Fake Fiverr Testimonials - This Will Make Your Toes Curl!

90 replies
So... I was surfing the web today and noticed two totally different sales pages, and two totally different niches.

I noticed the same guy on the testimonial pages, and as I peruse fiverr so much went and checked and yup it was one of the guys that offers video gigs.

Sad day to be a marketer when I see things like this happen. :confused::confused:

oh well!
#curl #fake #fiverr #make #testimonials #toes
  • Profile picture of the author ZachWaldman
    How do you know he wasn't given a review copy of the product first?
    Signature
    Zach Waldman - Los Angeles Magician
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4152368].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author celente
      Originally Posted by ZachWaldman View Post

      How do you know he wasn't given a review copy of the product first?
      OMFG!.... step away from the mushrooms kid!

      you ...have... got....to ....be KIDDING! Right?

      that is the funniest thing I have heard this week. Thanks for the laugh! tsk tsk.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4152373].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ZachWaldman
        Originally Posted by celente View Post

        OMFG!.... step away from the mushrooms kid!

        you ...have... got....to ....be KIDDING! Right?

        that is the funniest thing I have heard this week. Thanks for the laugh! tsk tsk.
        OF COURSE I WAS KIDDING! Sheesh.
        Signature
        Zach Waldman - Los Angeles Magician
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4152998].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
      Wrong,

      Paid reviews or endorsements are allowed, "with" disclosure.

      Originally Posted by Chris Kent View Post

      Paid review. Not allowed.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153092].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
        Russ,
        Paid reviews or endorsements are allowed, "with" disclosure.
        Not here. Not at all.

        Legally, in other places, yes, with proper disclosure. But the kind he's talking about (never used the product, invented the review) aren't going to be helpful if a regulatory agency starts digging.


        Paul
        Signature
        .
        Stop by Paul's Pub - my little hangout on Facebook.

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153183].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Leveragist
          That's why I like to peruse WF before making a purchase on any IM product or service. I know fake testimonials exist here as well, but at least we can kind of gauge the reliability of the poster by his/her reputation here on the forum.

          Trust is a subject discussed on a post by Steven Wagenheim yesterday ("It Really IS All About Building Trust"). I recommend reading his post. The serious online entrepreneurs who want to build a long-term online business know to cultivate trust. Once trust is established, you don't have to sell to your customers, they're already "sold".
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153256].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author celente
            Originally Posted by Leveragist View Post

            That's why I like to peruse WF before making a purchase on any IM product or service. I know fake testimonials exist here as well, but at least we can kind of gauge the reliability of the poster by his/her reputation here on the forum.

            Trust is a subject discussed on a post by Steven Wagenheim yesterday ("It Really IS All About Building Trust"). I recommend reading his post. The serious online entrepreneurs who want to build a long-term online business know to cultivate trust. Once trust is established, you don't have to sell to your customers, they're already "sold".
            That is a good post i agree. Steve formulated that in a way where even the newbies need to learn you dont have to scam to make money. I am sure they see that as an easy way, but if you look at the most successful people online, there is not one bit of scammer in them. must be karma at work or something, that is if you belive in that stuff of course
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153406].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author theimdude
          Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

          Russ,Not here. Not at all.

          Legally, in other places, yes, with proper disclosure. But the kind he's talking about (never used the product, invented the review) aren't going to be helpful if a regulatory agency starts digging.


          Paul
          Paul,

          In terms of where WSO seller offer review copies of the product or selling a few for cheap just to get reviews, wouldn't that be the same "paid" reviews as the review is not based on the buyer buying the product and then using it and then giving a review but rather to get reviews on the WSO to boost sales.

          It is now days very difficult to make a decision to buy a WSO as there is so many review copies out and not real sales. Also another trend is that the sales pitch of the WSO sometimes contain +- 20-30 reviews from non related WSO's which makes it even more confusing

          Thanks
          Johan
          Signature
          Do you want 30 back-links in my PRIVATE BLOG network for ONLY $20 ???
          [LIMITED ACCESS + FREE ARTICLE INCLUDED OR YOUR OWN]

          CLICK HERE NOW
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153295].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
            John,
            In terms of where WSO seller offer review copies of the product or selling a few for cheap just to get reviews, wouldn't that be the same "paid" reviews as the review is not based on the buyer buying the product and then using it and then giving a review but rather to get reviews on the WSO to boost sales.
            If the review copies are offered in the thread, that's fine. You know they're not paid. If it's all up front, you can discount the reviews to whatever degree you think appropriate.

            It's all about the customer having the information necessary to make an informed decision.


            Paul
            Signature
            .
            Stop by Paul's Pub - my little hangout on Facebook.

