The Secret to Adding Credibility to Your Business Testimonials
The Secret to Adding Credibility to Your Business Testimonials
Whether you are just starting out or have been in business for years, testimonials are a proven way to communicate the value your business delivers. Think about it, don’t you want to know what other people think about a product/service before you buy? I do!
The reason testimonials are so powerful is because they come from someone, other than you, who has used your products/services and knows how fabulous they are. This is great news if you don’t feel comfortable ‘blowing your own horn’ because the words come from your clients. You are simply sharing what others have said about you. Even better, testimonials don’t have to cost you a cent.
HOW TO GET TESTIMONIALS
All you have to do is ask. You can write your request in an e-mail or ask verbally. Just ask, “Would you be willing to help me?” In my experience satisfied clients are more than willing to write testimonials.
If you want to give clients an incentive to give you testimonials you can offer them something of value in return for their time and effort. In exchange for the testimonial you can offer a discount, create a drawing for a prize, or provide them with additional information.
You can also incorporate asking for testimonials into your business process. One way to do this is to ask for them in an evaluation or survey. Another way is to let clients know up front that once they become a client that you plan to ask what they thought about your products/services.
In addition to asking for testimonials you can ‘listen’ and ‘watch’ for them by paying attention to what clients tell you verbally and write to you in e-mails or letters. If you hear or see a compliment ask the person if you can quote them on what they said and include it in your marketing materials. Think about it, you may even have a powerful testimonial sitting in one of your e-mail folders right now just waiting to get permission for use.
Another approach is to ask someone else to interview your clients (a reporter or writer). This is a more involved process and can be worth it if your product/service is complicated or if you want to create a case study.
No matter what, always ask for permission to use the person’s name and/or company with their testimonial. You can give the options of using initials or first names only if people do not want their full name used. Keep in mind, a full name is the most credible. You can also use pictures of the people who write testimonials to make an even stronger impact (again, ask for permission).
FORMAT FOR TESTIMONIALS
Written testimonials are the most common and easiest to create. There are other options that engage additional senses, the ears and eyes. Audio testimonials are becoming more popular (often accompanied by a photograph) as are video testimonials, which allow you to see and hear someone speaking about your products/services.
WHAT TO ASK FOR IN A TESTIMONIAL
If you’re like me, you want some guidance when asked to provide information. Help your clients out by being clear about what you are looking for in a testimonial, specific information.
Ask them to describe the situation before they used your products/services and then ask them to describe the situation now, the benefits that they experienced and how they feel as a result of this.
WHERE TO USE TESTIMONIALS
Once you have your raving testimonials, and permission to use them, you can put them to use in multitude of ways. Include them on your website mixed in throughout your text. Add testimonials to your brochures and flyers. You can even put them in your newsletters.
Are you beginning to see how powerful testimonials are and what they can mean for your business? Choose the approach that feels right for you and get into action today
The Secret to Adding Credibility to Your Business Testimonials - To learn more about this author, visit Stephanie Ward's Website.
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You may not realize it, but you already have a gold mine of endorsements waiting to be created. Everyone who is serious about building a business and creating credibility uses this idea. What is it? Testimonials from your satisfied clients.
Whether you are just starting out or have been in business for years, testimonials are a proven way to communicate the value your business delivers. Think about it, don’t you want to know what other people think about a product/service before you buy? I do!
The reason testimonials are so powerful is because they come from someone, other than you, who has used your products/services and knows how fabulous they are. This is great news if you don’t feel comfortable ‘blowing your own horn’ because the words come from your clients. You are simply sharing what others have said about you. Even better, testimonials don’t have to cost you a cent.
HOW TO GET TESTIMONIALS
All you have to do is ask. You can write your request in an e-mail or ask verbally. Just ask, “Would you be willing to help me?” In my experience satisfied clients are more than willing to write testimonials.
If you want to give clients an incentive to give you testimonials you can offer them something of value in return for their time and effort. In exchange for the testimonial you can offer a discount, create a drawing for a prize, or provide them with additional information.
You can also incorporate asking for testimonials into your business process. One way to do this is to ask for them in an evaluation or survey. Another way is to let clients know up front that once they become a client that you plan to ask what they thought about your products/services.
In addition to asking for testimonials you can ‘listen’ and ‘watch’ for them by paying attention to what clients tell you verbally and write to you in e-mails or letters. If you hear or see a compliment ask the person if you can quote them on what they said and include it in your marketing materials. Think about it, you may even have a powerful testimonial sitting in one of your e-mail folders right now just waiting to get permission for use.
Another approach is to ask someone else to interview your clients (a reporter or writer). This is a more involved process and can be worth it if your product/service is complicated or if you want to create a case study.
No matter what, always ask for permission to use the person’s name and/or company with their testimonial. You can give the options of using initials or first names only if people do not want their full name used. Keep in mind, a full name is the most credible. You can also use pictures of the people who write testimonials to make an even stronger impact (again, ask for permission).
