Video testimonials are a powerful tool for building trust and credibility with potential customers. But asking for them can feel awkward or intrusive if not done properly. This comprehensive guide provides 12 proven email templates to help you successfully request video testimonials from your satisfied customers, along with best practices for maximizing your response rate.
Table of Contents
- Why Video Testimonials Matter
- Best Practices for Requesting Video Testimonials
- 12 Email Templates to Request Video Testimonials
- Template 1: The Straightforward Ask
- Template 2: The Grateful Approach
- Template 3: The Milestone Celebration
- Template 4: The Exclusive Opportunity
- Template 5: The Incentive Offer
- Template 6: The Personal Touch
- Template 7: The Social Proof Angle
- Template 8: The Quick and Easy Pitch
- Template 9: The Feedback Request
- Template 10: The Story Sharing Invitation
- Template 11: The Industry Impact
- Template 12: The Follow-Up
- How to Make It Easy for Customers to Submit Video Testimonials
- What to Do After Receiving Video Testimonials
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Conclusion
Why Video Testimonials Matter
Video testimonials have become an essential component of modern marketing strategies. They offer a level of authenticity and persuasion that written reviews simply can't match. Here's why video testimonials are so impactful:
Build Trust: Seeing real customers share their experiences creates an immediate sense of trust and credibility.
Showcase Personality: Video allows customers to convey emotion, enthusiasm, and sincerity in a way that text cannot.
Improve Conversion Rates: Studies show that including video testimonials on landing pages can increase conversions by up to 80%.
Boost SEO: Video content can improve your website's search engine rankings and increase time spent on page.
Versatile Content: Video testimonials can be repurposed across multiple marketing channels, from social media to email campaigns.
Address Objections: Hearing how other customers overcame initial doubts can help persuade potential buyers.
Humanize Your Brand: Put a face to your satisfied customers and create a more personal connection with your audience.
By leveraging the power of video testimonials, you can significantly enhance your marketing efforts and drive business growth.
Best Practices for Requesting Video Testimonials
Before diving into the email templates, it's crucial to understand the best practices for requesting video testimonials. These guidelines will help you increase your chances of success:
Time It Right: Ask for a testimonial when the customer is most likely to be satisfied, such as after a successful project completion or a positive interaction with your support team.
Be Specific: Clearly explain what you're asking for and why it's important. Provide guidance on the desired length and content of the video testimonial.
Make It Easy: Provide clear instructions and any necessary tools or platforms for recording and submitting the video testimonial.
Offer Incentives: Consider offering a small reward or discount as a token of appreciation for their time and effort.
Personalize Your Request: Tailor your email to the individual customer, referencing specific experiences or achievements they've had with your product or service.
Follow Up: If you don't receive a response, send a gentle reminder after a week or two. Sometimes people intend to help but simply forget.
Be Grateful: Always thank the customer for their time, whether they agree to provide a testimonial or not.
Provide a Deadline: Give a reasonable timeframe for submission to create a sense of urgency and prevent the request from being forgotten.
Offer Assistance: Let customers know you're available to answer any questions or provide support throughout the process.
Be Transparent: Clearly explain how you intend to use the video testimonial and ask for their permission to do so.
By following these best practices, you'll create a positive experience for your customers and increase the likelihood of receiving high-quality video testimonials.
12 Email Templates to Request Video Testimonials
Now that we've covered the importance of video testimonials and best practices for requesting them, let's explore 12 effective email templates you can use to ask your customers for video testimonials.
Template 1: The Straightforward Ask
Subject: Share Your Success Story - Video Testimonial Request
Dear [Customer Name],
We hope you're enjoying [Product/Service Name]. Your success is important to us, and we'd love to showcase it to inspire others.
Would you be willing to record a brief 1-2 minute video testimonial about your experience with [Product/Service Name]? Your insights would be invaluable in helping potential customers understand the real-world benefits of our solution.
To make it easy, we've set up a simple recording platform here: [Link to Recording Platform]
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for considering our request. Your support means the world to us.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Company]
Template 2: The Grateful Approach
Subject: Thank You - We'd Love to Feature Your Story
Dear [Customer Name],
We wanted to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for your continued support of [Company Name]. Customers like you are the reason we do what we do.
