Howdy! I’ve been thinking a lot about client testimonials lately, and it’s time to chat about it. They’re like your business’s cheerleaders, providing social proof and building credibility.
It’s really hard to beat that section in your marketing that says, “But don’t just take my word for it. Let’s hear from several of my happy clients…” And then your prospective clients get to hear from people who needed their exact same issues solved and how you were the one who saved the day!
But let’s face it, getting your hands on effective testimonials can feel like trying to catch a unicorn. Don’t worry, I’ve got you. Let’s discuss some tips and tricks I like to use.
The Magic of Asking
First things first, don’t be shy to ask. It’s as simple as sending an email to your satisfied customers. I usually send something like:
“Would you mind providing a quick testimonial I can use in my own marketing? It doesn’t have to be anything majorly in-depth — just a few sentences or a paragraph outlining how I helped your business, what it was like working with me, and if you’d recommend working with me to others.”
Easy, right? It’s straightforward, respects your client’s time, and allows for authenticity in their response. And, it gives them a bit of direction.
Even for professional writers, creating something out of nothing can be tricky. My clients typically aren’t writers, so asking them to create something from scratch seems like a bit much.
Make it as easy as possible for them.
Keeping it Real
Authenticity is the name of the game when it comes to testimonials. Fake or generic testimonials can do more harm than good. Always use real testimonials from real customers. Here’s an example of a great testimonial I recently received using the message in the previous section:
I recently had the pleasure of working with Greg Newby who helped us with writing email copy to grow our patient base. I cannot express how impressed I was with his professionalism, expertise, and attention to detail.
Greg always went above and beyond to ensure that our emails were not only engaging but also effective in converting leads into patients. His writing style was creative, concise, and captivating, and he truly understood our brand, mission, and values.
Thanks to Greg’s expertise, we were able to reach out to a wider audience and connect with our patients in a much more meaningful way. I highly recommend Greg to anyone looking to take their business to the next level. He is an absolute pleasure to work with and I couldn’t be happier with the results he was able to achieve for our business. Thank you, Greg, for your hard work and dedication!
I gave the client enough direction so they knew what to write, BUT I didn’t tell them what to say. That’s where authenticity thrives. Let them say it in their own words.
Relevance is Key
Make sure your testimonials are relevant. They should align with your business’s value proposition and resonate with your target audience. It’s like matching the right puzzle pieces together. Seems kinda obvious, but, it’s worth pointing out. Thank linkedin recommendation you got from your old boss from 10 years ago in a field you’re no longer working in won’t cut it!
Embrace Diversity
Showcasing a range of experiences in your testimonials can help potential customers see the various ways your product or service could benefit them. It’s like giving them a sneak peek into different success stories. Here’s another example I received recently using the framework we discussed earlier:
Greg was easy to work with and provided the finished product in a timely manner. The nurturing emails he created were unique and engaging, telling a story for our readers. We are pleased with his finished product and would be happy to work with him again. I highly recommend using Greg, especially if you are looking for something out of the box!
Quality Over Quantity
Quality matters. A well-written, engaging testimonial can capture the attention of potential customers and persuade them to choose your product or service. It’s like having a compelling storyteller on your side.
So, there it is! Acquiring effective client testimonials doesn’t have to be as elusive as catching a unicorn. By asking directly, ensuring authenticity, making testimonials relevant, showcasing diverse experiences, and prioritizing quality, you can gather powerful testimonials that boost your credibility and influence potential customers.
How is your testimonial process going? Share some recent ones you got in the comments and let’s celebrate some wins together!
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