Part of our guide: How to get more Google reviews for your business.
Written by Dan Sagar, FoundationsAI. Updated October 2026.
Video testimonials work better than written reviews because people can see and hear a real customer, which is far harder to fake and much easier to believe. You don't need a film crew. A 30 to 60-second video recorded on a phone, with a happy customer answering a few simple questions, is enough. Use them on your website, in emails and on social media.
Why they're so persuasive
- They're obviously real. Anyone can type a review. It's much harder to fake a real person in their own kitchen talking about their new boiler.
- People relate to people. A customer who sounds like them, with the same worries, is more convincing than anything you can say.
- They answer doubts. A customer saying "I was worried about the mess, but they cleaned up every day" deals with an objection better than a sales line.
Five questions to ask
- What was the problem before you called us?
- Why did you choose us?
- Was there anything you were worried about?
- How did the job go?
- What would you say to someone thinking of using us?
Let them answer in their own words. Don't script it.
How to film one in ten minutes
- Ask at the end of a job that went well, while they're pleased.
- Film on your phone, held sideways, in a quiet room with light on their face.
- Keep it short: 30 to 60 seconds once trimmed.
- Show the work at the end if you can.
- Get written permission to use it on your website and social media.
If people are camera-shy, a short voice note or a photo with a written quote still works well.
Where to use them
- Your homepage and service pages, near the quote button
- Your follow-up emails to people who haven't booked yet. See what an email nurture sequence is
- Social media, cut into short clips
- Your Google Business Profile as a video update
Common questions
Do I need professional equipment?
No. A recent phone, a quiet room and decent light is enough. Real usually beats polished.
How long should a video testimonial be?
30 to 60 seconds once edited.
What if customers don't want to be on camera?
Offer a voice note or a written quote with a photo of the job instead.
Can I offer a discount for a video testimonial?
Be careful. If you give anything in return, you must say so clearly wherever the testimonial appears. It's simpler to just ask.
Want them used properly?
Book a 45-minute demo and we'll show you how testimonials can be collected and used across your website and follow-up emails.