A real customer telling their story on camera is the most convincing video your business will ever own. It does what no ad can: it lets a stranger hear from someone just like them. The problem is that most business owners never ask, because they assume the answer is no. It usually isn't.
Who to ask
Pick customers who got a clear result, who you have a good relationship with, and who already say nice things without being prompted. The best signal is someone who has referred you before. They are already telling your story. You are just asking them to tell it once more with a camera rolling.
When to ask
Right after the win. The day the project is finished, the day the results come in, the day they send you a thank-you text. Excitement fades fast. A customer who loved you six months ago is much harder to schedule than one who loved you yesterday.
How to ask
Make it about them, keep it small and make it easy. Something like: "You've been a great client and your story would really help other business owners like you. Would you be open to a quick 20-minute chat on camera? We'll come to you, we'll do all the work, and you'll see it before it goes anywhere." Short, specific, and it removes the three fears: time, effort and looking bad.
Take the nerves out of it
Almost everyone is nervous on camera. Tell them there is no script and nothing to memorize. It is a conversation, and anything they don't like gets cut. Shoot at their place of business if you can, where they feel at home. And send the questions ahead of time so there are no surprises.
The questions that get real answers
Skip "what do you like about us?" It gets polite, generic answers. Ask about the story instead. What was going on before you found us? What almost stopped you from hiring us? What was the moment you knew it was working? What has changed since? Who would you tell about us, and what would you say? Ask them to answer in full sentences so each answer stands on its own in the edit.
Say thank you properly
Send them the finished video first, tag them when you post it and give their business a shout-out. A testimonial that also promotes your customer is a gift, not a favor. That is how the next customer says yes even faster.
We put together a free set of testimonial questions and shoot prep tips for our clients. Ask us for them on a free call, or let us handle the whole thing for you.
