Testimonial Request Sequence for Course Creators Email Guide
Why Testimonial Request Sequence Emails Fail for Course Creators (And How to Fix Them)
Your student just completed your flagship course, but their success story remains untold. You know they achieved amazing results, but how do you capture that magic?
Many course creators struggle to collect the powerful testimonials they deserve. The impact of your work often gets lost because the ask feels awkward, or it's simply forgotten amidst the next launch.
Yet, nothing speaks louder than the voice of a satisfied student. Authentic testimonials build trust, validate your course's value, and are crucial for attracting future enrollments.
They transform skepticism into curiosity, and curiosity into commitment. These battle-tested email templates are designed to make requesting testimonials simple, respectful, and effective.
They'll help you gather compelling social proof that fuels your course's growth.
The Complete 3-Email Testimonial Request Sequence for Course Creators
As a course creator, your clients trust your recommendations. This 3-email sequence helps you introduce valuable tools without sounding like a salesperson.
The Check-in
Ask how things are going and gauge satisfaction
Hi [First Name],
I'm reaching out to see how things are going since you completed [COURSE NAME]. My biggest goal for this course is to see you achieve real transformation, whether that's [SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1] or [SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2].
I'm always eager to hear about the wins you're experiencing and any challenges you might still be handling. Did you implement any specific strategies from the modules right away?
What felt like the biggest breakthrough for you? If you have a moment, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Your feedback helps me make [COURSE NAME] even better for future students.
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email uses the principle of reciprocity and genuine interest. By asking about their progress and offering support, you create a positive interaction before making any request. It makes the student feel valued, increasing their likelihood of engaging further.
The Request
Ask for a testimonial with specific, easy prompts
Hi [First Name],
I'm so glad you've been part of [COURSE NAME]. It's students like you who make this community thrive, and I'm always thrilled to see your accomplishments.
I'm gathering a few testimonials to help future students understand the impact of the course. Would you be open to sharing a few words about your experience?
To make it easy, here are a few prompts: • What specific problem did [COURSE NAME] help you solve? • What was your biggest takeaway or 'aha!' moment? • What results have you seen since implementing what you learned? Simply reply to this email with your thoughts.
A short paragraph is perfect, but feel free to share more if you like!
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email uses social proof and reduces friction. By providing specific prompts, it guides the student toward writing a useful testimonial, overcoming the blank page paralysis. The 'quick question' subject line implies a low commitment, making it more likely to be opened and acted upon.
The Gentle Nudge
Follow up with those who have not responded
Hi [First Name],
I know how busy life can get, so I wanted to gently follow up on my previous email about sharing your experience with [COURSE NAME]. Your journey and results are truly inspiring, and I'd love to feature your success.
Think of it as helping someone just like you decide if this course is the right step for them. If you have a moment, consider these prompts again: • What was your life like before [COURSE NAME] and how is it different now? • Which module or lesson had the biggest impact on you? • Who would you recommend this course to, and why?
It would mean a lot to me and to future students. Just hit reply when you're ready.
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email uses the psychological principle of 'mere-exposure effect' and a gentle nudge. Repeating the request without pressure, and subtly reminding them of the value of their contribution to others, increases the chances of a response from those who intended to reply but forgot. It also re-frames the ask as a helpful act for potential students.
4 Testimonial Request Sequence Mistakes Course Creators Make
| Don't Do This | Do This Instead |
|---|---|
✕ Waiting until a course is fully closed or a student is long gone before asking for testimonials. | Integrate testimonial requests into your student success journey, perhaps after key module completions or a few weeks post-course completion when results are fresh. |
✕ Asking for generic feedback like 'What did you think of the course?' | Provide specific prompts that guide students to share measurable results, 'before and after' scenarios, or key 'aha!' moments that highlight your course's unique value. |
✕ Making the testimonial submission process complicated or requiring multiple steps. | Keep it simple. Ask students to reply directly to an email, or provide a single link to a short form. Consider a video testimonial option that is easy to record on their phone. |
✕ Not following up after the initial request, assuming no response means no interest. | Send a gentle reminder email a few days later. People are busy, and a second, polite nudge can often lead to a valuable testimonial. |
Testimonial Request Sequence Timing Guide for Course Creators
When you send matters as much as what you send.
The Check-in
Ask how things are going and gauge satisfaction
The Request
Ask for a testimonial with specific, easy prompts
The Gentle Nudge
Follow up with those who have not responded
Send after a win, project completion, or positive feedback.
Customize Testimonial Request Sequence for Your Course Creator Specialty
Adapt these templates for your specific industry.
Video Course Creators
- Encourage video testimonials! Offer a simple guide on how to record a short clip with their phone.
- Highlight 'behind-the-scenes' moments where your course truly helped them grasp a complex video concept.
- Suggest they show a 'before and after' of their video projects if applicable.
Membership Site Creators
- Ask how the community aspect or ongoing support within the membership has impacted their learning or business.
- Inquire about specific resources, live sessions, or challenges within the membership that provided the most value.
- Consider a short interview format for testimonials that can be recorded during a live Q&A or community call.
Cohort-Based Course Creators
- Focus on the unique benefits of the live interaction, peer support, and direct coaching within the cohort.
- Ask about the transformation they experienced from the structured, guided learning path and specific deadlines.
- Request testimonials shortly after the cohort concludes, while the shared experience and results are still vivid.
Self-Paced Course Creators
- Ask how the flexibility of the self-paced format allowed them to integrate the learning into their busy lives.
- Inquire about specific modules or lessons that were particularly effective for their individual learning style.
- Connect testimonial requests to automated completion emails sent via platforms like Teachable, Kajabi, or Thinkific.
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