Everything You Need to Know About Testimonial Links
Table of Contents
- April 28, 2025
Sharing is Caring
Have you ever felt proud after doing a great job for a client? What if that good feeling could also help your website rank higher on Google? That’s what testimonial links can do! When clients are happy with your work, you can turn their satisfaction into valuable backlinks for your website.
In this article, we’ll explore how testimonial links work and why they’re so powerful. We’ll look at simple ways to ask for testimonials that include links back to your site. You’ll learn how to make the most of these opportunities without being pushy or making clients uncomfortable.
By the end, you’ll have a clear plan for using client testimonials to build quality backlinks that help your website grow. Let’s get started!
What Are Testimonial Links?
Testimonial links are backlinks that come from client testimonials published on other websites. When a client is happy with your product or service, they might write about their positive experience on their own website or blog. If they include a link back to your website in that testimonial, you’ve earned a testimonial link.
Think of testimonial links as online word-of-mouth. When someone says nice things about you and points others to your website, search engines take notice. These links tell search engines that real people trust your business enough to recommend it publicly.
Types of Testimonial Links
Testimonial links come in several forms:
- Client website testimonials – When clients feature your testimonial on their “Partners” or “Tools We Use” pages
- Case study links – When clients allow you to create in-depth case studies about your work together
- Social proof widgets – When clients display automated testimonial widgets that link back to you
- Guest post bio links – When you contribute content to other sites and your author bio includes testimonial-style information
Each type has its advantages, but they all share one important quality: they come from satisfied clients who genuinely want to recommend your business.
Why Testimonial Links Matter
Backlinks are important for SEO (Search Engine Optimization), but not all backlinks are equal. Search engines like Google value links that are natural and relevant. Testimonial links check both boxes.
According to a study by Ahrefs, pages ranking #1 on Google have an average of 3.8 times more backlinks than those ranking #2-#10. This shows how important quality backlinks are for ranking well.
Testimonial links offer several key benefits:
They’re Natural
Search engines prefer links that appear naturally within content rather than those that seem forced or paid for. Testimonial links fit naturally into client content because they make sense in context.
They’re Relevant
When a client in your industry links to you, that link comes from a relevant source. Search engines see this as more valuable than random links from unrelated websites.
They Build Trust
Beyond SEO benefits, testimonial links build trust with potential clients. When new prospects see that respected companies in their field trust you, they’re more likely to trust you too.
They Drive Targeted Traffic
Links from client testimonials often bring high-quality visitors to your site. These visitors are already interested in what you offer because they’ve seen someone similar to them recommend your services.
According to a survey by BrightLocal, 87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses in 2020. This shows how important testimonials are for influencing potential customers.
How to Get More Testimonial Links
Provide Outstanding Service
This might seem obvious, but it’s the foundation of everything else. You can’t expect glowing testimonials if your service is just okay. Aim to exceed client expectations consistently.
Tips for exceptional service:
- Communicate clearly and often
- Deliver work on or before deadlines
- Be responsive to feedback and concerns
- Go the extra mile when possible
- Fix problems quickly when they arise
Time Your Requests Strategically
Timing matters when asking for testimonials. The best times to ask include:
- Right after a successful project completion
- When a client compliments your work
- After helping solve a difficult problem
- When you’ve achieved measurable results
- During regular review meetings
According to a study by ReviewTrackers, 72% of customers will take action after reading a positive review. This highlights how powerful positive testimonials can be.
Make Specific Requests
When you ask for a testimonial, be specific about what you’re looking for. Instead of saying “Would you mind giving us a testimonial?” try something like:
“We’re really proud of the results we achieved with your website redesign. Would you be willing to share your experience working with us on your company blog? A brief mention with a link back to our portfolio would be greatly appreciated.”
This approach:
- Reminds them of specific positive outcomes
- Makes a clear, reasonable request
- Specifies that you’d like a link included
- Gives them a sense of what information to include
Offer to Draft the Testimonial
Many clients are happy to provide testimonials but don’t have time to write them. Offer to draft something for their approval. This makes the process easier for them and ensures you highlight the aspects of your work that are most relevant.
