How to Get Powerful Testimonials From Coaching Clients

Testimonials are your most powerful marketing asset. A genuine endorsement from a happy client carries more weight than anything you could say about yourself. Yet most coaches have few or weak testimonials because they don't ask effectively.

When to Ask

Timing matters. Request testimonials when:

Client achieves a significant milestone
They spontaneously praise your work
At the natural end of an engagement
During a particularly impactful session

Don't ask struggling clients or too early in the relationship.

How to Ask

Make it easy and specific:

"I'm so glad coaching has been valuable for you. Would you be willing to share a brief testimonial about your experience? It really helps other people who are considering coaching to hear from someone who's done it."

Guiding Better Testimonials

Generic testimonials ("Great coach!") don't help. Guide clients with prompts:

What was your situation before coaching?
What specific results have you achieved?
What was most valuable about working together?
What would you tell someone considering coaching?

Testimonial Formats

Written - Easy to get, easy to use
Video - Most powerful, higher barrier
Audio - Good middle ground
Case study - Detailed story format

Using Testimonials

Website testimonials page
Scattered throughout your site
Proposals to specific clients
Social media (with permission)
Email sequences

Permission and Privacy

Always get explicit permission
Ask if they want full name, first name only, or anonymous
Some clients prefer title/industry over name
Offer to let them approve final version