FORMAT FOR TESTIMONIALS
Written testimonials are the most common and easiest to create. There are other options that engage additional senses, the ears and eyes. Audio testimonials are becoming more popular (often accompanied by a photograph) as are video testimonials, which allow you to see and hear someone speaking about your products/services.
WHAT TO ASK FOR IN A TESTIMONIAL
If you’re like me, you want some guidance when asked to provide information. Help your clients out by being clear about what you are looking for in a testimonial, specific information.
Ask them to describe the situation before they used your products/services and then ask them to describe the situation now, the benefits that they experienced and how they feel as a result of this.
WHERE TO USE TESTIMONIALS
Once you have your raving testimonials, and permission to use them, you can put them to use in multitude of ways. Include them on your website mixed in throughout your text. Add testimonials to your brochures and flyers. You can even put them in your newsletters.
Are you beginning to see how powerful testimonials are and what they can mean for your business? Choose the approach that feels right for you and get into action today
The Secret to Adding Credibility to Your Business Testimonials - To learn more about this author, visit Stephanie Ward's Website.
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Cheryl MatthynssensCheryl is a life skills coach, licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and a 20 year entrepreneur. Cheryl's dedication to achieving a life of balance led to her expanding her teaching from the simple managing of life's daily challenges to adding financial well being as well. A direct marketer with DrinkACT, she is gaining ground in the online community with her concepts of making sure business owners, entreprenuers and employees have well rounded life styles. She opened up a small affiliate site - The Balance Guide- to help others find resources for mental and emotional well being. Visit Cheryl's blog to see more of the diversity beyond business she has began offering online at www.thebalanceguide.blogspot.com - Visit Cheryl Matthynssens's Website |
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David BarrDavid Barr is the President of Venture Opportunities, Inc. David has been a professional business broker/intermediary since 1980 focusing on General Business Brokerage and Mergers and Acquisitions representing client transaction value from $400,000 to $20,000,000. Mr. Barr has handled the sale of over four hundred and fifty companies. David earned a university degree from the State University of New York majoring in economics and business. David holds the Mergers and Acquisition Master Intermediary and the Certified Business Intermediary designations from the International Business Brokers Association. He is also a Senior Business Analyst and a Texas licensed Real Estate Agent. For more information about David and Venture Opportunities, visit www.bizdealmaker.com. - Visit David Barr's Website |
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Anne BarrAnne Barr has over 26 years experience in sales and marketing, six years as a franchisee. She has assisted over 367 business owners and purchasers to achieve their goals in career change, transition and exit strategy. She holds the designation of Certified Franchise Executive from the International Franchise Association, Certified Business Intermediary from the International Business Brokers Association and Board Certified Broker from the Texas Association of Business Brokers. Anne is active in professional organizations, networking groups and volunteers for non-profit entities. As owner/operator of four successful businesses, Anne has proven people skills and enjoys helping clients find the right "fit" in business ownership. Visit www.FranchiseOpportunitySpecialist.com for more information about me and my company. - Visit Anne Barr's Website |
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David AchesonDavid Acheson is the founder of DCJA Consultancy. DCJA Consultancy is a management consultancy business specialising in B2B sales consultancy. They offer bespoke and packaged sales consultancy including Sales Optimisation Review, Interim Sales Management, Sales & Marketing Review, 1:1 Sales & Management Staff Analysis, Management Training, Solution Sales Training, Creation of New Pay Plan, KPI's, run Customer Feedback Campaigns, assist with Recruitment, Coaching, Appraisals and set up Strategic Marketing Campaigns. David spent his early career in accountancy and then moved into sales in 1982, working in Office Equipment, IT, Advertising, Training, Outsourcing and Consultancy. He has held many Senior Positions in SMBs and Global Organisations including Head of Sales Operations & Head of Business Development. His knowledge, skills and great experience of the Sales Industry has led to David making keynote speeches and running educational sessions to key businesses through organisations including The Chamber of Commerce and Business Link. - Visit David Acheson's Website |
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Leanne Hoagland-SmithAre your sales where you want them to be? Will you be one of the few who achieves sales or business success or one of the many who have failed to change? Are you tired of being told you are like everyone else? Then you may find my first book on sales of interest. Be the Red Jacket in the Sea of Gray Suits, The Keys to Unlocking Sales available at Amazon or at http://www.processspecialist.com/red-jacket.htm. This book is a reflection of my no-nonsense approach to improving sales to overall business results. If you are truly committed to making sustainable changes, then I can help you secure a positive return on your investment because I focus on executable solutions not telling you the problems you already know you have. From training to corporate (group) coaching to executive one on one coaching, my approach is to assess, create awareness, build a goal driven action plan and then execute. The bottom line question is "Not do you or your employees know it, but do you or they want to do it?" Please call for a free strategy session at 219.759.5601. - Visit Leanne Hoagland-Smith's Website |
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