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Evidence for the judges

Client Testimonials for Award Entries

Award judges read dozens of entries that all claim excellent service. A client statement that speaks to the exact criteria, inside the word limit and before the deadline, is often what separates an entry from the pile. The ask has to be precise, because a general “say something nice” produces a quote the judges cannot score.

  • Requests built around the judging criteria
  • Word limit and deadline stated up front
  • A thank you when you are shortlisted
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SubjectWould you support our entry for the Regional Business Awards, Best Client Service?

Hi Chris,

We are entering the Regional Business Awards, Best Client Service, and the judges ask for client evidence on measurable impact on the client’s business. Our work together is the best example we have.

Would you write a short statement, up to 150 words, on that point? It helps most if it covers:

1. What the situation was before

2. What we did together

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Request builder

Write the award request

Paste the criterion you want the client to speak to, in the award’s own wording. Every template states the word limit and your internal deadline.

What you need
  1. A statement the judges can score

    Subject: Would you support our entry for [the Regional Business Awards, Best Client Service]?

    Hi [Chris],

We are entering [the Regional Business Awards, Best Client Service], and the judges ask for client evidence on [measurable impact on the client’s business]. Our work together is the best example we have.

Would you write a short statement, up to [150] words, on that point? It helps most if it covers:
1. What the situation was before
2. What we did together
3. What changed, in your own terms

You can write it here, or record it if that is easier: [collection link]

We need it by [Friday 14 March]. It will be read by the judging panel, and we will not use it anywhere else without asking you first.

Thank you,
[Taylor]

Requests are put together in your browser. Nothing you enter is saved.

The problem, solved

Why award testimonials fall short, and how StoryProof helps

  • Problem 1

    The quote is lovely but off topic

    The category is about innovation and the client wrote about how friendly your team is. The judges cannot score it.

  • Problem 2

    The client is late for the deadline

    Entries close on a fixed date, and a client who meant to write on the weekend forgets.

  • Problem 3

    They wrote it for judges, not the public

    A client may share figures for a confidential panel that they would never put on your website.

  • Problem 4

    Next year we start from zero

    Award season comes round again and nobody remembers which clients wrote for which category.

  • Problem 5

    The panel accepts video, but it must be short

    Some awards accept a client video with a strict running time, and a long, rambling recording is unusable.

Prompts

Prompts mapped to common award criteria

Add the matching prompt to your request. Always copy the award’s own wording for the criterion; these are starting points.

Impact or results

  • What could you do afterwards that you could not do before?
  • How did you measure the change, if you did?

Leave out

  • Suggesting a figure for them to confirm

Innovation

  • What did we do differently from other suppliers you have worked with?

Leave out

  • Asking them to call it innovative in those words

Client service or partnership

  • Describe a moment when something went wrong and how it was handled.
  • How would you describe working with us to a peer?

In StoryProof

Collect award testimonials without a last-minute scramble

Step 1 of 4

Pick clients by criterion

Match each criterion to one or two clients whose work shows it best. Add them as contacts if they are not already.

Before you start

Before you rely on this

  • StoryProof does not submit entries

    You copy the statement into the award’s entry form or attach the client’s letter yourself.

  • Signed letters come by email

    A letter on the client’s letterhead arrives as a document in your inbox. StoryProof collects written, video and audio testimonials, not signed files.

  • Award rules vary

    Some awards limit or ban client testimonials, or contact referees directly. Read the entry rules before you ask anyone.

  • A panel statement is not a website quote

    The client wrote for the judges. Using the statement publicly needs their separate agreement.

FAQ

Questions people ask

Short answers to what usually comes up next.

Can I write the testimonial and ask the client to sign it?

It is better to give an outline and let the client write it. Judges read many entries and can tell when every client sounds like the entrant.

How many client testimonials should an award entry include?

As many as the rules allow, and no more than you can make specific. Two statements tied to different criteria usually beat five general ones.

Should the client mention figures?

Only figures they are comfortable stating and can stand behind. If they share confidential numbers for the judges, keep that statement out of public use.

Can I reuse a website testimonial in an award entry?

If the rules allow it and the client agreed to wide use, yes. It will usually score worse than a statement written for the criterion, so consider asking for a new one.

Still have a question? Ask the StoryProof team or book a demo.

Make your next award entry easier

Collect criteria-specific client statements, keep them private for the judges, and find them again next year. No credit card needed to start.

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Last updated 2026-11-11.