Could your marketing efforts benefit from customer testimonials?
The answer is probably "yes." Well written testimonials from real customers help build your credibility. Because they focus on the customer's experience, it's easy for prospects to identify with the testimonials. We tend to trust what we hear from people like us. Testimonials can help allay prospects' fears and build excitement about your offering.
Sounds great! So how do you get some for your business?
First and foremost, offer your customers a great experience. Bad service, poor products, or hassle-filled shopping won't get you the sort of testimonial you will want to share. Give more value than they expect, however, and folks will be eager and honored to return the favor.
When a client or customer is really pleased, ask them to provide you with a testimonial. Be straight with them: "I'm so pleased your experience with us has been positive. I'd love to be able to share your experience with potential clients. Would you be willing to write a short testimonial for me?"
Leave them an out. Perhaps add the following: "I know you are busy, and not everyone is comfortable writing testimonials. I'll understand if you are not yet ready to do one for me."
Make it easy for them to write the testimonial. Ask two or three questions to help spark their thinking:
Why did you decide to buy from us?
What were your expectations, and how well did we meet them?
What benefits did you get from working with us? (Please be as specific as you can.)
Who should consider buying from us?
Tell them you only need two or three sentences.
Ask them for written permission to publish the testimonial, and to use their name and business name.
For more ideas on testimonials:
