The second ask
Turn Written Testimonials into Video
Your best written testimonials came from customers who already said yes once. That makes them the likeliest people to say yes to a short video, if you ask at the right moment and make it easy. Ask the same day and it feels greedy. Wait six months and the warmth has gone. Pick the date their written testimonial was approved to get a dated plan for the second ask.
- A dated plan from the written approval
- One ask, one reminder, then stop
- Their own words as the starting script
Timeline
Plan the video ask
Choose the day the customer’s written testimonial was approved.
Day 0
Thank them, ask for nothing
Send a thank-you with a link to where their words appear. The second ask comes later.
Day +7
Put it to work
Place the written testimonial in a widget. You will want to tell them where it is when you ask again.
Day +21
Decide if they qualify
Pick customers whose text was specific, warm and about a result. Skip anyone with an open support issue.
Day +28
Send the video ask
Quote one line of their own testimonial and ask them to say it on camera in under a minute. Offer audio as a lighter option.
Day +35
One reminder
A short, friendly nudge with the same link. Mention again that audio or a few more written lines are welcome too.
Day +45
Stop and thank them anyway
If nothing came, send nothing more. Their written testimonial is still working for you.
Dates are worked out on this page. Nothing you pick is saved.
The problem, solved
Why the second ask fails, and how StoryProof helps it land
- Problem 1
They never saw what we did with it
A customer who does not know their words went live has no reason to give more.
How StoryProof solves it
From Pro, two hours after you approve a testimonial the customer can get a thank-you email with a link to it.
- Problem 2
They wrote happily but hate cameras
A hard video ask to a camera-shy customer can sour a good relationship.
How StoryProof solves it
The same collection link offers video, an audio note or writing, so they can pick audio. Audio notes play in widgets alongside video and text.
- Problem 3
The ask sounds like a stranger’s
A generic campaign email to someone who already helped reads as if you forgot them.
How StoryProof solves it
Send the collection link by hand from the person they know. The link can be shared in any personal email.
- Problem 4
They think it means a long interview
"A video testimonial" sounds like a production. Most people picture an afternoon.
How StoryProof solves it
Tell them exactly how short it can be. The longest recording allowed depends on your plan, so a clear limit is built in.
- Problem 5
Now the text and video compete
Two testimonials from one customer on one page look repetitive.
How StoryProof solves it
You choose which approved testimonials appear in each widget, so the video can lead one page while the text stays on another.
A second ask that quotes them back
Illustrative sample email with placeholders, not a real customer
Hi {first name}, your words about {result} are now on our {page}: "{one line from their testimonial}". Thank you again.
Would you be willing to say that line, or anything like it, in a short video? Under a minute, on your phone, no app needed: {collection link}.
If video is not your thing, an audio note through the same link is just as welcome. And if now is not a good time, no problem at all.
Who to ask for the upgrade
In StoryProof
Run the upgrade in StoryProof
- 1
Tag the candidates
As you approve written testimonials, tag the ones worth a video ask. Tags are on every plan.
- 2
Let the thank-you go out
On a plan with automations, the thank-you email shows them their words are live.
- 3
Send the personal ask on the plan date
Use the collection link in a personal email. Quote their line back to them.
- 4
Approve and place the video
Review it, approve it and put it on a page made for watching, keeping the text where it already works.
What happens next: Change the candidate tag to show the outcome: video, audio or declined. Do not ask a decliner again for at least a year.
Before you start
What the plan cannot promise
What this does not cover, and what to check on your side. Better to know now than after launch.
- 01
Many will say no
Plenty of happy customers will not record. Treat every video as a bonus on top of a testimonial you already have.
- 02
Reminders are by hand here
This plan sends the second ask and its one reminder personally, from someone the customer knows. Set yourself a calendar note for the reminder date.
- 03
Video is not always better
A strong written line may outperform a nervous clip. Only publish video you would watch yourself.
- 04
Dates are a starting point
Shift the plan for long projects or seasonal businesses. The gap matters more than the exact day.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Short answers to what usually comes up next.
Is it rude to ask for a video after they wrote one?
Not if you thank them first, show them where their words are used, and make the video optional and short. Most people are flattered that their words were good enough to ask again.
Should the video repeat the written testimonial?
It can. Their own line is the easiest script there is. Tell them they are free to say it differently.
Should I offer a reward for the video?
Be careful. A reward changes the request and may need disclosing. A sincere thank-you is usually enough for a customer who already gave once.
What if they send another written testimonial instead?
Welcome it. A second written testimonial with fresh detail is still useful, and it shows the relationship is strong.
Still have a question? Ask the StoryProof team or book a demo.
Turn good words into a face and a voice
Thank customers automatically, then send one link that takes video, audio or text.
Last updated 2026-11-07.