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A very underutilized strategy to build your online credibility

Guest post by: Kathleen Gage

Article Overview: One of the most effective methods for you to enhance your credibility and trust with prospective clients is with strong testimonials. Everything you do will be enhanced by utilizing effective testimonials.

A very underutilized strategy to build your online credibility



I don't know of anyone doing online marketing and selling online who isn't looking for ways to establish their credibility with potential clients and customers. With all the fluff and hype, it is more important than ever to position your expertise. One of the most effective methods for you to enhance your credibility and trust with prospective clients is with strong testimonials. Everything you do will be enhanced by utilizing effective testimonials.

Simply put, testimonials are third-party evidence as to the benefit of what you are selling. They are much more likely to be believed than ads, direct mail or you telling the world how great you are. Often, the decision to purchase can be influenced based upon a testimonial.

A testimonial consists of a written or spoken statement about the experience someone has had with you, your product or service or your company.

The most common is a written testimonial. However, more and more people are moving toward an audio and/or video testimonial.

Testimonials can be utilized on your website, marketing material, media kit, brochure or book.

FTC Guidelines

Before you secure and post testimonials, you will be well served to read the current FTC Guidelines. You can access the FTC Guidelines by doing a Google Search with "FTC testimonial and endorsement guidelines".

Make them real

Authentic client testimonials are a powerful marketing tool. There are numerous benefits in using positive client feedback including:

• You will establish your credibility quickly.

• You can set yourself apart from your competition.

• You can quickly and easily show results other clients obtained when they worked with you.

Tips on securing effective testimonials

Carefully choose your testimonial clients or customers; making sure that each one represents the size, industry, and type of work you want. Identify your ideal client profile and begin marketing to that profile.

A very effective way to secure testimonials is to offer a trial version of your product or service in exchange for a testimonial. For anyone just starting out this is a great way to secure feedback.

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Article Tags: Internet marketing, making money on the Internet, making money online
Referred by: http://www.sandcconsulting.com



Related Forum Posts
Re: Most desirable type of business to start - [quote="litekepr":1xpg7kl3]For years I've heard it said that its easier to scam a person that you don't have to look in the eye. The internet can provide a almost impenetrable blockade between a person and their customers - if they choose to use it that way. That is why I often focus on explaining to business people that they need to build their credibility online. The customers can't usually meet us in person, so if we want to gain their trust -- we need to increase our credibility in other ways and once they learn we know what we're talking about, they are more likely to make an educated decision about whether to make a purchase from us. Shri[/quote:1xpg7kl3] Hi Shri, Speaking of which, I'm don't entirely trust online dating sites because of stories I've heard. For instance, whenever my friend thinks about discontinuing his subscription near the end of the month because of a lack activity... he'll suddenly receive a bunch of "matches" which will deter him from leaving. For all we know, those "matches" could just be paid community leaders to start up conversations with those whose subscriptions are about to end!
WEbsite - The registration page is good to build your mailing list. You can also include polls about vacation locations, options, add ons or other info that would help you learn about your target audience and the information they want from you and your site. You can ask about times of year to travel, mode of travel -car, plane, boat, etc. or any number of other possibilities. Your website also gives you a great way to build your credibility with visitors which I feel is crucial. This could be done through testimonials from satisfied customers. Even though you're giving away trips, I'm sure the goal is to sell trips to people. Building your credibility and having others tell visitors how wonderful your service is, is a great way to help people feel that they can trust their vacation plans and dollars in your hands. Chris
Re: Branding On A Budget - Several of the things that I promote to clients are elements of their branding and credibility is a big thing that I talk with clients about - especially non fiction authors and other business people. Credibility and reputation are critical in any business venture, but especially with online businesses because we need to build trust. Shri
New Site - It would be a good idea to include a testimonial from the "big name" clients or a link to show what was done for them. These simple things will work to increase your credibility with new online visitors. Credibility is a huge issue online and brand new sites have to deal with that. In any of my articles or books I recommend finding ways to build your credibillity and offer proof of your claims. Its a shame that we have to be leery of new sites and/or new businesses, but there is a lot of spam, spyware, viruses etc that can do major damage to our computer systems. Shri
Expectations for Press Releases - I don't personally distribute press releases with a short-term goal of having someone read it and call me as a direct result (although that is of course a desirable result). Instead my expectations are (1) to build credibility for my company (much like the credibility that the Better Business Bureau offers) and (2) to help create high-value links and improve search engine results. Both of these expectations are long-term in nature in that I don't expect to accomplish either of them with only one or two press releases. Only through an ongoing distribution of press releases will these expectations be achieved. Think long-term!


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