When drafting, keep it:
- Authentic to their voice
- Focused on specific results
- Brief but detailed
- Easy to approve with minimal edits
Always make it clear that they can modify your draft however they’d like.
Create Case Studies
Case studies go beyond simple testimonials to tell the full story of your work with a client. They’re valuable content for both your site and the client’s site.
Propose creating a case study that:
- Highlights the client’s business in a positive light
- Shows the impressive results you achieved together
- Includes quotes from the client
- Features data and metrics when possible
Offer to share this case study with them to publish on their site with a link back to yours.
Set Up a Testimonial Exchange Program
If you work with other businesses, consider setting up a formal testimonial exchange program. This could involve:
- Creating dedicated “Partners” or “Tools We Use” pages
- Featuring clients who link to you prominently on your site
- Offering to write guest posts featuring your successful partnership
Make sure any exchange feels natural and valuable to both parties.
Make It Easy to Link to You
Provide clients with everything they need to link back to you effectively:
- Your preferred URL
- Suggested anchor text
- Your company logo in various formats
- Sample testimonial snippets they can use
The easier you make it, the more likely clients will include links in their testimonials.
Best Practices for Testimonial Link Building
Content-Driven Link Building
Never Pressure Clients
Testimonials should be freely given. Pressuring clients can damage relationships and result in inauthentic testimonials that don’t help either party.
If a client seems hesitant:
- Thank them for considering
- Let them know there’s no obligation
- Offer to follow up later if timing is the issue
Focus on Mutual Benefit
The best testimonial arrangements benefit both parties. Always emphasize how the testimonial can help the client, such as:
- Positioning them as an industry leader
- Showcasing their success story
- Strengthening your partnership
According to Content Marketing Institute, case studies are among the most effective types of content, with 69% of marketers finding them valuable.
Keep Testimonials Honest
Never ask clients to exaggerate or make false claims. Authentic testimonials are more convincing and won’t come back to haunt either party later.
Encourage clients to:
- Share specific experiences
- Mention real results
- Describe actual benefits they received
- Include any initial concerns they had that were addressed
Vary Your Anchor Text
When suggesting link text to clients, avoid using the same keywords every time. Varied anchor text looks more natural to search engines.
Instead of always asking for “digital marketing agency,” try variations like:
- Our marketing partner
- The team at [Your Company Name]
- Our SEO consultants
- [Your Name] and their team
Follow Up Without Being Annoying
If a client agrees to provide a testimonial but doesn’t follow through, a gentle reminder is appropriate. Wait at least a week before following up, and keep your message friendly and brief.
A simple email like this works well: “Hi [Name], I hope you’re doing well! I’m just checking in about the testimonial we discussed last week. Please let me know if you need any additional information from us to make this easier. We’re excited to be featured on your site!”
Track and Measure Results
Keep track of the testimonial links you receive and monitor their impact on your SEO and website traffic. This helps you refine your approach over time and focus on the types of testimonials that deliver the best results.
Track metrics like:
- Referral traffic from testimonial links
- Changes in search rankings
- Keywords the testimonial pages rank for
- Engagement of visitors from testimonial links
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Challenge 1: Clients Are Too Busy
Many clients simply don’t have time to write testimonials or add links to their website.
Solution: Make the process as easy as possible. Offer to draft the testimonial, provide all necessary materials, and even help with technical implementation if appropriate.
Challenge 2: Client Policies Restrict Outbound Links
Some companies, especially larger ones, have policies against adding links to external websites.
Solution: Propose alternatives like:
- Unlinked mentions that still provide brand value
- Links with “nofollow” attributes that comply with many corporate policies
- Case studies on your site that they can approve and share socially
Challenge 3: Testimonials Without Links
Most of the time clients will provide great testimonials but publish them without linking to your site.
Solution:
- Thank them sincerely for the testimonial
- Gently ask if adding a link would be possible
- Suggest specific pages where the link would make sense contextually
Challenge 4: Competitors Also Seeking Testimonials
You may find that competitors are also asking your clients for testimonial links.
Solution:
- Focus on providing truly exceptional service that clients want to talk about
- Create unique case study formats that stand out
- Offer to collaborate on content that goes beyond basic testimonials
- Build deeper relationships with key clients
Examples of Effective Testimonial Link Strategies
Example 1: Software Company Showcase
A software company creates an annual “Client Success Stories” publication featuring detailed case studies of their most successful clients. Each featured client gets:
- Professional writing and design services for their story
- Social media promotion of their feature
- A dedicated page on the software company’s high-traffic website
In return, clients happily link to the software company from their own sites and share the content across their networks.
Example 2: Agency Partner Program
A marketing agency creates a tiered partner program where clients who provide testimonials with links receive:
- Discounts on future services
- Co-marketing opportunities
- Featured placement on the agency’s “Trusted Partners” page
- Early access to new service offerings
This creates a win-win situation where both the agency and their clients gain visibility and credibility.
Example 3: Service Provider Review Exchange
A group of complementary service providers (but not direct competitors) creates a review exchange network. Each business features honest reviews of services they’ve actually used, with links to the providers. This creates a natural ecosystem of testimonial links among businesses serving similar client bases.
Measuring Success with Testimonial Links
Backlink Quality Metrics
Tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz can help you assess the quality of backlinks from testimonials. Look at:
- Domain Authority of linking sites
- Relevance of linking pages to your business
- Traffic to the pages containing your testimonials
- Follow vs. nofollow status of links
Referral Traffic
Check your Google Analytics to see how much traffic comes directly from testimonial links. High-quality traffic that engages with your site is more valuable than raw numbers.
Conversion Rates
Track how visitors from testimonial links convert compared to other traffic sources. These visitors often convert at higher rates because they come with an implicit recommendation.
Brand Mentions
Monitor increases in brand mentions across the web following testimonial publications. Tools like Google Alerts or social listening platforms can help track this.
Search Ranking Improvements
Watch for improvements in search rankings for keywords related to your testimonials. This might take time to develop but is a key indicator of success.
According to a study by Backlinko, the number one result in Google has an average of 3.8x more backlinks than positions #2-#10.
Conclusion
Testimonial links represent one of the most authentic and effective ways to build high-quality backlinks. By delivering exceptional service and strategically asking satisfied clients to share their experiences, you can create a steady stream of valuable backlinks that boost your SEO efforts and build credibility with potential clients.
Remember these key points:
- Focus first on providing service worth talking about
- Make specific, timely requests for testimonials with links
- Emphasize mutual benefits for you and your clients
- Track results and refine your approach over time
Start by identifying your happiest clients and reaching out with a well-crafted request. With patience and persistence, testimonial links can become one of your most powerful tools for improving search visibility and growing your business.
Meet The Author
John Wilson
John, the driving force behind Optisite Rocket, spent 10 fulfilling years as the owner of a contracting company, where he honed his skills and developed a deep love for the contracting industry. Seeing the dismal results from hiring many “experts” to build his website and do his SEO, he realized he needed to learn how to do this himself. This allowed him to build a thriving company in his local area. A sudden injury, however, curtailed his ability to continue hands-on work. Undeterred, John now channels his passion into educating and inspiring others. He aims to equip aspiring professionals with the necessary knowledge and tools to excel in this rewarding field.
Get measurable results from online marketing
Our Newest Articles
Table of Contents
- April 23, 2025
Sharing is Caring
Have you ever felt proud after doing a great job for a client? What if that good feeling could also help your website rank higher on Google? That’s what testimonial links can do! When clients are happy with your work, you can turn their satisfaction into valuable backlinks for your website.
In this article, we’ll explore how testimonial links work and why they’re so powerful. We’ll look at simple ways to ask for testimonials that include links back to your site. You’ll learn how to make the most of these opportunities without being pushy or making clients uncomfortable.
By the end, you’ll have a clear plan for using client testimonials to build quality backlinks that help your website grow. Let’s get started!
What Are Testimonial Links?
Types of Testimonial Links
Testimonial links come in several forms:
- Client website testimonials – When clients feature your testimonial on their “Partners” or “Tools We Use” pages
- Case study links – When clients allow you to create in-depth case studies about your work together
- Social proof widgets – When clients display automated testimonial widgets that link back to you
- Guest post bio links – When you contribute content to other sites and your author bio includes testimonial-style information
Each type has its advantages, but they all share one important quality: they come from satisfied clients who genuinely want to recommend your business.
