhelm! With Wendy’s help and support I cleaned up my act and set some specific goals. As a result I am now managing my finances more effectively, feel in control of my work and home environment and even my dating techniques have improved. Coaching with Wendy has definitely been a worthwhile investment.
Alex Smith, Actuary

Example 3
This one was extracted from a longer testimonial letter:

Originally I approached Wendy for help with goal setting. As I worked with her and got to know her strengths better, Wendy's role broadened to one of a business coach and mentor, a role she fills very well. I have found Wendy professional, perceptive, practical and a real asset to my business direction. Catherine Saxelby Consultant Nutritionist and Food Writer.

So you see even if your clients are not that articulate in expressing their appreciation for your coaching, there are lots of ways to help them along.

If for some reason, they don't want their name used on the testimonial, suggest their initials only. Aim also to get permission to use their occupation and location as this gives your coaching scope extra credibility.

I hope this has helped you learn how to get testimonials. And finally let me tell you again - credible testimonials are a fabulous and free marketing tool.