We're reaching out because we believe your success story could inspire others. Would you be open to sharing your experience in a short video testimonial?
Here's what we're looking for:
- A 1-2 minute video
- Your honest thoughts on how [Product/Service Name] has impacted your business
- Any specific results or improvements you've seen
We've made the process quick and easy. Simply use this link to record your video: [Link to Recording Platform]
As a token of our appreciation, we'd like to offer you [Incentive, e.g., a $50 account credit] for taking the time to share your story.
Thank you for considering this request. We're excited to potentially feature your success!
Warmly,
[Your Name]
[Your Company]
Template 3: The Milestone Celebration
Subject: Celebrating Your Success - Video Testimonial Opportunity
Dear [Customer Name],
Congratulations on [Specific Milestone, e.g., one year with our service, reaching 10,000 customers, etc.]! We're thrilled to have been a part of your journey and wanted to celebrate this achievement with you.
To mark this special occasion, we'd love to feature your success story in a video testimonial. Your experience could be incredibly valuable for others looking to achieve similar results.
Would you be willing to record a short 1-2 minute video sharing your journey with [Product/Service Name]? We're particularly interested in hearing about:
- The challenges you faced before using our solution
- How [Product/Service Name] has helped your business grow
- Any unexpected benefits you've discovered
We've set up an easy-to-use recording platform here: [Link to Recording Platform]
As a thank you for your time, we'd like to offer you [Incentive, e.g., a free month of service or an exclusive consultation].
Let us know if you have any questions. We're here to help make this process as smooth as possible.
Here's to many more milestones together!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Company]
Template 4: The Exclusive Opportunity
Subject: Exclusive Invitation: Be Featured in Our Success Stories
Dear [Customer Name],
We hope this email finds you well. We're reaching out with an exclusive opportunity to be featured in our upcoming customer success campaign.
Given your remarkable results with [Product/Service Name], we believe your story could be incredibly inspiring to others in the [Industry/Niche] space.
We're inviting a select group of our most successful customers to participate in video testimonials. Would you be interested in sharing your experience?
Here's what's involved:
- A brief 1-2 minute video testimonial
- Sharing specific ways [Product/Service Name] has impacted your business
- The opportunity to be featured on our website, social media, and marketing materials
To make it as easy as possible, we've set up a user-friendly recording platform: [Link to Recording Platform]
As a token of our appreciation, participants will receive:
- [Exclusive Benefit, e.g., early access to new features, a free strategy session, etc.]
- A professional edit of your video for your own marketing use
We're excited about the possibility of featuring your success story. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Looking forward to your response!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Company]
Template 5: The Incentive Offer
Subject: Share Your Story, Earn Rewards - Video Testimonial Request
Dear [Customer Name],
We hope you're continuing to see great results with [Product/Service Name]. Your success is what drives us to keep improving and innovating.
We're currently collecting video testimonials from our valued customers, and we'd be honored if you'd consider sharing your experience. As a thank you for your time and insights, we're offering an exclusive reward.
Here's how it works:
1. Record a 1-2 minute video testimonial about your experience with [Product/Service Name]
2. Use our easy recording platform: [Link to Recording Platform]
3. Submit your video by [Deadline]
4. Receive [Specific Reward, e.g., a $100 account credit, free upgrade, etc.]
In your video, we'd love to hear about:
- The challenges you faced before using our solution
- How [Product/Service Name] has helped your business
- Any specific results or improvements you've seen
Your story could be incredibly valuable in helping others understand the benefits of our [Product/Service]. Plus, it's a great opportunity to gain some exposure for your own business.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to make this process as smooth as possible for you.
Thank you for considering our request. We can't wait to hear your story!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Company]
Template 6: The Personal Touch
Subject: [Customer Name], We'd Love to Hear Your Story
Dear [Customer Name],
I hope this email finds you well. [Personal Note, e.g., I was just thinking about our conversation last month about your expansion plans. How's that going?]
I'm reaching out because your journey with [Product/Service Name] has been truly impressive, and I believe your story could be incredibly inspiring to others in similar situations.