Why Testimonial Links Matter
Backlinks are important for SEO (Search Engine Optimization), but not all backlinks are equal. Search engines like Google value links that are natural and relevant. Testimonial links check both boxes.
According to a study by Ahrefs, pages ranking #1 on Google have an average of 3.8 times more backlinks than those ranking #2-#10. This shows how important quality backlinks are for ranking well.
Testimonial links offer several key benefits:
They’re Natural
Search engines prefer links that appear naturally within content rather than those that seem forced or paid for. Testimonial links fit naturally into client content because they make sense in context.
They’re Relevant
When a client in your industry links to you, that link comes from a relevant source. Search engines see this as more valuable than random links from unrelated websites.
They Build Trust
Beyond SEO benefits, testimonial links build trust with potential clients. When new prospects see that respected companies in their field trust you, they’re more likely to trust you too.
They Drive Targeted Traffic
Links from client testimonials often bring high-quality visitors to your site. These visitors are already interested in what you offer because they’ve seen someone similar to them recommend your services.
According to a survey by BrightLocal, 87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses in 2020. This shows how important testimonials are for influencing potential customers.
How to Get More Testimonial Links
Provide Outstanding Service
This might seem obvious, but it’s the foundation of everything else. You can’t expect glowing testimonials if your service is just okay. Aim to exceed client expectations consistently.
Tips for exceptional service:
- Communicate clearly and often
- Deliver work on or before deadlines
- Be responsive to feedback and concerns
- Go the extra mile when possible
- Fix problems quickly when they arise
Time Your Requests Strategically
Timing matters when asking for testimonials. The best times to ask include:
- Right after a successful project completion
- When a client compliments your work
- After helping solve a difficult problem
- When you’ve achieved measurable results
- During regular review meetings
According to a study by ReviewTrackers, 72% of customers will take action after reading a positive review. This highlights how powerful positive testimonials can be.
Make Specific Requests
When you ask for a testimonial, be specific about what you’re looking for. Instead of saying “Would you mind giving us a testimonial?” try something like:
“We’re really proud of the results we achieved with your website redesign. Would you be willing to share your experience working with us on your company blog? A brief mention with a link back to our portfolio would be greatly appreciated.”
This approach:
- Reminds them of specific positive outcomes
- Makes a clear, reasonable request
- Specifies that you’d like a link included
- Gives them a sense of what information to include
Offer to Draft the Testimonial
Many clients are happy to provide testimonials but don’t have time to write them. Offer to draft something for their approval. This makes the process easier for them and ensures you highlight the aspects of your work that are most relevant.
When drafting, keep it:
- Authentic to their voice
- Focused on specific results
- Brief but detailed
- Easy to approve with minimal edits
Always make it clear that they can modify your draft however they’d like.
Create Case Studies
Case studies go beyond simple testimonials to tell the full story of your work with a client. They’re valuable content for both your site and the client’s site.
Propose creating a case study that:
- Highlights the client’s business in a positive light
- Shows the impressive results you achieved together
- Includes quotes from the client
- Features data and metrics when possible
Offer to share this case study with them to publish on their site with a link back to yours.
Set Up a Testimonial Exchange Program
If you work with other businesses, consider setting up a formal testimonial exchange program. This could involve:
- Creating dedicated “Partners” or “Tools We Use” pages
- Featuring clients who link to you prominently on your site
- Offering to write guest posts featuring your successful partnership
Make sure any exchange feels natural and valuable to both parties.
Make It Easy to Link to You
Provide clients with everything they need to link back to you effectively:
- Your preferred URL
- Suggested anchor text
- Your company logo in various formats
- Sample testimonial snippets they can use
The easier you make it, the more likely clients will include links in their testimonials.
Best Practices for Testimonial Link Building
Content-Driven Link Building
Never Pressure Clients
Testimonials should be freely given. Pressuring clients can damage relationships and result in inauthentic testimonials that don’t help either party.
