How often do you look at reviews before doing or buying something? Most of the time, right? Nearly everyone will investigate a business or product before making a purchase, including your freelance language services. Public feedback inspires trust via its transparency. 
While you may have avoided asking for public client feedback in the past due to embarrassment or fear of negative reviews, it is time to generate public feedback from your clients to continue to grow your business.
Here is some of the who, when, where, and how of asking for feedback. Most of this post is not just specific to language professionals, so read on.
Only Ask Happy Customers
Who to ask is important. While many freelancers send out blanket review requests, that may not be wise.
If you ended up with a picky, sleazy, or mean client, they might leave negative feedback just to be petty. Address the complaints of these clients privately and do everything in your power to address their concerns away from online reviews.
Completely cherry-picking your reviewers is also not the best solution. Ask neutral and happy customers for public feedback because their reviews will likely be positive and still provide constructive commentary. Having all perfect reviews may seem a little suspicious too.
When to Ask
As you are working with a client or agency, ask for private feedback along the way with quick check-ins and performance reviews so that you can ensure you are on the right track.
When it comes time for public feedback, it might be best to ask:
- After a client has expressed satisfaction
- After a client has requested more work
- Start of the new year
Where to Ask for Reviews & Recommendations
When asking for client reviews and recommendations, you will need to send them to the review location. Depending on your business, you may want to send them to:
- LinkedIn Profile
- Facebook Business Page
- Google/Yelp
- Work Platforms / Work Agencies (ProZ.com, etc.)
- Other review aggregators (Trustpilot, etc.)
- The Better Business Bureau
How to Ask for Feedback
When asking a client for feedback, send an email or message (if you work on a third-party platform). In your email, you should follow this sequence:
- Express your pleasure and gratitude for getting to work with them.
- Give a brief explanation of how positive reviews can significantly help you as a freelancer.
- Request a review or recommendation from them.
- Explain how to leave a review.
- Provide links to the review location.
- Thank them for their review.
Here is a sample:
“Dear Client,
Good day! As we are wrapping up your project, I just wanted to say that it has been a pleasure working with you, and I am grateful that you chose {Me / Business Name} for this project.
I know that you are busy, but I have a small request. { I / Business Name } is continually building our business. We would like to attract more incredible clients like you, and the best way to do that is through word of mouth.
I am asking for you to take just a moment to write { me / us/ business name} a quick review on our {LinkedIn, Facebook, ProZ.com, etc.} page. Positive reviews really help small businesses like {mine / ours} continue to grow, and {I / we} would greatly appreciate your efforts. Plus, if you want to give { me / us} a "like" while you are at it, that would be the icing on the cake!
All you have to do is click on this link: {link to site}
If you have any questions, please just let me know!
Thank you,
{Your Name/Business Name}”
Internalize the Feedback
It is critical to remember that while you are pursuing feedback as a form of client generation, you should internalize it. Take the time to read each comment thoroughly. While criticism may not always be fun, you must take it constructively and always try to improve.
ProZ.com Willingness to Work Again
ProZ.com offers translators and interpreters the Willingness to Work Again feedback. All you have to do is ask your happy client to fill out the form, and it will be added to your profile and the directory. The client doesn’t have to log in or create an account. It’s simple and easy!
