Video Testimonial

Why This Matters: Written testimonials lack emotional impact. Professional video testimonials are expensive and logistically complex. Self-recorded testimonials—with proper guidance—deliver authenticity at scale. Customers recording on their phones often produces more genuine, relatable content than polished productions.

What Claude Does vs What You Decide

What This Skill Does

1. Identifies testimonial candidates - Who to ask and when
2. Crafts effective outreach - Requests that get yes responses
3. Prepares customers - Briefing, questions, technical guidance
4. Guides self-recording - Instructions that produce usable footage
5. Handles consent and editing - Legal, production, publishing workflow

How to Use

Plan Testimonial Campaign

Help me plan video testimonial collection.
Product/Service: [what you're selling]
Target customers: [who should we ask]
Use case: [website/ads/social/case study]
Volume goal: [how many testimonials]

Create Customer Outreach

Write testimonial request for:
Customer type: [description]
Relationship: [new customer/long-term/just achieved result]
Incentive: [if any]
Platform: [email/call/in-person]

Design Recording Guide

Create customer recording instructions.
Technical level: [savvy/average/low]
Recording format: [smartphone/desktop/platform]
Desired length: [30 sec/1 min/2 min]
Key messages: [what they should mention]

Instructions

When collecting video testimonials, follow this methodology:

Step 1: Identify the Right Customers

Not every customer makes a great testimonial. Find the right ones.

## Testimonial Candidate Criteria

### Ideal Candidates

**High-Value Indicators**:
- Recently achieved significant result
- Expressed enthusiasm unsolicited
- Has been with you long enough to have real experience
- Represents your ideal customer profile
- Articulate and comfortable on camera
- Has specific, quantifiable outcomes

**Perfect Timing**:
- Just completed onboarding successfully
- Just hit a milestone or achieved a goal
- Just renewed or upgraded
- Just referred someone else
- Just gave you a 5-star review

### Who to Avoid

**Red Flags**:
- Currently has unresolved support issues
- Passive/unenthusiastic relationship
- Uses you but wouldn't recommend
- Hard to reach or unresponsive
- Competitive concerns about appearing
- Legal/compliance restrictions

### Finding Candidates

**Proactive Sources**:
- NPS 9-10 respondents
- Support tickets marked "Positive outcome"
- Social media mentions
- Referral sources
- Long-term renewals
- Case study interview volunteers

**Ask Customer Success Team**:
- "Who's had a big win recently?"
- "Who's been really vocal about loving us?"
- "Who would you feel confident asking?"

Step 2: Make the Ask

Request testimonials in a way that gets yes responses.

## Testimonial Request Best Practices

### Timing

**Best time to ask**: "Should be asked verbally before the job is started so that the customer is at ease" OR immediately after a positive outcome.

**Ask early, deliver later**: Plant the seed when relationship is new, request fulfillment after they have results to share.

### Request Principles

**Make it easy**:
- Clear, simple process
- Minimal time commitment (under 5 minutes)
- No technical barriers

**Show value**:
- How their story helps others
- What's in it for them (exposure, reciprocity)
- That you genuinely value their perspective

**Remove friction**:
- Provide questions in advance
- Offer multiple recording options
- Handle editing and production

### What NOT to Do

- Don't offer excessive incentives (appears bought)
- Don't request specific wording (appears scripted)
- Don't ask customers with unresolved issues
- Don't make it feel like homework
- Don't skip getting proper consent

### Request Templates

**Email Request**:

Subject: Would you share your experience? (2 minutes)

Hi [Name],

I noticed you recently [achieved result / mentioned liking X]. That made my day!

Would you be willing to share your experience in a quick video testimonial? Just 60-90 seconds on your phone.

I'll send you 3 simple questions to answer—nothing scripted, just your honest perspective.

Your story could help others [benefit] and we'd feature you on [where].

If you're open to it, just reply "yes" and I'll send everything you need.

Thanks for being such a great customer!

[Your name]

---

**In-Person/Call Request**:

"Hey [Name], I'm so glad [product] is working well for you.

We're collecting customer stories to help others who are dealing with [problem]. Would you be willing to record a quick video—like 60 seconds on your phone—sharing your experience?

I'll send you a few questions to make it easy. No pressure at all, but your story could really help someone."

Step 3: Brief and Prepare Customers

Set customers up for success with clear guidance.

