Ask at the peak: right after a win they attributed to your work — launch day, the metric report, the moment they say "this is great" in writing. A testimonial request three months later gets "great to work with"; a request at the peak gets numbers.

The message

Subject: A small favor — 3 questions

Hi {{Client name}},

I loved working on {{project}} with you — especially seeing {{specific outcome}}. Would you be up for giving me a short testimonial I can use on my portfolio? To make it painless, answering any two of these in a couple of sentences is perfect:

1. What was the situation before we started, and what were you worried about?
2. What specifically changed after the project? (Numbers are gold if you have them.)
3. What would you tell someone considering working with me?

I'll tidy the wording, send it back for your approval, and only publish what you sign off — name and title as you prefer: {{Suggested attribution}}.

Thanks so much! {{Your name}}

Why the three questions work

• Question 1 produces the "before" — the tension every good testimonial needs.
• Question 2 produces evidence: outcomes, numbers, time saved.
• Question 3 produces the direct recommendation in the client's own voice.
• "Any two" lowers the effort bar; most people answer all three anyway.

After they reply

1. Edit for length only — tighten, never embellish. Their voice is the value.
2. Send the edited version back with: "Here's the polished version — OK to publish with this attribution?"
3. Get the sign-off in writing (or use the testimonial release form for logo/name usage).
4. Reply with genuine thanks and, where deserved, a reciprocal review or referral.

If they go quiet

One reminder after a week: "No pressure at all — even one sentence would be lovely. Happy to draft something from your earlier feedback for you to edit instead." Drafting from their real words (with approval) converts most stalled requests.