Testimonial Marketing

How to Get Quality Testimonials

Written by Mac Cassity for Gaebler Ventures

Testimonials work, but only if you use them. This article will help you understand what quality testimonials look like and how to get them from satisfied clients and use them to help build your business.

Testimonials still work, no matter what kind of product or service you are offering.

People love to know that someone else already did something first…it takes a little of the fear of the unknown out of doing something and can often be the difference between someone trying you out, or passing you by. The key is to get quality testimonials that are convincing and represent your services in the best light.

Below is a list of tips that will help you to get quality testimonials from past satisfied clients that will help turn prospects into buyers of your products or services:

Understand the difference between a testimonial and a QUALITY testimonial-

One of the mistakes people make is not understanding what makes a quality testimonial. For instance, look at the following: " I enjoyed doing business with you, thanks!-Joe S." This is NOT a quality testimonial. There is nothing specific about the business that was done and the name is generic. Joe S. could be made up for all anyone knows. These kinds of testimonials are worthless and can actually do more harm than good if others feel they are made up. Aim for testimonials that are specific in nature and include detailed info about the person giving the testimonial. Here is an example of a quality one: "Thanks for the expert job you did in organizing my taxes. You made yourself available at all hours and even answered emails on the weekend! I will be sure to use you again soon!-Mike Jones, Owner of ABC Construction"

Make sure your client is happy with your product or service-

Before asking for a testimonial, make 100% certain the person you are asking is completely satisfied with the job you did for them. This is probably an obvious one, but if you ask for the testimonial before finding out if they are satisfied, you will certainly be dealing with an angry client on your hands.

Write a testimonial for them to approve-

Once you have identified a satisfied client, it is much easier to write a testimonial for them and simply ask them to approve it. Many people are horrible at writing and feel self conscious when trying to put thoughts into words. If you wait for your clients to do it, you could be waiting forever. Instead, craft a simple but positive testimonial and email it to them for approval. Then, tell them you can include their business name and website and as you promote their testimonial, you will be promoting their business as well. Most will say yes immediately.

Use testimonials everywhere you can-

Now that you have gathered a good amount of quality testimonials, use them anywhere and everywhere you can. Your website, your newsletter, ads you place, etc. These testimonials basically act as salespeople for your business, so put them to work!

While testimonials are just one aspect of a quality marketing process, they can be the difference between someone who is on the fence, and someone who pulls the trigger to buy. Becoming proactive in the process to get quality testimonials is a crucial step towards your getting more business utilizing the incredibly effective tool of customer testimonials.

Mac Cassity is an entrepreneur and business person. Mac began writing professionally when he was twelve years old for a comic book collecting publication. Today, he has experience in insurance agency management and runs his own freelance writing business, Mac the Knife Articles.

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