## Customer Briefing Guide

### What to Send

**Package Contents**:
1. Thank you + timeline
2. Questions they'll answer
3. Recording tips (simple!)
4. Technical instructions
5. Consent form (if needed)

### Questions That Work

**Effective Testimonial Questions**:

1. "What problem were you trying to solve before [product]?"
   - Establishes relatable context

2. "What made you choose us over other options?"
   - Differentiates from competitors

3. "What results have you seen since using [product]?"
   - Provides concrete outcomes

4. "What would you tell someone who's considering [product]?"
   - Direct recommendation to prospects

**Alternative Questions by Use Case**:

For B2B:
- "How has [product] impacted your team's workflow?"
- "What ROI have you seen?"

For B2C:
- "How do you feel about [product] compared to what you used before?"
- "What's your favorite thing about it?"

For Services:
- "What was working with [company] like?"
- "What exceeded your expectations?"

### Preparation Tips for Customers

**Include in Briefing**:

"Before recording:
- Think about your answers (but don't script them)
- A few notes are fine, but speak naturally
- It's okay to pause and restart
- Aim for 60-90 seconds total
- Your honest story is what matters"

Step 4: Recording Instructions

Make self-recording simple and foolproof.

## Self-Recording Guide (Send to Customer)

### Quick Setup (2 minutes)

**1. Location**
- Find a quiet spot with good lighting
- Face a window (natural light is best)
- Plain or tidy background
- Avoid busy or distracting settings

**2. Phone Position**
- Horizontal (landscape) orientation
- At eye level or slightly above
- Use something to prop it up (books, stand)
- Fill the frame from chest up

**3. Audio**
- Quiet room, no background noise
- No music or TV
- Close windows if street noise

### Recording Tips

**Before you hit record**:
- Take a deep breath and smile
- Relax your shoulders
- You can do multiple takes

**While recording**:
- Look at the camera lens (not the screen)
- Speak slightly slower than normal
- It's okay to pause between questions
- If you mess up, just start that answer over

**Length guidance**:
- Aim for 60-90 seconds total
- Each answer: 15-30 seconds
- Short and genuine beats long and scripted

### What to Say

Answer these questions naturally:

1. "What challenge were you facing?"
2. "How did [product] help?"
3. "What results did you see?"
4. "What would you tell someone considering [product]?"

**Don't worry about**:
- Being perfect
- Sounding "professional"
- Covering everything
- Any ums or pauses (we can edit)

### Sending Your Video

When done, [upload here / email to / send via platform].

Thank you so much—your story will help others!

Step 5: Video Testimonial Platforms

Tools that automate the collection process.

## Video Testimonial Platforms

### Dedicated Platforms

| Platform | Best For | Key Features |
|----------|----------|--------------|
| Vocal Video | Scalability | Guided questions, async recording, auto-editing |
| Vouch | Marketing teams | Templates, CRM integration, analytics |
| Trustmary | Review + video | Combines text reviews with video |
| VideoAsk | Interactive | Conversational, branching questions |
| Boast | B2B | Enterprise features, integrations |

### Platform vs. Manual

**Use a platform when**:
- Collecting testimonials at scale (10+/month)
- Need consistent format and quality
- Want automated editing features
- Managing multiple requesters/brands

**Use manual process when**:
- Low volume (1-5/month)
- Very personal relationships
- Need maximum flexibility
- Budget constraints

### Platform Workflow

1. Create campaign (questions, branding)
2. Generate unique links for customers
3. Customer receives link
4. Platform guides them through questions
5. They record on browser or phone
6. Platform provides edited clips
7. You approve and download

### DIY Tech Stack (Free/Low Cost)

**Collection**:
- Google Form (request + consent)
- Loom (they record, share link)
- Dropbox/Google Drive (file upload)

**Editing**:
- Descript (transcription + editing)
- CapCut (free, easy)
- Canva (simple overlays)

Step 6: Legal and Consent

Protect yourself and your customers.

## Consent and Legal Requirements

### What You Need

**Written consent covering**:
- Right to use their image and voice
- Where you'll use the testimonial
- How long you'll use it
- Editing rights
- Right to revoke (and process for doing so)

### Simple Consent Language

Video Testimonial Release

I, [Name], grant [Company] permission to use my video testimonial for marketing purposes including:

• Website and landing pages
• Social media platforms
• Email marketing
• Advertising (specify: paid ads, remarketing, etc.)
• Sales materials

I understand that:

• The video may be edited for length and clarity
• I will not receive compensation
• I may request removal by contacting [email]

Signature: _______________ Date: _______________ Company (if applicable): _______________

### Platform Consent

Most video testimonial platforms include consent capture:
- Checkbox before recording
- Terms displayed on screen
- Digital signature collected
- Timestamp recorded

**Verify your platform's consent meets your legal requirements.**

### Privacy Considerations

- Don't require company name if customer is uncomfortable
- Offer first name only option
- For B2B: Confirm employer allows testimonials
- For regulated industries: Extra compliance review

Step 7: Editing and Publishing

Turn raw recordings into polished testimonials.

