How to Collect Client Video Testimonials

No matter how polished your branding is, nothing sells your business like a real person talking about how you helped them. But here’s the thing: getting that person on camera? It can feel awkward. You’re basically asking your client to stop what they’re doing, put themselves on video, and talk about you.

I get it—it feels like asking for a big favor. But if your client is genuinely happy with what you did for them, they’re usually more than willing. In fact, most are excited to help, because it gives them a chance to show appreciation and be part of your story.

Why Video Testimonials Matter

There’s a big difference between reading a quote that says, “They did an amazing job!” and seeing someone say it on camera. The tone, the smile, the little pauses—those things make it real. That’s why video testimonials work. They’re nearly impossible to fake, and they connect on a level that written words just don’t.

I’ve seen this firsthand. A client once told me, “We’ve had written reviews for years, but this one video brought in more leads than all of them combined.” That’s the power of seeing someone’s face when they say, “These guys were incredible.”

Option 1: The Quick DIY Video

If you’re just getting started, keep it simple. Grab your phone, go to your client’s location, and film a short chat. Don’t overthink the setup—just make sure there’s decent lighting and not too much background noise.

Ask open-ended questions like:

• “What problem were you trying to solve before working with us?”

• “How did we help you fix that?”

• “What would you tell someone considering working with us?”

You’d be surprised how natural people sound when you frame it like a conversation instead of a scripted pitch.

Option 2: The Selfie-Style Video

Another easy approach is to ask your client to record a short video themselves. This can work great if they’re comfortable on camera (and bonus: it saves you travel time). Just send them a short outline so they don’t freeze up when the camera starts rolling.

Something like this:

“Hey [Name], you can just talk about what your experience was like, what you liked best, and what changed after working with us. Keep it casual—no need to make it perfect.”

The downside is you won’t have as much control over lighting, sound, or structure. But even an imperfect video can be powerful if it feels authentic.

Option 3: The Co-Branded or Professional Video

Now, if you really want to make an impression, consider producing a professional testimonial video. This is what I often do with clients. It’s not just someone talking to a camera—it’s storytelling. We might show the client’s business in action, layer in some b-roll of your product or service, and structure it more like a short documentary.

It becomes a co-branded piece that both of you can use—your client gets great exposure, and you get a testimonial that looks and feels premium.

And here’s the secret: that same video can be chopped into clips for social media, embedded on your website, and used in email campaigns. You’re not just making a testimonial—you’re creating marketing material that works across multiple channels.

Make It Easy for Your Client

The smoother you make the process, the more likely they’ll say yes. Offer to come to them. Bring the gear. Handle the editing. The less effort required on their end, the better.

Also—don’t wait too long to ask. The best time to capture a testimonial is right after you’ve delivered great results, when they’re still feeling that excitement.

My Best Advice

If I could give just one piece of advice, it would be this: treat testimonials as an investment, not an afterthought. The more effort you put into making them look and sound professional, the longer they’ll pay off.

I’ve seen companies close big deals just because a potential client saw one authentic, well-shot testimonial. That’s how much trust they build.

Final Thoughts

Getting video testimonials isn’t easy—but it’s worth every bit of effort. They’re authentic, persuasive, and timeless. Whether you’re using your phone or a full production crew, the goal is the same: capture real people telling real stories.

When future clients see someone like them talking about how you helped, it does something no sales pitch ever could. It proves it.

So go ahead—ask for that testimonial. Your clients won’t think it’s awkward. They’ll probably say, “Of course! You’ve been amazing.”

And that, right there, is your story worth sharing.