Testimonial Request Sequence for Shopify Store Owners Email Guide
Why Testimonial Request Sequence Emails Fail for Shopify Store Owners (And How to Fix Them)
Your potential customer is on the fence. They're interested, but a tiny doubt lingers.
They scroll for social proof, eager to see real experiences. What do they find?
Many Shopify store owners dedicate significant resources to attracting new visitors but overlook the immense power of existing customer voices. Without genuine testimonials, even the best products can struggle to convert hesitant buyers, leaving revenue on the table.
Testimonials aren't just feel-good reviews. They are potent sales tools, building immediate trust and validating your products through the authentic experiences of others.
They speak louder than any marketing copy you could write, providing the social proof that tips hesitant shoppers into buyers. These battle-tested email templates are designed to help you systematically collect those valuable stories, transforming satisfied customers into your most effective sales advocates.
The Complete 3-Email Testimonial Request Sequence for Shopify Store Owners
As a shopify store owner, 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],
It's been a little while since your order #[ORDER NUMBER] arrived. I hope you've had a chance to really dig into your new [PRODUCT CATEGORY, e.g., coffee maker, skincare routine, desk organizer].
We always want to make sure our customers are delighted with their purchase. How is everything going with it so far?
Are you enjoying [specific benefit, e.g., your morning coffee, the results on your skin, your tidier workspace]? I'd love to hear any initial thoughts or feedback you might have.
No need to write a long review, just a quick reply is perfect.
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email employs the "foot in the door" technique. By asking for a small, low-effort response first (a quick check-in), you open a dialogue. It positions you as genuinely caring about their experience, not just seeking a review. This builds goodwill, making a future request for a testimonial feel less transactional and more like a natural continuation of a positive interaction.
The Request
Ask for a testimonial with specific, easy prompts
Hi [First Name],
Thanks again for being a customer. It means a lot to us.
I'm reaching out because your experience with [PRODUCT NAME] could genuinely help other shoppers make informed decisions. We're always striving to improve and showcase how our products make a difference.
Would you be willing to share a brief testimonial about your experience? Even a few sentences would be incredibly helpful.
To make it easy, consider these questions: 1. What specific problem did [PRODUCT NAME] solve for you, or what benefit did you enjoy most? 2.
What was your favorite feature or aspect of the product? 3. Would you recommend [PRODUCT NAME] to a friend, and why?
You can simply reply to this email with your thoughts. We truly appreciate your time and support.
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email uses reciprocity and social proof. By framing the request as "helping other shoppers," it appeals to the customer's desire to be helpful. Providing specific, easy-to-answer prompts reduces cognitive load, making it much simpler for them to formulate a response. This structured approach guides them to provide valuable, benefit-driven feedback, rather than generic praise.
The Gentle Nudge
Follow up with those who have not responded
Hi [First Name],
Hope this finds you well. I recently sent an email asking if you'd be open to sharing your thoughts on [PRODUCT NAME].
I know how busy things can get, so no worries if you haven't had a chance to respond. Your feedback is truly important to us, and it helps us continue to offer products that genuinely meet your needs.
We also know that real experiences from customers like you are invaluable to others considering a purchase. If you have just a moment, a quick reply with your honest thoughts on [PRODUCT NAME] would be wonderful.
You can simply answer one or two of the questions from my last email, or share whatever comes to mind. Thanks again for your consideration.
Best, [YOUR NAME]
This email employs the principle of gentle persistence and re-emphasizes value. It avoids sounding demanding by acknowledging their potential busyness. By reiterating the importance of their feedback to both the business and prospective customers, it subtly reinforces the social good of their contribution. Offering an "easier" path (just one or two questions) further reduces the perceived effort, making a response more likely.
4 Testimonial Request Sequence Mistakes Shopify Store Owners Make
| Don't Do This | Do This Instead |
|---|---|
✕ Sending a generic, mass-produced testimonial request to all customers, regardless of their specific purchase or satisfaction level. | Segment your customer list based on purchase history, product type, and recent engagement. Tailor your request to their specific experience and ensure they've had enough time to use the product. |
✕ Making the testimonial submission process overly complicated, requiring customers to handle multiple pages or fill out extensive forms. | Keep it simple. Ask them to reply directly to an email, or provide a single, short link to a very simple form with clear prompts. Reduce any friction points to encourage completion. |
✕ Only asking for testimonials when you launch a new product or are desperate for social proof, making the request feel reactive. | Implement an ongoing, automated testimonial request sequence as a standard part of your post-purchase flow. Consistent collection ensures you always have fresh, relevant social proof available. |
✕ Not following up with customers who don't respond to the initial request, leaving potential testimonials uncollected. | Always include at least one gentle follow-up email. Many customers intend to respond but get sidetracked. A polite reminder can significantly boost your response rates. |
Testimonial Request Sequence Timing Guide for Shopify Store Owners
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 Shopify Store Owner Specialty
Adapt these templates for your specific industry.
Single Product Stores
- Focus your requests on the deep transformation or specific unique selling proposition of your single product. Ask how it has fundamentally changed an aspect of their life or business.
- Encourage customers to share photos or short videos of themselves using the product, as this adds immense authenticity and visual proof that resonates with future buyers.
- Highlight how their detailed feedback helps you refine the one thing you do exceptionally well, making them feel like an integral part of the product's evolution.
General Stores
- Personalize requests by referencing the specific product(s) they purchased, rather than a generic "your order." This makes the request feel relevant and less like a mass email.
- Consider offering a small incentive (e.g., a discount on their next purchase) for leaving a review, as general stores often have diverse customer bases and lower average order values.
- Make it clear that reviews for any product they bought are valuable, encouraging them to share thoughts on multiple items if applicable, broadening your social proof.
Niche Stores
- Speak directly to the passion or specific interest of your niche audience. Frame the testimonial request as a way for them to share their expertise within their community.
- Ask questions that resonate with their niche values, such as how the product integrates into their hobby, craft, or specific lifestyle, demonstrating your understanding.
- Suggest sharing their testimonial on niche-specific forums or social groups (if appropriate and with their permission), extending the reach of their social proof to relevant audiences.
Subscription Stores
- Focus on the ongoing value and consistent positive experience of their subscription, not just the initial product. Ask how each delivery improves their routine or brings joy.
- Time your requests to coincide with key milestones, such as after their third or sixth shipment, when they've had ample time to experience the recurring benefits.
- Encourage testimonials about the convenience and discovery aspect of the subscription, highlighting how it saves them time or introduces them to new favorites without effort.
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