If a client seems hesitant:
- Thank them for considering
- Let them know there’s no obligation
- Offer to follow up later if timing is the issue
Focus on Mutual Benefit
The best testimonial arrangements benefit both parties. Always emphasize how the testimonial can help the client, such as:
- Positioning them as an industry leader
- Showcasing their success story
- Strengthening your partnership
According to Content Marketing Institute, case studies are among the most effective types of content, with 69% of marketers finding them valuable.
Keep Testimonials Honest
Never ask clients to exaggerate or make false claims. Authentic testimonials are more convincing and won’t come back to haunt either party later.
Encourage clients to:
- Share specific experiences
- Mention real results
- Describe actual benefits they received
- Include any initial concerns they had that were addressed
Vary Your Anchor Text
When suggesting link text to clients, avoid using the same keywords every time. Varied anchor text looks more natural to search engines.
Instead of always asking for “digital marketing agency,” try variations like:
- Our marketing partner
- The team at [Your Company Name]
- Our SEO consultants
- [Your Name] and their team
Follow Up Without Being Annoying
If a client agrees to provide a testimonial but doesn’t follow through, a gentle reminder is appropriate. Wait at least a week before following up, and keep your message friendly and brief.
A simple email like this works well: “Hi [Name], I hope you’re doing well! I’m just checking in about the testimonial we discussed last week. Please let me know if you need any additional information from us to make this easier. We’re excited to be featured on your site!”
Track and Measure Results
Keep track of the testimonial links you receive and monitor their impact on your SEO and website traffic. This helps you refine your approach over time and focus on the types of testimonials that deliver the best results.
Track metrics like:
- Referral traffic from testimonial links
- Changes in search rankings
- Keywords the testimonial pages rank for
- Engagement of visitors from testimonial links
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Challenge 1: Clients Are Too Busy
Many clients simply don’t have time to write testimonials or add links to their website.
Solution: Make the process as easy as possible. Offer to draft the testimonial, provide all necessary materials, and even help with technical implementation if appropriate.
Challenge 2: Client Policies Restrict Outbound Links
Some companies, especially larger ones, have policies against adding links to external websites.
Solution: Propose alternatives like:
- Unlinked mentions that still provide brand value
- Links with “nofollow” attributes that comply with many corporate policies
- Case studies on your site that they can approve and share socially
Challenge 3: Testimonials Without Links
Most of the time clients will provide great testimonials but publish them without linking to your site.
Solution:
- Thank them sincerely for the testimonial
- Gently ask if adding a link would be possible
- Suggest specific pages where the link would make sense contextually
Challenge 4: Competitors Also Seeking Testimonials
You may find that competitors are also asking your clients for testimonial links.
Solution:
- Focus on providing truly exceptional service that clients want to talk about
- Create unique case study formats that stand out
- Offer to collaborate on content that goes beyond basic testimonials
- Build deeper relationships with key clients
Examples of Effective Testimonial Link Strategies
Example 1: Software Company Showcase
A software company creates an annual “Client Success Stories” publication featuring detailed case studies of their most successful clients. Each featured client gets:
- Professional writing and design services for their story
- Social media promotion of their feature
- A dedicated page on the software company’s high-traffic website
In return, clients happily link to the software company from their own sites and share the content across their networks.
Example 2: Agency Partner Program
A marketing agency creates a tiered partner program where clients who provide testimonials with links receive:
- Discounts on future services
- Co-marketing opportunities
- Featured placement on the agency’s “Trusted Partners” page
- Early access to new service offerings
This creates a win-win situation where both the agency and their clients gain visibility and credibility.
Example 3: Service Provider Review Exchange
A group of complementary service providers (but not direct competitors) creates a review exchange network. Each business features honest reviews of services they’ve actually used, with links to the providers. This creates a natural ecosystem of testimonial links among businesses serving similar client bases.
Measuring Success with Testimonial Links
Backlink Quality Metrics
Tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz can help you assess the quality of backlinks from testimonials. Look at:
- Domain Authority of linking sites
- Relevance of linking pages to your business
- Traffic to the pages containing your testimonials
- Follow vs. nofollow status of links
Referral Traffic
Check your Google Analytics to see how much traffic comes directly from testimonial links. High-quality traffic that engages with your site is more valuable than raw numbers.
