What should you do if a freelance copywriter who regularly works with your agency has asked for a testimonial? The chances are you’ll immediately say yes – but then what?
Testimonials are essential for freelance copywriters. They may be restricted by an NDA and be unable to share work in their portfolio – but a testimonial can lend weight to the fact that they have done quality work for your agency even if they can’t share it.
From a freelancer’s perspective, here’s what I’d personally love to see in a testimonial.
The specifics
Your copywriter will probably very much appreciate you saying they were great to work with and their work was amazing. But your testimonial will take on extra value if you’re able to be specific about why they’re great to work with and why their work was amazing.
What sets them apart
What does your copywriter do better than anyone else? Focusing on that can be an excellent starting point in creating a powerful testimonial.
Any data
If your copywriter’s work resulted in a significant, measurable result, this is pure gold. If you’re able to share stats, metrics and measurements, this gives great weight to your testimonial and provides your copywriter with something concrete to show future clients when it comes to demonstrating their skills.
Be authentic
Genuine, honest testimonials that are carefully thought out mean a great deal. Honest feedback carries more weight and will be more meaningful for your copywriter’s future clients.
Give your copywriter an accompanying photograph
This may seem like a strange one, but if your copywriter is planning to use your testimonial on their website, an accompanying headshot of you will lend even more weight to your words and give their future clients a focal point.
Remember it’s important to them
Writing a testimonial may be at the bottom of your To-Do List, but for your freelance copywriter, it’s a big deal. So if you do agree to write them a testimonial, try to do so promptly.
For added bonus points…
- Volunteer to write your freelance copywriter a testimonial. The lovely Phil Sanderson at The&Partnership offered to write one for me without being prompted – and it meant a lot. You can read it over here.
- Give them more than you think they might need. This will allow your copywriter to cut anything they don’t need and potentially repurpose it as a blog post, on a testimonial page or on their social media posts.
Got anything to add to this list? Let me know in the comments below.
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