Are Testimonials Important for Solopreneurs to Build Trust?
Learn how testimonials work within a trust-first strategy and whether they actually help solopreneurs build credibility — especially using the CARE framework.
Here’s the deal:
Testimonials can help.
But only if your content already makes people believe the stories are true.
Otherwise, you’re just posting screenshots in a vacuum.
Testimonials aren’t a shortcut to trust.
They’re proof that trust was already earned.
If you’re a solopreneur building online, especially with a service-based business, here’s how to think about testimonials — through the lens of CARE.
C – Consistency
The most powerful testimonial?
When people say:
“You’ve been showing up with value for months. I already trust you.”
Testimonials aren’t just what your clients say.
They’re what your audience says — with their attention, their replies, their referrals.
A weekly stream of helpful posts?
That’s a living, breathing testimonial.
A – Authenticity
Real testimonials don’t sound like this:
“10/10 would recommend!”
“Crushed it!”
They sound like:
“Before this, I felt lost. I was doing all the things — but nothing worked.
After working together, I finally understood where I was going wrong.”
Use stories. Use specificity. Use actual emotion.
Those are the ones people believe — and remember.
R – Relevance
A testimonial isn’t just about you.
It’s about the person reading it.
Pick testimonials that reflect the kinds of challenges your ideal client is facing right now.
Show the transformation in language they recognize.
Make them think:
“That sounds like me.”
Because when they see themselves in the story, they start seeing you as their solution.
E – Empathy
Don’t weaponize testimonials.
Don’t shame your audience with “Look how far behind you are” energy.
Instead, show what’s possible — with compassion.
“Here’s how we helped someone just like you feel seen, supported, and safe to make progress.”
That’s what earns real trust.
Bottom line:
Testimonials don’t replace trust.
They reinforce it.
So if you’re a solopreneur trying to use testimonials to grow your business — make sure you’re already using content to build CARE.
Once that’s in place?
Your testimonials won’t just look impressive.
They’ll feel believable.