Conversion Rates
Track how visitors from testimonial links convert compared to other traffic sources. These visitors often convert at higher rates because they come with an implicit recommendation.
Brand Mentions
Monitor increases in brand mentions across the web following testimonial publications. Tools like Google Alerts or social listening platforms can help track this.
Search Ranking Improvements
Watch for improvements in search rankings for keywords related to your testimonials. This might take time to develop but is a key indicator of success.
According to a study by Backlinko, the number one result in Google has an average of 3.8x more backlinks than positions #2-#10.
Conclusion
Testimonial links represent one of the most authentic and effective ways to build high-quality backlinks. By delivering exceptional service and strategically asking satisfied clients to share their experiences, you can create a steady stream of valuable backlinks that boost your SEO efforts and build credibility with potential clients.
Remember these key points:
- Focus first on providing service worth talking about
- Make specific, timely requests for testimonials with links
- Emphasize mutual benefits for you and your clients
- Track results and refine your approach over time
Start by identifying your happiest clients and reaching out with a well-crafted request. With patience and persistence, testimonial links can become one of your most powerful tools for improving search visibility and growing your business.
Meet The Author
John Wilson
John, the driving force behind Optisite Rocket, spent 10 fulfilling years as the owner of a contracting company, where he honed his skills and developed a deep love for the contracting industry. Seeing the dismal results from hiring many “experts” to build his website and do his SEO, he realized he needed to learn how to do this himself. This allowed him to build a thriving company in his local area. A sudden injury, however, curtailed his ability to continue hands-on work. Undeterred, John now channels his passion into educating and inspiring others. He aims to equip aspiring professionals with the necessary knowledge and tools to excel in this rewarding field.
Get measurable results from online marketing
Our Newest Articles
Frequently Asked Questions
How many testimonial links should I aim to get each month?
Quality matters more than quantity with testimonial links. Instead of setting a specific number goal, focus on identifying opportunities with clients who have had exceptional experiences with your business. For most small to medium businesses, securing 2-5 quality testimonial links per quarter is a realistic and valuable goal.
Rather than focusing on a specific number, analyze the backlink profiles of websites currently ranking for your target keywords. This will give you a realistic benchmark for what you need to achieve in your specific situation.
Is it okay to offer incentives for testimonial links?
While you can offer small tokens of appreciation for testimonials, avoid direct payment for links as this violates Google’s guidelines. Better incentives include featuring clients prominently on your site, offering case study creation services, or providing educational resources. The relationship and mutual promotion should be the primary incentive.
What should I do if a client removes a testimonial link later?
First, try to understand why it was removed. If it was due to a site redesign or policy change, a friendly inquiry might resolve the issue. If they’re no longer satisfied with your service, use this as an opportunity to address concerns and improve. In either case, maintain the relationship and don’t pressure them to restore the link.
- The authority of the linking website
- The relevance of the link to your content
- Your existing backlink profile
- The competitiveness of your target keywords
- The frequency of search engine algorithm updates
Backlink building should be viewed as a long-term strategy, with consistent efforts over time yielding the best results.
Are testimonial links from small businesses valuable, or should I focus only on well-known companies?
Testimonial links from relevant businesses of any size can be valuable. While big-name clients might have websites with higher domain authority, smaller businesses in your exact niche might provide more relevant context for your backlink. Aim for a mix of both when possible, but never dismiss a sincere testimonial opportunity just because the client isn’t well-known.
- Links from websites with a history of spam
- Links from irrelevant websites or content
- Links with over-optimized anchor text
- Links from private blog networks
- Paid links without proper disclosure
- Links from hacked websites
If you discover harmful backlinks pointing to your site, you can use Google’s disavow tool as a last resort to tell search engines to ignore these links.
How should I approach clients who are also working with my competitors?
Be transparent and focus on the unique value you provide. Acknowledge that they may have testimonials for other partners and emphasize that you’re not asking for exclusivity or comparisons. Instead, ask them to highlight specific aspects of your service that they particularly value. A genuine, specific testimonial about your unique strengths can be more powerful than a generic endorsement.
