testimonial-collector

What this skill does

# Testimonial Collector

## Mode

Detect from context or ask: *"One script, full system, or full system with campaign?"*

| Mode | What you get | Best for |
|------|-------------|----------|
| `quick` | 1 outreach script + 1 format template | Asking one client, right now |
| `standard` | Full collection system: timing, scripts, formatting, display guidance | Building repeatable social proof |
| `deep` | Full system + multi-channel strategy + case study pipeline | Sales enablement, proposal library |

**Default: `standard`** — use `quick` if they have one client in mind. Use `deep` if they want a system they can hand to a VA.

---

## Context Loading Gates

**Before proceeding, gather:**
- [ ] Client name, company, and industry
- [ ] Project type and specific deliverables
- [ ] Key results — push for at least one number ("even a rough estimate")
- [ ] Desired output format (short quote / medium paragraph / full narrative)
- [ ] Urgency (this week vs. building a library)

If results are vague (e.g., "things improved"), **stop and ask:** "Can you name one specific number — even a rough estimate? That's what makes a testimonial credible and usable." Do not draft until you have this.

If the user wants to skip a field: note it and flag the quality impact in the output.

---

## Phase 1: Situation Analysis

Before drafting anything, reason through:

1. **Client relationship stage:** Was this a quick project or a deep engagement? Depth affects how much authentic language is available.
2. **Results clarity:** Are the outcomes measurable (numbers, timelines, named outcomes) or soft (vibes, general satisfaction)?
3. **Format match:** What placement does the user need this for? A homepage needs different length than a sales deck.
4. **Voice data:** Does the user have existing communication from this client (emails, Slack, quotes) that can inform tone?

Output a brief situation summary:
> "You have a [length] engagement with [client] in [industry], with [strong/weak] results data. I'll draft in [format] with [authentic/templated] voice. Main gap to address: [specific gap]."

---

## Phase 2: Quality Scoring Framework

Score the raw testimonial content (or anticipated content) before drafting:

| Dimension | Score 1 | Score 3 | Score 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Specificity** | No details | Vague references | Specific named result |
| **Measurability** | "It was great" | "Noticeable improvement" | "40% increase in leads" |
| **Authentic Voice** | Sounds like ad copy | Slightly stilted | Reads exactly how a person talks |
| **Length** | Too short (no context) | Decent but thin | Enough for all 3 formats |

**Scoring rule:**
- 4+ on all 4 dimensions → ready to use
- ≤2 on any dimension → apply iteration protocol before delivering

---

## Phase 3: Draft Generation

### The Ask Templates

**Direct Ask:**
```
Subject: Quick favor (30 seconds)

Hey [Name],

Loved working on [project] with you — especially seeing [specific result].

Would you be open to sharing a quick testimonial I could use on my site?

No pressure. If yes, I can either:
A) Send you 3 questions to answer
B) Write a draft for you to approve/edit

Whatever's easier.
```

**Question Route:**
```
3 quick questions:
1. What was the situation before we worked together?
2. What changed or improved?
3. Would you recommend this to others? Why?
```

**Draft-on-Behalf Framework:**
Rules for writing in the client's voice:
- **Tone:** Match their actual communication style (check emails/messages for vocabulary)
- **Structure:** Situation Before → What Changed → Specific Result → Recommendation
- **Avoid:** Superlatives without evidence ("amazing," "life-changing")
- **Avoid:** Leading with praise — lead with the client's situation
- **Length:** 50-75 words (short), 100-150 words (medium), 200+ (long/full)

Fill-in template:
```
"[Client situation in 1 sentence]. [What the engagement delivered — concrete]. 
[Specific result, ideally with a number]. [Recommendation statement in client's natural voice]."
```

---

## Phase 4: Format Production

### Short Format (2-liner)
```
"[One punchy outcome sentence — lead with the result]"
— [Name], [Title] at [Company]
```
**Use for:** Homepage, LinkedIn featured section, proposal proof points

### Medium Format (2-3 sentences)
```
"[Problem or situation]. [What changed]. [Recommendation or result]."
— [Name], [Title] at [Company]
```
**Use for:** Services page, sales decks, email sequences

### Long Format (Full narrative)
Structure:
1. Context paragraph (2-3 sentences on the situation)
2. Transformation paragraph (what happened during the engagement)
3. Results paragraph (outcomes, numbers, named wins)
4. Closing recommendation sentence

**Use for:** Case study pages, downloadable PDFs, high-trust sales assets

---

## Phase 5: Self-Critique Pass (REQUIRED)

After generating all formats, evaluate:

**Specificity check:** Does the short version have at least one concrete outcome (not just "great results")?
**Voice check:** Could the client have actually written this, or does it sound like a marketing headline?
**Placement check:** Is the recommended format actually correct length for the stated use case?
**Ethics check:** Does the draft contain any claims the client didn't make or numbers you added?

Flag any issues: "The short version lacks a specific metric — you'll need to get one number from the client before using this on a homepage."

---

## Iteration Protocol

If the received testimonial scores ≤2 on any dimension, send this gentle follow-up:
```
"Thanks so much — this is great. One small ask: could you add one specific 
number or outcome? Even rough ('saved us about 5 hours a week') makes it 
much more compelling for other clients. Totally optional, but makes a real difference."
```

If a second request still yields nothing specific: use Tier 3 proxy language:
> "noticeable improvement in [area]" or "process now runs without manual oversight"

---

## Placement Recommendation

Always deliver a placement recommendation with the formatted testimonials:

| Format | Recommended Locations | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Short (2-liner) | Homepage, proposals, LinkedIn | Trust at first glance |
| Medium | Services page, email, sales decks | Overcome late-stage objections |
| Long | Case study page, PDF, portfolio | Deep proof for serious buyers |

**Cross-reference:** If this client has a strong story, suggest running `case-study-builder` to expand into a full case study.

---

## Output Structure

```markdown
## Testimonial: [Client Name] — [Date]

### Quality Assessment
- Specificity: [X/5]
- Measurability: [X/5]
- Authentic Voice: [X/5]
- Length: [X/5]
- **Total: [X/20] — [Ready to use / Needs iteration]**

### Short Format (2-liner)
"[Quote]"
— [Name], [Title], [Company]

### Medium Format
"[Quote]"
— [Name], [Title], [Company]

### Long Format
[Full narrative]

### Placement Recommendation
[Where to use each format]

### Next Step
[Iteration note OR cross-reference to case-study-builder]
```

---

*Skill by Brian Wagner | AI Marketing Architect | brianrwagner.com*