Expand Success with Immediate Testimonials

Expand Success with Immediate Testimonials

April 24, 2025

Five pieces of advice on how to work with customers for strong testimonials and referrals.

With rising interest rates and an increasingly cautious customer base, earning trust is more critical than ever for roofing contractors. Today’s buyers are more selective, and with communication happening across multiple channels—calls, texts, Zoom meetings—connecting with prospects has become both easier and more complex.

What hasn’t changed, though, is what people value most: trust, safety, and quality. Homeowners and business owners want to know that not only will your company provide a durable, well-installed roof, but that they’ll feel safe and respected throughout the entire process.  That’s why referrals and testimonials have never been more important.

In a market where personal recommendations carry more weight than advertisements, your community’s voice is everything. Prospective customers want to hear real stories—how safe and respectful your sales team was, how professional your crews acted, and how confident past clients feel under their new roof.

So, here’s the question every roofing company should ask: Do you know what your customers are saying about you?  The best way to control the narrative and showcase your company in the best light is by actively gathering testimonials from satisfied clients. But doing this right without being awkward or overly pushy, requires a bit of strategy.

Let’s break it down.

5 Simple Tips for Gathering Powerful Testimonials

  1. Ask at the Right Moment
    Timing is everything. The best time to ask for a testimonial is during the final inspection when the roof looks great and the customer is feeling good about the project. The longer you wait, the more the excitement fades—and the harder it is to get genuine, enthusiastic feedback.

  2. Make It Easy to Share
    Don’t expect customers to write glowing paragraphs on their own. Instead, ask if they’d be willing to do a quick video or audio testimonial on the spot. Most smartphones can easily capture this. You can even snap a photo of the client with their new roof.

  3. Help Them Say What Matters
    Not everyone is comfortable being on camera, and that’s okay. If they prefer not to be recorded, write down their thoughts during your conversation. Use their words, but don’t be afraid to frame it in a way that hits key points: quality, safety, professionalism. Send the draft to the client for approval, making the process smooth and professional.

  4. Ask the Right Questions
    To get testimonials that really speak to future clients, ask questions like:

    • How did you hear about us?
    • Was the estimate process clear and helpful?
    • Did you feel you had enough information to make a confident decision?
    • How did you feel about safety protocols during the installation?
    • Would you recommend us to others?

    Also, don’t shy away from asking what you could do better. That’s where some of the most insightful and authentic testimonials come from and where growth happens.

  5. Lead with Appreciation
    If the customer isn’t present at the final inspection, follow up with a personal call. Start by thanking them for their business, then let them know how much you value their opinion. That respect goes a long way when asking for feedback or a testimonial.

Bonus Tip: Use Tech to Streamline the Process

There are great software tools available that can help your sales team automate testimonial and referral collection. These platforms can make it easy to request, organize, and share client feedback across your website, social media, and other marketing channels.

And don’t stop at testimonials. The final inspection is also the perfect time to:

  • Ask for referrals.
  • Offer additional services.
  • Encourage them to share their positive experience with friends, neighbors, and business contacts.

Remind them that you’re not just about building roofs, you’re about protecting what matters most, safely and professionally.

Final Thought

In this competitive and cautious market, roofing contractors who actively gather and showcase testimonials will stand out. Let your happy customers do the talking—and turn every great installation into a story that inspires your next customer to choose you with confidence.

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