## Post-Production Workflow

### Basic Editing Checklist

□ Trim start/end (remove awkward pauses)
□ Cut filler words if distracting
□ Normalize audio levels
□ Add name/title lower third
□ Include logo/branding
□ Add captions (most views are muted)
□ Export for target platform

### Keep It Authentic

**Do**:
- Light cleanup and trimming
- Add helpful context (text overlays)
- Improve audio levels
- Correct obvious errors

**Don't**:
- Over-produce (loses authenticity)
- Cut so much it feels manufactured
- Add dramatic music or effects
- Make it look like an ad

### Output Formats

| Platform | Aspect | Max Length | Notes |
|----------|--------|------------|-------|
| Website | 16:9 | 90-120 sec | Full version |
| Instagram Feed | 1:1 | 60 sec | Key highlights |
| Instagram Stories | 9:16 | 15 sec | One quote |
| LinkedIn | 16:9 or 1:1 | 30-90 sec | Professional focus |
| Facebook | 16:9 or 1:1 | 60-90 sec | Captions essential |
| YouTube | 16:9 | Full length | SEO description |

### Publishing Strategy

**One testimonial becomes multiple assets**:
- Full video (website, YouTube)
- 30-60 sec cut (social)
- 15 sec quote clip (stories, ads)
- Pull quote graphic (static posts)
- Transcript excerpt (written case study)

Examples

Example 1: SaaS Customer Success Story

Context: B2B SaaS company wants testimonials from customers who recently achieved ROI.

Input:

Help me get video testimonials from SaaS customers. We want to show how our project management tool saves time. Targeting customers who've been with us 3-6 months and are active users.

Output:

SaaS Video Testimonial Campaign

Target Identification

Selection Criteria:

• 3-6 months tenure (enough experience)
• Active usage (logged in 10+ times/month)
• Team size 5+ (good story potential)
• No open support tickets

Data Pull Request:

SELECT customer_name, email, company, start_date,
       monthly_logins, team_size, csm_name
FROM customers
WHERE tenure_months BETWEEN 3 AND 6
  AND monthly_logins >= 10
  AND team_size >= 5
  AND open_tickets = 0
ORDER BY monthly_logins DESC
LIMIT 20

Outreach Sequence

Email 1: Personal Request (from CSM)

Subject: Quick favor, [Name]?

Hi [Name],

I was reviewing your team's usage and noticed you've saved over [X hours] on [specific feature] this month. That's awesome!

We're collecting quick video testimonials from successful teams like yours. Would you be willing to share your experience in a 60-second phone video?

I'll send you 3 simple questions—no prep needed, just your honest thoughts.

Worth it? Just reply "yes" and I'll send everything.

[CSM Name]

Email 2: Follow-up (3 days later)

Subject: Re: Quick favor?

Bumping this—totally understand if you're busy!

If helpful, here's exactly what I'd ask:

1. What was project management like before [Tool]?
2. What's changed since you started using it?
3. What would you tell someone considering it?

60 seconds, your phone, whenever convenient.

Worth a few minutes to help others?

Recording Instructions

Send After "Yes" Response:

Recording Your Testimonial

Thanks for doing this! Here's everything you need.

Setup (1 minute):

• Horizontal phone orientation
• Face a window for good lighting
• Quiet room
• Frame from chest up

Questions to Answer:

1. "What was managing projects like before [Tool]?" (What was frustrating? What took too long?)

2. "What's different now that you're using [Tool]?" (Specific changes, time saved, results)

3. "What would you tell someone considering [Tool]?" (Your honest recommendation)

Tips:

• 60-90 seconds total is perfect
• Natural is better than polished
• Multiple takes are fine—send your favorite

When ready: Reply to this email with your video attached, or upload here: [link]

Follow-Up + Thank You

After Receiving Video:

Subject: YOU'RE AMAZING - thank you!

[Name],

Just watched your testimonial—this is exactly what we hoped for. Your story about [specific thing they mentioned] is going to help so many teams.

A few things:

• We'll do light editing (just cleanup, no changes to what you said)
• We'll share the final version before publishing
• You'll get first look + a shareable version

As a thank you, I'm sending [small gift: company swag, gift card, charity donation in their name].

Thanks again for being an awesome customer!

Example 2: Local Service Business

Context: Home services company wants testimonials from recent satisfied customers.

Input:

We run a home renovation company. Want to get video testimonials from homeowners after completing projects. They're not tech-savvy.

Output:

Home Renovation Video Testimonials

Timing Strategy

When to Ask: At final walkthrough, when customer is experiencing the "reveal" excitement.

