A short video of a real client explaining what changed is one of the strongest forms of proof a coach or consultant can have. Most service businesses never collect them because they feel awkward asking. With a simple process, it takes minutes.
The short answer: ask at a moment of success, make it easy (a 2-minute phone recording or a 10-minute call you record), give 4–5 guiding questions, get written permission to use it, and never script, edit or invent what the client says. In the US, the FTC’s rule on consumer reviews and testimonials bans fake or false testimonials.
When to ask
- Right after a client hits a milestone or says something positive.
- At the end of an engagement, in the final review call.
- When they refer someone to you.
5 questions that get useful answers
- What was going on before we started working together?
- What made you decide to get help?
- What did we actually do?
- What’s different now? (Specifics, in their own words.)
- Who would you recommend this to?
These questions create a story with a before, a process and an after, which is far more convincing than “It was great!”.
How to record it
| Method | Effort for client | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Record a Zoom call and clip it | Low | Good, natural |
| Client records on their phone | Low-medium | Variable |
| Video testimonial tool or form | Low | Good, consistent |
| In-person shoot | High | Best, but rarely needed |
Rules to stay honest
- Get written permission to use the video, name and any results mentioned.
- Don’t script what they say or edit it to change the meaning.
- Don’t pay for positive testimonials without disclosing it.
- Don’t present one exceptional result as typical.
- Some professions have extra rules (for example, therapists and financial advisers). Check your own.
The FTC’s Trade Regulation Rule on the Use of Consumer Reviews and Testimonials (published 22 August 2024) prohibits fake or false testimonials, among other practices.
How to use testimonials
- Pin one on Instagram and LinkedIn.
- Put one near the booking button on your website.
- Cut 30-second clips for Reels and Shorts.
- Send relevant ones after sales calls.
Want it done for you?
HustleGrowthz runs short-form video for coaches, consultants and founders. We research your market, write 30 scripts a month in your voice, edit and publish them on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts and Facebook, and set up comment-to-DM follow-up that qualifies interested viewers. You record for about an hour a week. It costs $999 a month or $5,999 a year (pricing). See done-for-you content for coaches or book a free strategy call.
Frequently asked questions
How do I ask a client for a video testimonial?
Ask at a moment of success, keep it easy (a short phone video or recorded call), give four or five guiding questions, and get written permission to use it.
What questions should I ask for a testimonial?
What was happening before, why they got help, what you did together, what’s different now, and who they’d recommend you to.
Can I edit a client testimonial?
You can trim for length, but don’t change the meaning, script what they say, or present an exceptional result as typical. Fake or false testimonials are banned by the FTC in the US.