Getting social proof before you’ve even made a sale might seem tricky, but it’s totally doable and powerful. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to get testimonials before first sale so you can build credibility, boost trust, and gain momentum even before your offer goes live.
Why Testimonials Matter Before You’ve Sold Anything
Testimonials tap into trust. People tend to lean on the opinions of others even strangers when they’re making choices. That’s why a good testimonial builds authority, reduces doubt, and makes potential customers feel safer. In fact, even two or three testimonials from early users can change the entire feel of your product page.
1. Offer Beta Access to Family and Friends
Start with people who resemble your ideal customer. Give them free access to your product or service and ask for feedback.
Action Step:
- Make a list of 5–10 ideal contacts.
- Send a friendly invite offering beta access.
- Follow up with questions like: “What did you like most?”
Example: “Straightforward and practical” this early feedback became a homepage quote.
2. Offer Free Coaching Sessions or Consult Calls
Provide high-value help in short sessions. Follow up asking for one or two sentences about their experience.
Action Step:
- Set up 5 free 15 minutes calls.
- Deliver actionable value on each call.
- Send a follow-up email asking for a short impact quote.
Example: “I’ve never felt this clear on my next step.”
3. Create a Friends & Family Testimonial Form
Use Google Forms or Typeform to collect short testimonials.
Action Step:
- Ask questions like: “What result did you get?” and “Would you recommend this?”
Example: “Made launching easier.”
4. Use Community Feedback Swaps
Join groups where other creators test each other’s work.
Action Step:
- Propose a swap in a Facebook or Slack group.
- Exchange feedback and permission to quote.
Example: “This headline made me stop scrolling.”
5. Run a Mini Challenge or Workshop
Host a 3-day challenge or short workshop. Afterward, ask participants for feedback.
Action Step:
- Promote your challenge on social.
- Deliver quick, valuable wins each day.
- Ask for feedback at the end.
Example: “I finally have a content plan. I feel unstoppable.”
6. Collect Feedback from Social Media Posts
Preview your product on social and ask: “What do you like most about this?”
Action Step:
- Post a screenshot or description.
- Turn thoughtful replies into testimonials.
Example: “This would save me so much time.”
7. Offer a Discount in Return for a Review
Give early access at a reduced price in exchange for a short review.
Action Step:
- Offer a limited-time beta deal.
- Request feedback after a week.
Example: “This deal felt personal and it worked!”
8. Use Surveys After Free Content Downloads
Follow up free resource downloads with a feedback form and a quote request.
Action Step:
- Email a quick 3-question survey post-download.
- Ask if you can share their response as a testimonial.
Example: “Saved me hours planning my week.”
9. Conduct Quick Interviews
Hop on Zoom for short chats, then use quotes from the transcript.
Action Step:
- Invite 2 or 3 people to a 10 minutes call.
- Ask what helped and what surprised them.
Example: “It cut my to-do list in half.”
Bonus: Create a “Wall of Social Proof” Page
Collect all your early testimonials on one clean page. Label it “What Others Are Saying” or “Results from Real People.” It builds trust fast.
Conclusion
If you’ve been wondering how to get testimonials before first sale, now you’ve got a roadmap. Whether you start with beta access, free calls, surveys, or workshops, these simple moves will help you collect honest, powerful social proof before your launch. Start today. The sooner you have real feedback, the sooner your offer builds trust and drives results.