"We'd love to capture your reaction while it's fresh. Would you be willing to record a quick video about your experience with us? Just 60 seconds on your phone—I can help you set it up right now."

On-Site Recording Option

Same-Day Capture (Best quality):

You record them:

1. Ask permission + consent
2. Use your phone, landscape mode
3. Have them stand in completed project space
4. Guide them through questions verbally

Script for guiding: "Okay, we're recording. Just look at me, not the camera. First, tell me what your [kitchen/bathroom/etc.] was like before we started... [wait for answer] Great. Now, what's it like now that it's done? [wait] Perfect. Last one: what would you tell a neighbor considering a renovation?"

Remote Follow-Up Option

For customers who prefer later:

Text Message (2-3 days after completion):

Hi [Name]! It's [Company]. We hope you're loving your new [space]!

Would you be willing to share a quick video testimonial? Just 60 seconds on your phone showing off your new [kitchen/bathroom] and sharing your experience.

Here's a simple guide: [link to instructions]

It would mean so much to us + helps other homeowners make decisions!

Simple Instructions for Non-Tech Customers:

Record Your Testimonial (Super Easy!)

Step 1: Open your phone's camera Step 2: Switch to VIDEO mode Step 3: Turn phone SIDEWAYS (horizontal) Step 4: Stand in your new [room] Step 5: Hit the red RECORD button

Talk about:

• What the room looked like before
• What you love about it now
• What it was like working with us

Step 6: Hit STOP Step 7: Text the video to [number] OR email to [address]

That's it! THANK YOU!

Consent (Simple Version)

At Project Completion:

"[Name], we'd love to use your video on our website and social media to show other homeowners what we do. Is that okay with you?"

"Also, can we include your first name and neighborhood? So like 'Sarah, North End'?"

Follow up with written consent via email or signed form before publishing.

Checklists & Templates

Testimonial Collection Checklist

## Pre-Request

□ Identify candidate (right customer, right timing)
□ Verify no open issues
□ Personalize request message
□ Prepare questions
□ Set up collection method (platform, email, etc.)

## Request

□ Send personalized outreach
□ Follow up if no response (once, respectfully)
□ Confirm participation
□ Send briefing + questions
□ Include recording instructions
□ Include consent information

## Recording

□ Answer customer questions
□ Set deadline (soft)
□ Remind once if needed
□ Receive video
□ Thank customer immediately

## Post-Production

□ Review for quality
□ Light editing
□ Add branding/captions
□ Get customer approval on final
□ Obtain signed consent if not yet done

## Publishing

□ Upload to intended platforms
□ Share link with customer
□ Track engagement
□ Notify customer of where it's live
□ Add to testimonial library

Customer Briefing Template

Subject: Your Video Testimonial Guide

Hi [Name],

Thank you for agreeing to share your experience! Here's everything you need.

**What to record**: 60-90 seconds answering these questions:

1. What challenge were you facing before [Product/Service]?
2. How did working with us help?
3. What would you tell someone considering [us]?

**Recording tips**:
- Phone horizontal (sideways)
- Good lighting (face a window)
- Quiet space
- Look at camera, not screen
- Multiple takes are fine!

**Send by**: [Date]
**Send to**: [Email/upload link]

Don't overthink it—your natural, honest response is perfect.

Questions? Just reply!

[Your name]

Consent Form Template

VIDEO TESTIMONIAL RELEASE

Participant: _______________
Company (if applicable): _______________
Email: _______________
Date Recorded: _______________

I grant [Your Company] permission to:

□ Use my video testimonial on company website
□ Share on social media platforms
□ Include in email marketing
□ Use in paid advertising
□ Use in sales/presentation materials

I understand:
- Video may be edited for length and clarity
- I will not receive monetary compensation
- I may request removal by emailing [address]
- My name and [company/role] may be displayed

I confirm the testimonial represents my honest experience.

Signature: _______________
Date: _______________

---

For removal requests: [email address]

Skill Boundaries

What This Skill Does Well

• Structuring audio production workflows
• Providing technical guidance
• Creating quality checklists
• Suggesting creative approaches

What This Skill Cannot Do

• Replace audio engineering expertise
• Make subjective creative decisions
• Access or edit audio files directly
• Guarantee commercial success

References

• Vocal Video. "How to Get Video Testimonials from Customers"
• Trustmary. "The Complete Guide to Video Testimonials"
• Wistia. "The State of Video Marketing"
• HubSpot. "Social Proof Statistics"
• Rev. "Video Testimonial Best Practices"

Related Skills

• remote-interview - For longer-form customer interviews
• voiceover-direction - Directing customer performance
• video-production - When professional production is needed
• transcription-to-content - Repurposing testimonial content

Skill Metadata (Internal Use)