How to Use Customer Testimonials Without Sounding Fake

Let’s be honest: some testimonials just feel… off.

You’ve seen them—generic quotes like “Amazing service!” floating in quotation marks next to a first name and nothing else. In a world full of online scams and exaggerated claims, your audience needs authenticity, not fluff.

So how do you showcase testimonials that actually build trust—and don’t come across like paid actors?

This blog will show you how to:

• Gather testimonials that feel real

• Format them into high-converting content

• Get permission the right way

• Place them where they’ll actually matter

🧠 1. Start With a Story, Not a Sentence

Instead of asking clients, “Can you leave a review?”, prompt them with:

• “What were you struggling with before working with us?”

• “What changed after using our service?”

• “Would you recommend this to someone else? Why?”

These questions naturally lead to real stories. A transformation told in their own words is far more powerful than a 5-star graphic.

✨ Potenly lets you trigger automated testimonial requests after specific milestones—so you're not chasing clients manually when they're least likely to answer.

📸 2. Use Visuals to Build Credibility

Where possible, pair the testimonial with:

• A photo of the client (even casual ones work great)

• A screenshot of their feedback if it was texted/DM’d

• A short video clip (great for Reels or Stories)

Even a voice note transcribed into text adds a layer of realness. Social proof isn’t just what’s said—it’s how human it feels.

📍 3. Use Them Strategically (Not Just on a “Testimonials” Page)

You don’t need to create a giant testimonial graveyard. Instead, place reviews where they match the message:

• After describing a service = add a quote praising it

• Next to a pricing section = add a result someone got

• In a lead magnet funnel = add a “Before and After” story

• On your checkout page = a final nudge from a satisfied buyer

🧠 Pro tip: Add “as seen in [testimonial]” to CTAs to reinforce the message and reduce hesitation.

✍️ 4. Always Ask for Permission

Even if a client sends something nice in a DM or email, always double check:

“Hey! That feedback you gave was amazing. Would you mind if I shared it on my website/socials?”

Most will say yes—and appreciate that you asked. Plus, it protects you legally and strengthens your relationship.

✨ With Potenly, you can automatically send review requests with opt-in permission built in, keeping you compliant and organized.

✅ TL;DR (With Built-in Keywords for SEO)

• How to use customer testimonials without sounding fake

• Best questions to ask clients for powerful reviews

• Authentic testimonial examples for small business

• Where to put testimonials on your landing page or website

• How to use visuals and stories in testimonials

• Client permission and compliance for sharing reviews

• Tools to automate testimonial collection

• Using Potenly to request and showcase testimonials naturally

Your best marketing content is already in your DMs.
Potenly AI helps you collect, track, and display authentic testimonials after every great client experience—without lifting a finger.
Turn feedback into trust-building content with Potenly →