LinkedIn testimonials carry weight that other platforms can't match. They're tied to real professional identities, visible to entire networks, and come with built-in credibility signals like job titles and company names.
For B2B businesses, consultants, coaches, and agencies, LinkedIn testimonials are often more valuable than website reviews. Here's how to ask for them effectively.
The LinkedIn Advantage
LinkedIn testimonials are powerful because:
- Verified identity — Real people with real job histories
- Social context — Visible to their network and yours
- Permanent visibility — Lives on your profile forever
- Professional credibility — Tied to their reputation
The downside: LinkedIn asks feel more personal than email asks. Get the approach wrong and it feels awkward.
Types of LinkedIn Testimonials
1. LinkedIn Recommendations
The classic format. Appears on your profile, includes their photo and title, and shows up when anyone views your experience.
2. DM Testimonials
A quote shared privately that you can use elsewhere — on your website, in proposals, etc.
3. Public Comments
When someone praises you on a post, that's a testimonial. You can screenshot it or reference it with permission.
4. Endorsement Testimonials
Skills endorsements don't have the depth of recommendations, but a high endorsement count builds credibility.
Script 1: The Recommendation Request DM
Best for: Clients and collaborators you've worked with directly
Hey [Name],
It was great working with you on [project/engagement]. I'm building out my LinkedIn profile and I'd love to have your perspective featured.
Would you be open to writing a short LinkedIn recommendation? Just a few lines about our work together — what stood out, what was the result, etc.
Here's the link to leave one: [recommendation link]
No pressure if you're too busy — I appreciate you either way.
[Your name]
How to get the link: Go to your profile > Ask for a recommendation > Enter their name > Copy the link from the resulting page.
Script 2: The Post-Project Message
Best for: Right after finishing a project or engagement
Hey [Name],
Just wanted to say thanks again for [project]. I really enjoyed the work and I'm proud of [specific result].
If you felt the same way, I'd be grateful for a LinkedIn recommendation. It helps future clients understand what working with me is like.
No script needed — just your honest experience. Takes 2 minutes.
[Recommendation link]
Either way, hope we work together again.
Why it works: The timing is perfect — the experience is fresh and positive feelings are high.
Script 3: The Reciprocal Ask
Best for: Peers, collaborators, or when you've already given them a recommendation
Hey [Name],
I just wrote you a LinkedIn recommendation — hope it reflects what I've seen working with you.
If you've got a few minutes, I'd love one in return. Here's the link: [link]
A few sentences about [specific aspect of your work together] would be amazing.
Thanks!
Why it works: Reciprocity is a powerful trigger. If you've given first, they're more likely to give back.
Script 4: The Long-Time Contact
Best for: People you've known and worked with over time
Hey [Name],
We've known each other for a while now, and I've really valued [specific aspect of relationship — their advice, collaboration, referrals, etc.].
I'm updating my LinkedIn profile and would love to have your voice on there. Would you be open to writing a quick recommendation?
Here's the link: [link]
Could be something like:
- How we've worked together
- What you've seen me do well
- Who you'd recommend me to
Just a few sentences is perfect. Thanks!
Why it works: Acknowledges the relationship depth while making a clear ask.
Script 5: The Specific Impact Request
Best for: When you want testimonials about a particular skill or result
Hey [Name],
I'm collecting recommendations specifically about [skill/service — e.g., "workshop facilitation" or "product strategy"].
Since you experienced my [specific thing] firsthand, would you be willing to share a few lines about it?
Here's the link: [link]
Specifically, it would be helpful if you mentioned:
- What you experienced
- What was the impact
No worries if you're busy — I appreciate you either way.
Why it works: Specific asks get specific, useful responses.
Script 6: The Comment Capture
Best for: When someone says something great publicly
If someone leaves a positive comment on your post:
Hey [Name],
Thanks so much for your comment on my post — that really made my day.
Would you mind if I used that quote on my website? I'd attribute it to you with your title.
Even better — if you have 2 minutes, I'd love a LinkedIn recommendation from you. Here's the link: [link]
Either way, thanks for the support!
Why it works: They've already said something positive publicly. You're just asking to amplify it.
Script 7: The Former Client Check-In
Best for: Past clients you haven't talked to in a while
Hey [Name],
It's been a while since we worked together on [project], and I've been thinking about that work recently.
I'm updating my LinkedIn with more client recommendations. Would you be open to sharing a few words about our collaboration?
Here's the direct link: [link]
A short note about what stood out from working together would mean a lot.
Hope you're doing well!
Why it works: Rekindles the relationship while making a clear ask.
What to Include in Your Request
Help them write a great recommendation by suggesting topics:
For service providers:
- What was the challenge they had?
- How did you help solve it?
- What was the result?
- Would they recommend you? To whom?
For collaborators:
- What was it like working together?
- What skills did they see in action?
- What made the collaboration effective?
For employers:
- What was their role?
- What did they accomplish?
- How did they impact the team/company?
Mistakes to Avoid
Don't Send a Cold Ask
If you haven't talked in a while, warm up the relationship first. A recommendation request shouldn't be your first message in months.
Don't Be Vague
"Can you write a recommendation?" is too open-ended. Give them prompts or topics.
Don't Ask Too Early
If the project isn't finished or the results aren't in yet, wait.
Don't Spam Multiple Requests
One genuine request is appropriate. Following up once is fine. More than that becomes annoying.
Don't Forget to Say Thanks
If they write a recommendation, thank them publicly and privately. Consider returning the favor.
LinkedIn Recommendation vs. Website Testimonial
Sometimes you want both. Here's how to ask:
Hey [Name],
I have a small ask: would you be open to sharing a testimonial about our work together?
You could:
- Write a LinkedIn recommendation (link: [link]) — lives on my profile permanently
- Fill out a quick form for my website ([form link])
- Do both if you're feeling generous!
Any of these would be great. Let me know what works.
Generate LinkedIn Request Scripts
Use our Testimonial Request Generator to create customized LinkedIn request messages. Select "LinkedIn" as the channel and get copy-ready scripts tailored to your situation.
This article is part of our complete guide to How to Ask for Testimonials.
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