Why testimonials are worth their weight in gold

A Virtual Assistant is one of those business owners who makes other businesses look good. Along with ghostwriters, IT support, and marketing specialists, VAs work tirelessly in the background to help other companies grow. However, VAs are rarely publicly recognised for their hard work. Their sole aim is to make the client look great while staying out of the spotlight themselves.

Not all business owners want to admit they have a team working behind the scenes. This can make it difficult to use your experience to grow your own venture. This is exactly why collecting testimonials is vital.

Most successful VAs gain clients through referrals and recommendations. Word of mouth is essential, but before a prospect hires you, they will want to see proof of your capability to alleviate their fears. Testimonials provide that proof. Without them, there is no public acknowledgement of the effort and skill you put into every assignment. While a client might not want to share specific project details, they are usually more than happy to share their general experience of your professional service.

So, how do you ask for a kick-ass testimonial? Here are my no-nonsense tips to make the process easy and effective.

Tip 1: Use verified platforms for trust

In an age of AI-generated content, a typed quote on a website can be easily faked. To build real trust, use third-party verification. Directing clients to Google Business Profile or using tools like TrustIndex or Trustpilot shows prospects that the review is tied to a real person. If you can, embed these feeds directly onto your site so the “verified” badge is visible.

Tip 2: Listen for natural praise

Clients often throw in a casual compliment during a call, on social media, or in an email. These natural, unsolicited quotes make the best testimonials. When you hear one, simply ask for permission to use that specific quote. Better yet, ask them if they wouldn’t mind recording a quick 30 second video testimonial on their phone. Video is incredibly difficult to fake and carries immense emotional weight.

Tip 3: Stop overthinking and just ask

Do not wait for a testimonial to be handed to you. Clients are busy. Make it easy for them by providing a simple layout or a few prompts. When you publish them, include the full name, job title, and a date. A testimonial from “Sarah in 2019” is useless in 2026. Use current, dated feedback and, where possible, hyperlink to their LinkedIn profile or business website. This proves the person exists and adds a layer of professional transparency.

Tip 4: Conduct a short survey

You can send a survey to previous or current clients at any time. Explain that testimonials help new clients feel reassured about working with you. Keep it brief. Ask questions that prompt specific answers: What were your biggest fears prior to working with me? What successes have you had as a result of my help?

Testimonials are essential for your VA business. They build the trust that leads to higher rates and better clients. If you want to learn how to leverage your reputation to scale your business, the VA Momentum Course covers everything you need to know about professional positioning and gathering social proof that actually converts.  I share my testimonials across my site but also pull them through to one page so you can have a read…