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153429].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Nick Lotter
    There are tons of gigs on fiverr selling video testimonials for any product for $5.

    Basically, its really difficult to trust any testimonials on sales letters these days when this is happening.
    Signature
    "Do not wait to strike until the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking."
    William Butler Yeats
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4152523].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author celente
      Originally Posted by Nick Lotter View Post

      There are tons of gigs on fiverr selling video testimonials for any product for $5.

      Basically, its really difficult to trust any testimonials on sales letters these days when this is happening.
      Amen to that dude!

      The moment I worked this out, I sighed, and thought to myself....sad day to be a marketer!

      I hate when these things come to you, by accident. But I guess there is no real way to stop this.

      No wonder the FTC are coming down hot and heavy on online marketers. Always someone who spoils it for the rest of us.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4152577].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    Doesn't make my toes curl. Fake testimonials both here and on other sites, including Fiverr, has been discussed so often that I'd say most people here expect that testimonials that show up prelaunch and just immediately on launch day are fake.

    I don't even read them.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4152971].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author waken
      Originally Posted by sbucciarel View Post

      ...I'd say most people here expect that testimonials that show up prelaunch and just immediately on launch day are fake.

      I don't even read them.
      Yup yup..
      Agree. Unless it's from someone that I personally know. Else, testimonials mean nothing to me.

      But things like this has started many many years ago. That time, the author will invite his list to leave testimonial telling them they will get a lot of traffic in return, if selected to be listed on the sales page and also some branding hah..
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153249].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Apollo-Articles
        These really wind me up, not only should the "actors" feel guilty but this makes the marketer one lazy chump.

        How hard is it to give away your product asking for an honest review?

        It digusts me that while most of us are working hard to build credibility and authority with real reviews someone comes along and orders a paid review...

        Sam
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153265].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author hardraysnight
          Originally Posted by Apollo-Articles View Post

          These really wind me up, not only should the "actors" feel guilty but this makes the marketer one lazy chump.

          How hard is it to give away your product asking for an honest review?

          It digusts me that while most of us are working hard to build credibility and authority with real reviews someone comes along and orders a paid review...

          Sam
          To me 'give away' and 'honest review' are a contradiction
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4154544].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Robert M Gouge
            Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

            John,If the review copies are offered in the thread, that's fine. You know they're not paid. If it's all up front, you can discount the reviews to whatever degree you think appropriate.

            It's all about the customer having the information necessary to make an informed decision.


            Paul
            Originally Posted by MikeFriedman View Post

            Couldn't agree more. The few times I look at a WSO, I do not even bother reading any testimonials until the 3rd or 4th page. I know anything before that is crap.

            I find these posts interesting.

            I was under the impression it was prohibited by the warrior forum to use your review copies as a means of payment for favorable reviews. I assumed that, while difficult, monitoring and policing this type of stuff was part of the moderators duties.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4154681].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
              Robert,
              I was under the impression it was prohibited by the warrior forum to use your review copies as a means of payment for favorable reviews.
              There's a difference between giving review copies and requiring positive comments in return for freebies. Yes, it can be difficult to police, but there's no sound basis on which I can see telling people "No, you can't let other people have a free copy in return for expressing their honest opinions on the product."


              Paul
              Signature
              .
              Stop by Paul's Pub - my little hangout on Facebook.

              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4155217].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author Robert M Gouge
                Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

                Robert,There's a difference between giving review copies and requiring positive comments in return for freebies. Yes, it can be difficult to police, but there's no sound basis on which I can see telling people "No, you can't let other people have a free copy in return for expressing their honest opinions on the product."


                Paul
                That's not what I was saying. I was only commenting on the side of giving review copies for positive testimonials only.
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4155288].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
                  Robert,
                  That's not what I was saying. I was only commenting on the side of giving review copies for positive testimonials only.
                  If the seller puts that kind of requirement on a review copy, they get their offer nuked when we're made aware of it.

                  We have also been cracking down on people who offer extra bonuses on the back end for posted "reviews," whether they require them to be positive or not. I don't know who started teaching that, but it's yet another example of why it's not always a good idea to believe everything you read about how to sell here.


                  Paul
                  Signature
                  .
                  Stop by Paul's Pub - my little hangout on Facebook.

                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4157713].message }}
                  • Profile picture of the author Robert M Gouge
                    Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

                    Robert,If the seller puts that kind of requirement on a review copy, they get their offer nuked when we're made aware of it.

                    We have also been cracking down on people who offer extra bonuses on the back end for posted "reviews," whether they require them to be positive or not. I don't know who started teaching that, but it's yet another example of why it's not always a good idea to believe everything you read about how to sell here.