Would you be open to sharing your experience in a short video testimonial? We're looking for authentic, personal stories that showcase real results.
Here's what we're envisioning:
- A brief 1-2 minute video
- Your honest thoughts on working with [Company Name]
- Any specific challenges [Product/Service Name] has helped you overcome
To make it as easy as possible, we've set up a simple recording platform here: [Link to Recording Platform]
I understand you're busy, so if you prefer, we could also schedule a quick call where I can record your responses to a few questions. Whatever works best for you.
As a small token of our appreciation, we'd like to offer you [Personalized Incentive, e.g., a free strategy session, early access to a new feature you expressed interest in, etc.].
Thank you for considering this request, [Customer Name]. Your insights would be invaluable, but I completely understand if now isn't the right time.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Company]
Template 7: The Social Proof Angle
Subject: Join Our Customer Hall of Fame - Video Testimonial Request
Dear [Customer Name],
Did you know that 92% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase decision? That's why we're reaching out to our most valued customers like you to help build our social proof.
Your success with [Product/Service Name] has been remarkable, and we believe your story could be the tipping point for others considering our solution.
We're inviting you to join our Customer Hall of Fame by recording a short video testimonial. Here's why it's a win-win:
For potential customers:
- They get to hear real experiences from businesses like theirs
- It helps them make informed decisions
For you:
- Increased exposure for your business (we'll link to your website)
- Opportunity to position yourself as an industry leader
- [Specific Incentive, e.g., a feature highlight in our newsletter, social media shoutout, etc.]
Recording is simple and takes just a few minutes. Use this link to get started: [Link to Recording Platform]
In your video, consider sharing:
- Your experience working with [Company Name]
- Specific results you've achieved with [Product/Service Name]
- Any advice you'd give to others considering our solution
We're excited about the possibility of featuring your success story. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for considering our request. Your support means everything to us.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Company]
Template 8: The Quick and Easy Pitch
Subject: Got 2 Minutes? Share Your Success Story!
Dear [Customer Name],
We know you're busy, so we'll keep this short and sweet.
We're collecting quick video testimonials from successful customers like you, and we'd love to feature your story. It's as easy as 1-2-3:
1. Click this link: [Link to Recording Platform]
2. Spend 1-2 minutes sharing your experience with [Product/Service Name]
3. Hit submit
That's it! No need for perfection – we're looking for authentic, off-the-cuff feedback.
Some points you might touch on:
- Why you chose [Product/Service Name]
- Your favorite feature or benefit
- Any measurable results you've seen
As a thank you for your time, we'll send you [Quick Incentive, e.g., a $25 gift card, a free month of service, etc.].
Can't do a video? No problem. Reply to this email with a few sentences about your experience, and we'll make it work.
Thanks for considering this request. Your insights are incredibly valuable to us and potential customers.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Company]
P.S. Questions? Just hit reply. We're here to help!
Template 9: The Feedback Request
Subject: Your Feedback Requested - Quick Video Testimonial
Dear [Customer Name],
Your opinion matters to us, and we're always looking for ways to improve [Product/Service Name]. That's why we're reaching out to ask for your valuable feedback in the form of a short video testimonial.
We're particularly interested in hearing about:
- Your overall experience with [Product/Service Name]
- Any features you find particularly useful
- Areas where you think we could improve
This is not just about praise – we genuinely want to hear your honest thoughts, both positive and constructive.
To make it easy, we've set up a simple recording platform where you can share your feedback: [Link to Recording Platform]
The process should take no more than 2-3 minutes of your time. Your insights will be incredibly helpful in shaping the future of our product and assisting other customers in making informed decisions.
As a token of our appreciation for your time and candid feedback, we'd like to offer you [Incentive, e.g., a discount on your next renewal, early access to upcoming features, etc.].
If you prefer to provide written feedback instead, feel free to reply to this email. We value your input in any form.
Thank you for being a valued customer and for considering this request. Your partnership in helping us improve is invaluable.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Company]
P.S. All feedback providers will be entered into a draw to win [Prize, e.g., a free year of service, the latest tech gadget, etc.]. Don't miss out!
