“Testimonials are enough to convince people for now.” Alex Chiu
I am an avid online shopper and customer reviews play a key
role in my purchasing decisions. There’s nothing better to me than a current,
detailed review of how the product works and meets customer expectations.
Multiple reviews are even better because you get a better picture from
different perspectives. I don’t often purchase something online that hasn’t
been reviewed yet.
Just like online shopping sites use customer reviews, one of
the greatest marketing tools your company has is a testimonial from a customer.
What better way to convince others to try your products or services than to
hear how well they have worked for someone else? Testimonials should be used
often and everywhere. Post them on your web and social media sites, include
them in your brochures, incorporate them into your press releases and articles,
and build case studies around them (we’ll have another post soon on that topic).
But, it’s also very important that your testimonials are
fresh. Current testimonials on your products and services are much more
meaningful.
Are your testimonials a bit dusty? Make gathering
testimonials a part of your processes. As soon as you complete a project or
deliver a product contact the customer to thank them for their business and
request a testimonial. Include past customers in a survey and add a space for a
testimonial at the end. If your customers are happy, they won’t hesitate to
help.
Of course this is only one part of the whole process – you
have to deliver everything or more than you’ve promised to your new customer.
But the testimonial can often be the first hook to get them in the door or lead
them to purchase your product or service.
How are you using testimonials to convince people about your
products or services?
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Kerry Brooks is Co-owner of ProfessionalEdge Associates, offering a wide range of marketing and support services to businesses that want to increase their success, but aren't in a position to add to their staff.
Kerry Brooks is Co-owner of ProfessionalEdge Associates, offering a wide range of marketing and support services to businesses that want to increase their success, but aren't in a position to add to their staff.
