Social proof is the strongest currency in freelancing. But asking for it feels awkward. These testimonial request email templates make it easy for your clients to say "yes" and provide the kind of reviews that actually sell your services.
Need a different version? Use the Free Testimonial Request Generator to create a custom email for any client.
Don't just ask for "a testimonial." Ask for specific results. Below are two proven templates for 2026 that focus on getting high-quality responses with minimal friction.
Generate a customized email including specific project details and LinkedIn recommendation requests (no signup required).
Best for clients where you delivered a measurable outcome (e.g., website launch, marketing campaign, SEO improvement).
Subject: Quick question about [Project Name]
Hi [Client Name],
It was a pleasure working with you on [Project Name]. I’m so glad we were able to [mention a specific result, e.g., increase conversion by 20%].
As I’m updating my portfolio, would you be open to sharing a 2-3 sentence testimonial about your experience? If you’re short on time, feel free to just answer these three questions:
1. What was the biggest challenge you were facing before we started?
2. What did you like most about the process?
3. What results have you seen since we finished?
I’d also be happy to share this on LinkedIn if that works for you.
Thank you!
[Your Name]Best for building professional authority on your LinkedIn profile. This is often the most valuable form of social proof.
Subject: Recommendation for [Your Name] / [Client Name]
Hi [Client Name],
I really enjoyed our collaboration on [Project Name] and the results we achieved together.
I’m currently focusing on building my presence on LinkedIn. Would you be comfortable writing a brief recommendation on my profile? I’ve drafted a starting point below to save you time (feel free to edit or replace it entirely):
"[Your Name] helped us [Outcome] with [Project]. Their expertise in [Skill] and attention to detail made the process seamless."
If you’re open to it, you can post it directly here: [Link to your LinkedIn 'Request Recommendation' URL]
Thanks again for the opportunity!
Best,
[Your Name]To maximize your response rate, follow these three rules:
Save these templates and dozens more in a dedicated freelance management system.
A library of strong testimonials is your best sales tool. By using these templates, you remove the friction for your clients and start building a high-trust brand. Use the free generator to customize these for your specific needs.