How to Always Get a Testimonial From Your Web Design Clients
Most web designers don’t struggle with delivering great work.
They struggle with consistently receiving testimonials after a project is finished.
The issue usually isn’t client satisfaction — it’s timing, structure, and incentive.
There’s a simple way to make testimonials feel natural and easy for clients to give, without chasing them or sending repeated follow-ups.
It comes down to doing two things intentionally.
Step One: Turn the Testimonial Into Free Exposure for Your Client
When a client provides a testimonial, don’t just upload a block of text to your website.
Instead, publish it as a featured portfolio-style section that includes:
An image of their website
Their business name
A short testimonial quote
A link to their website
If appropriate, include their photo as well.
This does two important things:
It gives the client visible promotion and a backlink
It reframes the testimonial as mutual benefit, not a favor
From the client’s perspective, they’re not just “leaving a review.”
They’re being showcased.
When clients know their testimonial will actively promote their business, they’re far more willing — and often excited — to provide one.
Why This Works for Web Designers
Clients understand visibility. They understand exposure. They understand backlinks, traffic, and credibility.
By positioning testimonials as:
A feature
A highlight
A form of promotion
You remove friction entirely.
This approach also strengthens your own site by:
Adding social proof
Creating link-worthy portfolio content
Improving SEO through outbound relevance
It’s a win on both sides.
Step Two: Send a Thank-You Gift That Reflects Your Services
Once the testimonial is live, send a thank-you gift — not as a transaction, but as appreciation.
A simple gift basket works beautifully. Include:
A few of your own branded promotional products
Thoughtful, healthy snacks
A short note thanking them for their business and their testimonial
This moment matters more than most designers realize.
It reinforces professionalism. It creates goodwill. And it leaves a tangible impression that outlives the project.
Subtly Reinforcing Your Printed Goods Offering
If you offer printed goods or promotional products, this is also a natural opportunity to demonstrate what you provide.
By including your own branded materials in the gift, you’re quietly reminding them:
These are services I offer — thoughtfully, professionally, and with care.
There’s no sales pitch needed. The products speak for themselves.
Why This Guarantees Testimonials
When you:
Feature clients publicly with links and visuals
Make the testimonial feel valuable to them
Follow up with genuine appreciation
Testimonials stop feeling optional.
They become part of a respectful, reciprocal process.
Clients feel seen. They feel appreciated. And they’re far more likely to say yes — every time.
Make Testimonials Part of the Experience, Not an Afterthought
For web designers, testimonials shouldn’t be something you hope to receive at the end of a project.
They should be built into the experience itself.
Do these two things consistently:
Showcase your clients in a way that benefits them
Thank them in a way that reflects your brand
And testimonials become easy, natural, and reliable.
