As a beginner freelance writer, getting your first clients can be one of the biggest challenges. With no track record, you’re essentially asking strangers to take a chance on you — and that’s never easy. But there’s one tool that can instantly increase your credibility, even when you have little experience: testimonials.
Client testimonials are more than just kind words — they’re powerful social proof. They show future clients that someone else has hired you, trusted you, and been happy with the results. And that, in today’s competitive freelance market, can be the difference between getting ignored and getting hired.
This article will teach you how to collect, format, and strategically use testimonials to build authority, strengthen your portfolio, and create momentum in your freelance career — even if you’re just getting started.
What Are Testimonials and Why Do They Matter?
A testimonial is a short statement from a previous client or collaborator, expressing their satisfaction with your work. It usually highlights:
- The type of project you worked on
- The quality or outcome of your writing
- Your communication and professionalism
- Whether they would recommend you
But what makes testimonials so effective?
1. They reduce risk
Hiring a freelancer — especially online — always involves risk. Testimonials act as proof that others have worked with you and had a good experience.
2. They create emotional connection
Future clients are more likely to trust real human experiences than technical descriptions of your skills.
3. They answer silent questions
When someone reads a testimonial, it often answers concerns they might not voice:
“Will this writer understand my tone?”
“Will they meet deadlines?”
“Are they easy to work with?”
Testimonials help answer those questions — from a voice other than your own.
When to Ask for a Testimonial
Timing matters. Asking at the wrong time can feel awkward, but asking at the right time makes it natural.
Best moments to ask:
- Right after a successful delivery: The client is happy, and the experience is fresh.
- After positive feedback: If the client says “Great job!” or “This is exactly what I needed,” that’s your moment.
- After a series of small jobs: Even if you didn’t work on a big project, a few positive interactions are enough.
- At the end of a retainer or ongoing contract: Perfect timing to wrap up with a summary and a request for feedback.
The key is to ask while the goodwill is still fresh.
How to Ask for a Testimonial (Without Sounding Pushy)
Here’s a simple, non-intrusive message you can send:
“Hi [Client’s Name],
It was a pleasure working with you on [project name]! If you’re happy with how everything turned out, I’d really appreciate a short testimonial I could include in my portfolio or LinkedIn profile.
No pressure at all — just a sentence or two about your experience working with me would be great! Let me know if that’s okay. 🙂
Thanks again!”
Tips to make it easy for the client:
- Be brief and respectful of their time
- Offer an example if they’re unsure what to write
- Make it optional — not demanding
- Allow them to review the final version before publishing
Most satisfied clients are more than happy to help — especially if the experience was smooth and professional.
How to Use Testimonials on Different Platforms
Once you have 2–3 testimonials, the next step is using them strategically. Here’s how to showcase them in places that matter:
1. Your Portfolio Page
Dedicate a section titled “What Clients Are Saying” or “Testimonials”. Keep it clean and easy to read.
Example layout:
🗣️ “Lucas understood my audience from the start and delivered articles that matched our tone perfectly. Fast delivery, zero revisions — highly recommended!”
— Marina R., Content Manager, Tech Start-up
Include the person’s name, title (if applicable), and company (if permitted).
2. On LinkedIn
- Ask clients to write the testimonial directly as a LinkedIn Recommendation
- Or post a quote as an image with a caption like:
“Appreciate this kind feedback from a recent project!”
This adds social proof to your professional presence.
3. On Freelance Platforms (99Freelas, Upwork, etc.)
These platforms already have built-in review systems. After a project, kindly ask the client to leave a public rating.
On Workana or 99Freelas, good reviews increase your score and profile visibility — leading to more invites and trust from future clients.
4. In Proposal Emails or Messages
Use a short line from a testimonial in your proposal:
“I recently worked on a similar project for a health blog — the client said:
‘This is the best article we’ve published all year.’”
This gives your proposal more credibility than just listing your skills.
5. On Your Personal Website
If you build your own website or blog, include testimonials:
- On the homepage
- On your “Hire Me” or “Services” page
- In case studies or writing samples
A real client’s words carry more weight than self-promotion.
What Makes a Good Testimonial?
Not all testimonials are equal. A great testimonial is:
- Specific — mentions the type of work or result
- Personal — shows the client’s voice and experience
- Concise — 1–3 sentences is enough
- Permissioned — you’ve asked to share it publicly
Compare:
❌ “Good writer.”
✅ “Ana helped us rewrite our product pages in a tone that truly reflects our brand. The process was smooth and fast — we’ll definitely work with her again.”
If a client sends something too vague, you can politely ask to expand it, or even rephrase and ask for approval.
What If You Don’t Have Clients Yet?
Great question — and here’s the good news: you don’t need paid clients to get testimonials.
Here’s how:
1. Do small sample projects for free (strategically)
Choose 1–2 small business owners, content creators, or non-profits you like. Offer to write a blog post, bio, or product description in exchange for a testimonial — not for ongoing free work.
Be clear:
“I’m building my portfolio and would love to write a free blog post for your site in exchange for honest feedback I can use publicly.”
2. Ask former colleagues or professors
If you’ve written content in any previous role — even internal reports or academic writing — those who read it can offer a character reference.
“Lucas has always been a clear, thoughtful writer who meets deadlines. His ability to explain complex topics simply is a strength.”
3. Ask collaborators or classmates (if you’ve done writing exercises together)
Even other beginner writers can vouch for your skills and professionalism.
The point is: start building credibility early. One or two good quotes can go a long way.
Keep Collecting as You Grow
Testimonials aren’t one-time achievements. Make it a habit:
- Every time you finish a project, ask
- When a client compliments you — capture it
- When someone recommends you — document it
Over time, you’ll build a bank of client feedback you can draw from in marketing, proposals, and negotiations.
