As a business owner in today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the shiny allure of technology. We’re often focused on launching the next big marketing campaign, perfecting our websites, and curating the ideal social media aesthetic. But amidst all of this, we mustn’t forget the timeless value of word-of-mouth.

Whether you’re just starting out in the wedding industry or are a seasoned pro, the importance of referrals and testimonials from clients and vendors cannot be overstated. As the great Zig Ziglar once said, “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” And when it comes to growing your business, referrals and testimonials are where you start.

But how do you get them?

Sure, a satisfied client might leave a glowing review on your website, but these can be few and far between or might not fully capture your services. Working with vendors is another great way to get referrals, but you might not always be top of mind.

If you’re in need of referrals and testimonials from clients and vendors, remember—it never hurts to ask. Here’s how to do so successfully:

Why Do Referrals and Testimonials Matter?

Before we dive into the how, it’s crucial to understand the why. Even in today’s ad-driven business climate, referrals and testimonials are the lifeblood of your reputation as a wedding professional.

Referrals and testimonials serve as social proof, showing that others are vouching for you and your services. They assure potential clients that you can deliver on their dreams. For example, imagine a couple researching photographers for their big day. They come across your website, where glowing testimonials from past clients highlight your professionalism, creativity, and ability to capture the perfect moments. This builds trust and credibility before they even contact you.

Referrals and testimonials help you build a fountain of valuable attributes, including:

1. Credibility: Referrals and testimonials showcase positive interactions with previous clients and collaborating vendors, highlighting your expertise and credibility in the wedding industry.
2. Trust: Planning a wedding is extremely stressful for engaged couples. They want to work with someone they can trust with the most special day of their lives. Referrals and testimonials go a long way toward building that trust, as your services have been vetted by previous customers.
3. Emotional Connection: Endorsements from previous clients add an emotional dimension to your services, showing that you truly understand and respect the significance of every unique wedding and couple you work with.

As noted by Neil Patel, a prominent digital marketing expert, “Testimonials are a powerful way to convince potential customers that your product or service is worth their time and money” (Neil Patel). It’s difficult to understate just how crucial referrals and testimonials can be to the success of your business. Now, all you need to do is ensure you have these endorsements on hand for prospective clients to read.

When to Ask for Referrals and Testimonials

Timing is everything when it comes to requesting testimonials or referrals. Though you don’t want to be intrusive, especially towards a newly married couple, you need to strike while the iron is still hot. 

For client testimonials, the general guideline is to send a request shortly after the wedding, ideally within a week or two when the experience is still fresh in their minds.

For vendor referrals, the timeline is roughly the same. After a successful collaboration (if you truly did not mesh well with the collaborator, don’t send a request), reach out within the next few weeks and ensure that it aligns with your professional relationship and project timelines.

Testimonial and Referral Workflows in HoneyBook or CRM

Though timing is key, so is efficiency, and your HoneyBook or CRM programs can be a powerful tool. They can help you streamline the process, allowing you to incorporate referral and testimonial requests into your day-to-day workflow. Here’s how:

• Segment Your List: Use your CRM program to segment your client and vendor contacts, creating separate lists for each. This way, you can send targeted requests, rather than bombarding everyone in your contact list.
• Automate Initial Requests: Set up automated messages as the first touchpoint for testimonials and referrals. This is best done when paired with a “Thank You” message after the wedding or project, depending on the receiver.
• Personalize Follow-Up Requests: Though automation is efficient, always follow up with a personal touch. With a carefully curated personal message, you’ll show that you genuinely care about their feedback.

Examples of Referral or Testimonial Requests

Crafting a compelling testimonial request is essential, but there are a few different ways to do it. Whether it’s a broad request or something more personal, it’s important to come off as genuine rather than pushy. Additionally, they will look different when talking to clients or vendors. Here are a few examples.

For Clients:

• “We’d love to hear about your experience with Boda Bliss! Please share your thoughts and help us continue making dreams come true.”

• “Your feedback means the world to us. Could you take a moment to share your thoughts on how we made your wedding day special?”

For Vendors:

• “It was a pleasure working with you. Would you be willing to share a few words about our collaboration to help other wedding professionals?”

• “Let’s showcase our teamwork. Can you share your thoughts on how we made this wedding unforgettable together?”

All of these are great examples of an initial testimonial or referral request, but they aren’t foolproof. Sometimes, you may never get a response. This can feel hurtful, especially when you made a special connection with a client or a fellow vendor, but it’s important to remember that it’s likely not personal.

Instead, keep crafting your testimonial and referral requests and prepare for your next opportunity.