Template 10: The Story Sharing Invitation
Subject: Share Your Success Story - We're All Ears!
Dear [Customer Name],
Every business has a unique story, and we believe yours is worth sharing. We've been inspired by the innovative ways you've used [Product/Service Name] to overcome challenges and achieve your goals.
We'd love to invite you to share your story in a short video testimonial. This is an opportunity to:
- Inspire others in your industry
- Showcase your company's innovative approach
- Potentially gain exposure to new audiences
We're looking for authentic, personal stories that highlight:
- The challenges you faced before using [Product/Service Name]
- How you've implemented our solution in unique ways
- The results you've achieved
Recording your story is easy. Simply use this link to access our user-friendly platform: [Link to Recording Platform]
Aim for a 2-3 minute video, but don't worry about perfection. We're interested in your genuine experience and insights.
As a thank you for sharing your story, we'd like to offer you:
- [Incentive, e.g., a feature spotlight in our blog, a case study about your company, etc.]
- A professionally edited version of your video for your own marketing use
We're excited about the possibility of featuring your success story. If you have any questions or need any assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for considering this invitation. We look forward to hearing your unique story!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Company]
P.S. If you're camera-shy but still want to share your story, let us know. We have other options available!
Template 11: The Industry Impact
Subject: Your Insights Could Shape [Industry] - Video Testimonial Request
Dear [Customer Name],
As a leader in [Industry], your experience and insights are invaluable. We believe your journey with [Product/Service Name] could have a significant impact on shaping the future of our industry.
We're currently working on an industry report and would love to feature your story in a video testimonial. This is an opportunity to:
- Share your expertise with peers
- Influence industry best practices
- Position your company as an innovator in [Industry]
We're looking for a 2-3 minute video that addresses:
- Industry challenges you've overcome using [Product/Service Name]
- Innovative ways you've implemented our solution
- Your vision for the future of [Industry]
To make the process as smooth as possible, we've set up an easy-to-use recording platform: [Link to Recording Platform]
As a token of our appreciation, we'll provide you with:
- Early access to our industry report
- A feature highlight in our upcoming webinar series
- [Additional Incentive, e.g., a free pass to an industry conference we're sponsoring]
Your insights could be the catalyst for positive change in our industry. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for considering this request. We're excited about the potential impact of your story.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Company]
P.S. If you prefer, we can arrange a professional videographer to capture your story at your convenience.
Template 12: The Follow-Up
Subject: Quick Follow-Up: Video Testimonial Request
Dear [Customer Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my previous request about recording a video testimonial for [Product/Service Name]. I understand that you're busy, and I apologize if the timing of my last email wasn't ideal.
Your experience with our [Product/Service] has been truly impressive, and we believe your insights could be incredibly valuable to others in [Industry]. If you're open to it, we'd still love to feature your story.
To recap, we're looking for:
- A brief 1-2 minute video
- Your honest thoughts on using [Product/Service Name]
- Any specific results or improvements you've seen
We've made the process as simple as possible with this easy-to-use recording platform: [Link to Recording Platform]
As a reminder, to thank you for your time, we're offering [Incentive, e.g., a free month of service, a strategy session with our team, etc.].
If a video testimonial doesn't work for you right now, we completely understand. Would you be open to providing a brief written testimonial instead? Even a few sentences about your experience would be incredibly helpful.
Thank you for your time and for being a valued customer. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Company]
P.S. If you've already submitted a testimonial, please disregard this email, and accept our sincere thanks!
How to Make It Easy for Customers to Submit Video Testimonials
To increase the likelihood of receiving video testimonials, it's crucial to make the process as simple and straightforward as possible for your customers. Here are some strategies to achieve this:
Use a User-Friendly Platform: Invest in a dedicated video testimonial collection platform that's intuitive and easy to use. Tools like Testimonial.to or Boast.io offer simple interfaces for customers to record and submit their videos.
Provide Clear Instructions: Create a step-by-step guide on how to record and submit the video testimonial. Include this in your email request and on the recording platform.
Offer Multiple Recording Options: Some customers might prefer to use their own devices. Provide instructions for how they can record a video on their smartphone or computer and send it to you directly.