                    Paul
                    Good to know and I 100% agree.
                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4157720].message }}
                    • Profile picture of the author No1here
                      Please forgive my sarcastic tone but something about this thread is bothering me a bit.

                      "Oh yeah, back in the 19th century when Internet Marketing was in it's prime people gave reviews because they wanted to. Oh, the good old days."

                      I'm not new to this dance, I started out doing IM in late 1995 or early 1996. Better known as the WILD WEST where it was completely nuts. Email Spam eventually went so out of control that we ended up with Congress getting involved.

                      I've never done email spam, just struck me as wrong and I also couldn't afford to have someone do it for me back then had I wanted to.

                      I'm saying outright that what we're seeing a lot of in this thread is "White Knights" or "Internet Saints" who claim one thing on this forum but, quietly, they would gladly shell out $5 for some good PR and more sales. I'm not talking about sales on this board, I'm fine with the TOS and I observe them but I think a few too many folks are being a bit hypocritical to say the least.

                      I don't claim to be pure, if I could find a way to get ahead of everyone of you I'd seriously consider taking because that's what marketing is. The bottom line is that if you've got a good product and all it takes is a couple of "Testimonials" to get the interest of the Internet up then I see no problem with that.

                      What about TV commercials? Are those unscrupulous? How about SEO? After all you're doing everything in your power to get Google to smile on you. Is that unethical? Shouldn't your product speak for itself and after just a few weeks of your product doing all it's talking then Google will take notice and the rest is nothing but riches.

                      Whoever is getting into this business and doesn't expect to "manipulate" things in their favor be it through SEO or "Testimonials" is kidding themselves. That's why there are so many people buying "Get Rich in One Month or Double Your Money Back" reports instead of actually making money on the Internet.

                      I for one will not act "High and Mighty" because I'm on Warrior Forum or BHW or DP. (I'm not saying what any of those places are)

                      The Internet marketing world is no different then the real marketing world and that means you've got to work your ass off and sometimes get your hands a little dirty.

                      No, I have not bought testimonials because I have no need of them right now. However, if and when I create a website that sells something directly then I'd look like complete amateur hour without some video and written testimonials.

                      At this point the testimonials aren't there to fool anyone, it's window dressing and a website could come across as inferior without those "Testimonial" video's.

                      I use attractive graphics, I use my best sales pitches, I try to engage my audience and if I have to have a little window dressing to make the package "complete" then guess what, I'll find people to makes those testimonials and display them on that website.

                      A good salesmen first of all is supposed to make a friend out of the person visiting their store in hopes of making a sale. You know he's bs'ing you and he knows he's bs'ing you. You're not his friend and you're not his but that little game of pretend can sometimes make you feel so good that you'll come back again and again to purchase from him.

                      Now, I ask you, where do we draw the line at what is and isn't acceptable?

                      Is manipulating everything about your site to get Google's love considered "Black Hat"?

                      Is having a pop-up or pop-under, either on entry or on exit not a manipulation?

                      How about the text we write on our pages? When SEOPressor gives you that magic number then you feel great because you might rank better but have you actually read anything that you've written from the other perspective?

                      There is something strange when every time the word "Tampon" appears on a page it is either in H1, H2, H3, Underlined, Bolded, or in Italics. Believe me it doesn't look at all natural, not everyone will pick up on it conciously but they feel that "something just isn't right."

                      So lets not act like we're all innocent little doves. I'm not saying that people should or shouldn't do things my way or your way or his or her way. I'm saying that it would be more productive to step off the pedestal once in a while.
                      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4157993].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author HeySal
      Originally Posted by sbucciarel View Post

      Doesn't make my toes curl. Fake testimonials both here and on other sites, including Fiverr, has been discussed so often that I'd say most people here expect that testimonials that show up prelaunch and just immediately on launch day are fake.

      I don't even read them.
      Exactly. I had a few very real and phenomenal testimonies on my skin care info ebook sales page. I took them off when the FTC started getting riled up because they were actually too good. People didn't believe them if they did read them. So what's the point?
      Signature

      Sal
      When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
      Beyond the Path

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153637].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author celente
        Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

        Exactly. I had a few very real and phenomenal testimonies on my skin care info ebook sales page. I took them off when the FTC started getting riled up because they were actually too good. People didn't believe them if they did read them. So what's the point?
        See this is where i draw the line. that is so bad, and putting a bad name on people like you who :-

        a) have a good product

        b) Actually want to help clients

        c) ummmm do the right thing!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153654].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author MikeFriedman
      Originally Posted by sbucciarel View Post

      Doesn't make my toes curl. Fake testimonials both here and on other sites, including Fiverr, has been discussed so often that I'd say most people here expect that testimonials that show up prelaunch and just immediately on launch day are fake.

