How to ask for client testimonials—and why they’re so powerful
If you’re an interior designer and you’ve ever felt a little awkward asking a client for a testimonial after project completion, you’re not alone.
Many interior designers worry about sounding pushy, interrupting the relationship, or asking for “praise.”
But here’s the reframe that changes everything:
Testimonials aren’t about bragging. They’re about helping future clients feel confident saying YES to you.
When someone is considering a high-budget design investment, they’re not just buying furniture or finishes—they’re buying trust. And testimonials help bridge that gap by showing, in someone else’s words, what it’s actually like to work with you.
Let’s break down why testimonials are so powerful, how to ask for them with ease, and how to use them strategically on your website to attract more premium clients.
Why testimonials matter more than you think
Premium clients don’t hire based on price alone. They’re asking questions like:
Will this designer really understand my vision?
Can I trust them with my home and my budget?
Will this process feel smooth—or stressful?
A strong testimonial answers those questions before you ever get on a call.
Well-written testimonials:
Build instant credibility
Reduce hesitation and price resistance
Position you as an experienced, in-demand professional
Reinforce the emotional transformation you provide (not just the final photos)
In other words, they quietly sell for you—24/7.
When to ask for a testimonial (timing is everything)
The best time to ask is when your client is feeling happiest and most relieved. Great moments include:
Right after project completion
After a reveal or install day
When a client sends you a glowing email or text
After you’ve solved a particularly stressful problem for them
If they’re already expressing gratitude, that’s your green light.
How to ask for a testimonial without feeling awkward
Here’s the secret: make it easy, specific, and genuine.
Instead of a vague “Would you mind writing a testimonial?” try something like:
“I loved working on your home, and it would mean so much if you’d be open to sharing a few words about your experience. Your feedback really helps future clients understand what it’s like to work together.”
Even better—guide them with prompts so they’re not staring at a blank page.
Simple prompts you can include are:
What was your biggest concern before working together?
What made you decide to hire me?
What was the experience of the process like?
How does your home feel now compared to before?
You can send this via email, a Google Form, or even as part of your off-boarding process.
What makes a testimonial truly powerful
Not all testimonials are created equal.
A premium testimonial isn’t just:
“She was amazing! Highly recommend!”
Those are nice—but they don’t sell.
The strongest testimonials include:
The before (confusion, overwhelm, hesitation)
The experience of working with you (communication, process, trust)
The after (confidence, relief, pride, joy)
They tell a story your future client sees themselves in.
Where to strategically use testimonials on your website
If your testimonials are buried on one page no one visits, they’re not doing their job.
Here’s how to use them intentionally:
Homepage
Place a strong testimonial near:
Your introduction
Your services section
Your call to action
This immediately reinforces credibility for first-time visitors.
Services Pages
Match a testimonial to the service being described. For example, a full-service design client testimonial on your full-service page helps visitors imagine themselves in that experience.
About Page
This is where emotional testimonials shine. Use quotes that speak to trust, collaboration, and how clients felt working with you—not just the final result.
Contact or Inquiry Page
Adding a testimonial near your contact form can reduce hesitation and encourage higher-quality inquiries. Think of it as reassurance right before they take the leap.
💡 Pro tip: Edit for clarity (but keep their voice)
It’s okay—and encouraged—to lightly edit testimonials for clarity or length, especially for your website. Just don’t change the meaning or tone. Shorten where needed, highlight key phrases, and format them so they’re easy to skim.
Make testimonials part of your ongoing process
Instead of treating testimonials as a one-time task, build them into your workflow:
Add a testimonial request to your project wrap-up checklist
Save standout quotes in a running document
Rotate testimonials seasonally on your website
Over time, you’ll build a library of social proof that grows right along with your business.
Your work already speaks for itself, but testimonials give it a voice.
When done well, they help the right clients recognize that you’re the designer they’ve been looking for… and feel confident investing at a higher level.
