How to Get Your First Testimonial (Even With Zero Customers)

Every new product faces the same catch-22: to get testimonials, you need customers; to get customers, it helps to have testimonials. If you're waiting for the first one to organically appear, you might wait a long time.

I launched my first digital product with zero reviews. Exactly one person bought it in the first week — and they didn't leave a review. Two people bought in week two. Same silence. I had four buyers and zero testimonials for the first month.

Then I started actively seeking testimonials before anyone had formally purchased anything, and the trajectory changed completely.

Here's what I did — and what I wish I'd done from day one.

Method 1: Beta Users (The Most Powerful)

Before officially launching a product, give it away to 5–10 people in exchange for honest feedback.

This is not "give it away forever for free." It's a structured exchange: they get early access to the full product at no cost; you get detailed feedback and, if they find it useful, a written testimonial you can use publicly.

Finding beta users:

• Post in niche communities on Reddit, Facebook, or Discord: "I'm finishing a [product type] about [topic]. Looking for 5 people to test it and give me feedback before I launch. Free access in exchange for your honest take."
• Reach out directly to people who've asked questions in those communities that your product would answer.
• Email people you've helped previously with related advice.

When you follow up with beta users, don't just ask "what did you think?" Ask specific questions: What was the most useful section? What would you change? Would you recommend this to someone else? What result did it help you achieve?

From those answers, ask if they'd be willing to let you use a quote as a testimonial. Get their permission specifically. Most people who found the product useful will say yes.

Good beta testimonials look like: "I've been struggling with [specific problem] for two years. This guide gave me the exact framework I was missing — I implemented the main template in an afternoon and already see a difference in how I manage client onboarding." Real, specific, outcome-focused.

Method 2: Free Content Reviews

If you've published any free content — blog posts, videos, social posts — and received positive feedback, those are testimonials waiting to be used.

When someone comments "this article was exactly what I needed" or sends you a message saying "I tried your method and it worked," that's usable social proof. Ask them: "I'm so glad it helped! Would you mind if I shared your comment as a testimonial on my product page?"

Most people are flattered to be asked and say yes immediately. A few won't respond. A few will say no. But a meaningful percentage will agree, and you'll have real feedback from real people who benefited from your approach — before your paid product even launched.

Method 3: Early Buyer Outreach

Once you have your first few customers, don't wait for them to volunteer feedback. Reach out personally.

Send a follow-up email 5–7 days after purchase: "Hey [Name], just wanted to check in on [Product Name] — have you had a chance to dig into it? I'd love to hear if you found it useful, and if you have a moment, any feedback is welcome."

This email serves three purposes: it shows you care about the buyer experience (which builds trust), it prompts buyers who intended to leave a review but forgot, and it starts a conversation that sometimes produces your most detailed testimonials.

When someone responds positively, follow up: "Thank you so much — this kind of feedback means a lot. Would you be comfortable with me sharing a line from this as a testimonial? I can share it with or without your name, whichever you prefer."

Offering anonymity removes a major hesitation. Many people are happy to give testimonials but uncomfortable with their name attached. "A freelance designer in Vancouver" is still usable social proof.

What Makes a Testimonial Actually Work

Not all testimonials are equally persuasive. Generic praise ("great product! would recommend") provides minimal lift. Specific, outcome-focused testimonials drive conversions.

The most effective testimonials contain:

• The specific problem the buyer had before using the product
• The specific result or change after using it
• A recognizable detail that makes it feel real (job title, situation, specific implementation)

If someone sends you a testimonial that's generic ("love this!"), you can reply: "I'm so glad it helped! Could I ask — what specific part did you find most useful, and what did it help you accomplish?" Often they'll write back with something far more specific that you can use.

MadeThis.com product pages have built-in space for social proof — so once you collect these testimonials, they're easy to add directly to your product listings where potential buyers will see them.

Social proof compounds. Your second testimonial comes easier than your first. Your fifth comes faster than your second. Once you have a half-dozen strong reviews, they do real persuasion work for you — and you can step back from actively soliciting them because buyers start volunteering feedback naturally.

Don't wait for testimonials to find you. Go get the first ones deliberately.