      I don't even read them.

      Couldn't agree more. The few times I look at a WSO, I do not even bother reading any testimonials until the 3rd or 4th page. I know anything before that is crap.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153671].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author jenifer smith
      i guess it is no longer a news, fake fiverr testimonials is becoming a common disease that needs desperate cure.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4202554].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AdwordsMogul
    You are so right!

    Here is the thing; people don't believe those testimonials anyway. So don't worry about that.

    It's so obvious that those testimonials are fake.

    Eben Pagan has a cool phrase "Putting lipstick on a pig".

    That's what a lot of people are trying to do. They create mediocre products, then they look for ways to push it on people.

    Many marketers think copy and techniques are just mind games to trick people into buying
    Signature
    "Those who can - DO IT. Those who can't, say it's impossible."
    Jean Paul a.k.a AdwordsMogul
    PHPDevelopers.net - Top of the range PHP developers

    Easy Link Saver - Are you tired of the pain of constantly searching for your affiliate links? ( Chrome extension - FREE )
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4152973].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author psresearch
      Originally Posted by AdwordsMogul View Post

      You are so right!

      Here is the thing; people don't believe those testimonials anyway. So don't worry about that.
      As far as I can tell there are PLENTY of people who DO believe testimonials - they email OFTEN telling me they believe them and are considering buying the product because of them - and many people...and not necessarily DUMB people have often emailed me saying they believed the stories in the fake news sites.

      I'm not arguing whether it's their responsibility to believe or not to believe them - just pointing out that saying "people don't believe those testimonials" just isn't true.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4188668].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author armadillo
      Originally Posted by AdwordsMogul View Post

      Eben Pagan has a cool phrase "Putting lipstick on a pig".
      I believe this means that Eben has met my ex wife.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4202705].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Patrick
    The funniest ones are the testimonials on product launch days BUAHHAHAHA :d
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153269].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author celente
      Originally Posted by schwarzes View Post

      The funniest ones are the testimonials on product launch days BUAHHAHAHA :d
      oh dont get me started.

      It seems the more I investigate this, the worse it becomes.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153410].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author jml
      Originally Posted by schwarzes View Post

      The funniest ones are the testimonials on product launch days BUAHHAHAHA :d
      Couldn't they be reviews from people who received it before launch? Maybe the person gave out some limited copies for review before launch, just to polish the product, and used feedback there?

      Or does feedback HAVE to come from someone buying at full price?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4187891].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JackDawson
    Same here i always see the same people doing the reviews on sales page in different niches now...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153271].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Charlotte Jay
    There was a guy over in the WSO section who got busted for doing just that. He had purchased 2 Fiverr testimonials and pasted them on his sales page. I guess the claims of $500k in 6 months wasn't cutting it or something
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153289].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author celente
      Originally Posted by Charlotte Jay View Post

      There was a guy over in the WSO section who got busted for doing just that. He had purchased 2 Fiverr testimonials and pasted them on his sales page. I guess the claims of $500k in 6 months wasn't cutting it or something
      The mere fact that he had to shell out a whole damb $5 buckeroos for a crappy testimonial tells me a lot.

      I mean, its a whole $5.... to them, it proves $5 means alot to them...

      especially with their big multi-million dollar account. ha ha ha ha ha ROFFL!:p
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153425].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Patrick
      Originally Posted by Charlotte Jay View Post

      There was a guy over in the WSO section who got busted for doing just that. He had purchased 2 Fiverr testimonials and pasted them on his sales page. I guess the claims of $500k in 6 months wasn't cutting it or something
      Buying testimonials ??? Woah !!! And it gets more funny...
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153767].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author gforces
    Sadly the internet fosters this kind of thing. Well I don't think it does actually, it has just made it easier for dodgy salespeople to do things they have always done - try to fool some of the people some of the time to make a quick buck. Services like those offered on fiverr also encourage and enable 'marketers' to make use of such methods. It takes time to get people to test a product and give real reviews. I think people are pretty smart though. TV has taught has for decades to be skeptical of all product promotions by fake users and reviews, celebrity endorsements and paid actors.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153314].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Onora Oz
      Originally Posted by gforces View Post

      I think people are pretty smart though. TV has taught has for decades to be skeptical of all product promotions by fake users and reviews, celebrity endorsements and paid actors.
      Do you mean it? I mean... sarcasm right?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153428].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author BrianTomlinson
        It's sad to see that some people have to turn to these tactics. I'm sorry but I'd say that if you can't get a review just go it without one until you can get some feedback from people who have actually used the product.