Suggest Talking Points: Provide a list of questions or topics for customers to address in their testimonial. This can help guide their thoughts and ensure they cover the key points you're looking for.
Set Realistic Expectations: Clearly communicate the desired length of the video (e.g., 1-2 minutes) and reassure customers that it doesn't need to be professionally produced.
Provide Technical Support: Offer assistance for any technical issues they might encounter during the recording process. Include contact information for your support team in your request email.
Consider Scheduling Options: For busy customers, offer to schedule a brief video call where you can record their testimonial directly.
Offer Written Alternatives: Always provide the option for customers to submit a written testimonial if they're not comfortable on camera.
By implementing these strategies, you'll remove barriers and make it more likely for customers to follow through with providing a video testimonial.
What to Do After Receiving Video Testimonials
Once you start receiving video testimonials, it's important to have a plan in place for how to use and manage them effectively. Here are some key steps to take:
Thank the Customer: Always send a personalized thank-you note to each customer who provides a testimonial. This shows appreciation and strengthens your relationship.
Review and Edit: Watch each testimonial and make any necessary edits. This might include trimming the length, improving audio quality, or adding subtitles.
Get Approval: Before publishing, send the edited version to the customer for their approval. This ensures they're comfortable with the final product.
Optimize for Different Platforms: Create different versions of the testimonial for various marketing channels (e.g., a short clip for social media, full version for your website).
Strategically Place Testimonials: Incorporate the testimonials into relevant areas of your website, such as product pages, landing pages, and a dedicated testimonials section.
Share on Social Media: Post snippets of testimonials on your social media channels to increase visibility and engagement.
Include in Email Marketing: Use testimonials in your email campaigns to add social proof and credibility to your messages.
Create a Testimonial Library: Organize your testimonials by product, industry, or use case for easy access when needed for marketing materials.
Update Regularly: Continuously collect new testimonials to keep your content fresh and relevant.
Analyze Impact: Monitor the performance of pages and campaigns featuring testimonials to understand their impact on conversions.
By following these steps, you'll maximize the value of the video testimonials you receive and ensure they contribute effectively to your marketing efforts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While requesting and using video testimonials can be incredibly beneficial, there are some common pitfalls to be aware of. Here are key mistakes to avoid:
Over-Scripting: Avoid providing a strict script for customers to follow. This can make testimonials feel inauthentic and rehearsed.
Ignoring Legal Considerations: Always obtain written permission to use customer testimonials in your marketing materials.
Failing to Follow Up: If a customer agrees to provide a testimonial but doesn't submit it, send a gentle reminder. They may have simply forgotten.
Not Providing Context: When sharing testimonials, provide context about the customer and their experience with your product or service.
Overusing the Same Testimonials: Rotate your testimonials regularly to keep your content fresh and showcase a variety of customer experiences.
Neglecting to Say Thank You: Always express gratitude to customers who take the time to provide a testimonial, regardless of whether you end up using it.
Asking Too Soon: Make sure customers have had enough time to experience the benefits of your product or service before requesting a testimonial.
Making the Process Too Complicated: If your request process is too complex or time-consuming, customers are less likely to follow through.
Failing to Provide Guidance: While over-scripting is a mistake, providing no guidance at all can result in unfocused or unhelpful testimonials.
Not Respecting Customer Privacy: Always ask permission before sharing any customer information, and be prepared to anonymize testimonials if requested.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll create a positive experience for your customers and maximize the effectiveness of your video testimonial campaign.
Conclusion
Video testimonials are a powerful tool for building trust, showcasing your product's value, and driving conversions. By using these email templates and following the best practices outlined in this guide, you'll be well-equipped to request and collect impactful video testimonials from your satisfied customers.
Remember, the key to success lies in making the process easy for your customers, being clear about your expectations, and showing genuine appreciation for their time and effort. With a strategic approach to requesting and utilizing video testimonials, you can significantly enhance your marketing efforts and build a stronger, more credible brand presence.
Start implementing these strategies today, and watch as your collection of compelling video testimonials grows, providing social proof that resonates with potential customers and helps drive your business forward.
