Ten ways to get the most out of customer testimonials

​Testimonials are an extremely important part of the success of your business. On your relationship-building journey, which is lined with credibility and expertise, testimonials from loyal customers are a critical part of the presence of your business.
 
What is a testimonial?
Testimonials are written or recorded statements that support your credibility and level of expertise. They also strengthen your reputation by expressing the trust that other people have in you and your business offerings. They are a wonderful tool that helps you to attract a deeper interest from perspective clients and existing clients and will ultimately make you and your business increasingly more successful.
 
Simply claiming to be "the best" is not enough to convince people to try your products or services. Testimonials offer an independent indication that you have done a good job and can help reassure new or nervous buyers, as well as distinguishing you from your competitors.
 
Here are ten easy steps to generate customer testimonials:

1. Ask your customers for feedback. Be organised and send out a standard email after a purchase to generate a steady stream of feedback. Alternatively, approach key clients personally, explaining that you'd appreciate their comments.
2. Consider which type of testimonial best suits your business. You could use simple client quotes, reviews of your products or even create videos of customers praising your services and share them on social media.
3. Make sure the testimonials are relevant to your target audience and likely to be persuasive; ensure they focus on the product features and aspects of your service that are likely to have the greatest appeal.
4. Keep quotes short, snappy and easy to read - and for authenticity, always try to include a full name, company and job title.
5. Be creative with your material. Consider inserting a page of satisfied client feedback in sales packs or share testimonials in a blog. You could even use a buyer’s comment in an advert or put a positive quote on the back of your business card.
6. Arrange testimonials according to category so you can address specific concerns that your customers may have. Comments that highlight your credibility as a supplier or provide feedback about swiftness of delivery, for instance, could be used on your order page.
7. Don’t just think in terms of individual names. Can you add the names or logos of respected companies that use or buy your services? If you can showcase an impressive client list, do so.
8. Keep testimonials fresh by regularly updating them.
9. Include a link to clients' websites alongside their comments. Listing reciprocal links and connecting on social networks also allows potential buyers to see who you do business with.
10. Get the customer’s permission first before using their remarks and make sure they are happy about their comments being made public.

 
Conclusion
Credibility is essential to the success of your business. Strategic and intelligent use of testimonials can go a long way in promoting your business. The more online visibility and stronger reputation you have and continue to maintain, the stronger your business will become.

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