        That bad Karma always comes back to bite you.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153453].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
      Banned
      Originally Posted by gforces View Post

      Sadly the internet fosters this kind of thing. Well I don't think it does actually, it has just made it easier for dodgy salespeople to do things they have always done - try to fool some of the people some of the time to make a quick buck.
      It has happened just as much on TV and direct response mailings and anywhere that you find advertising.

      People would feel a lot less scammed if they actually participate in the forum and get to know people and their reputations before buying WSOs. That's really the only way I buy WSOs ... from people's signatures ... when I like them and trust them. Even then, I don't bother reading the testimonials.

      The only time I add testimonials to my sales copy is after they "happen" from customers who have purchased and feel like leaving a testimonial. I never give away a product to get reviews. To me, that is the same as a paid review. They have an incentive to leave a review.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153435].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Alex Copeland
        I agree.

        Online is much more about trust now rather than here-say as this is just way too easy to fake or, as in this case, buy.

        Social proof from someone you know or respect is far better than any testimonial could be any day of the week, it's always been that way but all this fake cr*p just means everyone is seeing it as so now.

        Nothing against the people that do this but I have always found it a little bitter tasting when the first thing I get sent after buying a product is an email asking me to add a review to get something free in return, just like you mentioned, personally I have never done it, in fact it has stopped me putting one rather than joining in, and the people who DON'T ask are the ones that get an honest review from me... as I think they deserve it for NOT asking...


        Originally Posted by sbucciarel View Post

        It has happened just as much on TV and direct response mailings and anywhere that you find advertising.

        People would feel a lot less scammed if they actually participate in the forum and get to know people and their reputations before buying WSOs. That's really the only way I buy WSOs ... from people's signatures ... when I like them and trust them. Even then, I don't bother reading the testimonials.

        The only time I add testimonials to my sales copy is after they "happen" from customers who have purchased and feel like leaving a testimonial. I never give away a product to get reviews. To me, that is the same as a paid review. They have an incentive to leave a review.
        Signature

        Unleash Your Awesome - Pocket Ace Promotion

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153497].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author celente
          Originally Posted by RockstarMedia View Post

          I agree.

          Online is much more about trust now rather than here-say as this is just way too easy to fake or, as in this case, buy.

          Social proof from someone you know or respect is far better than any testimonial could be any day of the week, it's always been that way but all this fake cr*p just means everyone is seeing it as so now.

          Nothing against the people that do this but I have always found it a little bitter tasting when the first thing I get sent after buying a product is an email asking me to add a review to get something free in return, just like you mentioned, personally I have never done it, in fact it has stopped me putting one rather than joining in, and the people who DON'T ask are the ones that get an honest review from me... as I think they deserve it for NOT asking...

          When I hear my students tell me or ask me why do you have to build trust, well we have a BIG BIG case right here. Getting subscribers is one thing, and scamming them is another...but if there is ever a time to create real trust with them, it is now and you can use this as an example.

          In fact I give you all permission to use this example in your blogs.

          If I wrote a book on 'the money is not in your list but your relationship with your customer' I would use this as the first reason why, to prove it.

          I guess scamming has been around since the dawn of the ages. Remember Charles Ponzi and bernard maddoff, same idiots...and scammers just different time eras.

          Yes there are scammers and will always be scammers, but please use this as a case for you and your prospects. Dont just nod your head and say yes good point...go to your communities, and blogs and use this as an example. Educate people and use it to build even more trust and credibility... :-)

          It is what i will be doing over the next few days! Hope you do the same to.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153565].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author lootbags2010
            I have to admit i opened the thread to see if there was a statement of how great fake testimonials are since I wanted to know why my toes would curl.

            My toes usually don't curl when I should be turned off. I'm actually rather indifferent to the original post since I really can't say seeing the same person giving paid testimonials really bothers me. I can't say seeing my potential competition cut corners bothers me. I can say i hope the testimonial guy got more than just 10 bucks out of the deal.

            The one thing I got from this post was that people admitting that the testimonials provided little or no value in their purchasing decisions and that they themselves have chosen to do sales materials without testimonials and a couple of people are against using review copies as testimonial bait.

            I think if you build your reputation the right way it shouldn't matter what other marketers do.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153785].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author ladywriter
              I was asked to write TEN (!) fake reviews after creating 10 fake WF accounts for some guy's WSO. So it really doesn't surprise/shock/whatever.

              Originally Posted by lootbags2010 View Post

              The one thing I got from this post was that people admitting that the testimonials provided little or no value in their purchasing decisions
              But the folks commenting *are marketers*.

              They know how the game goes, they know where to buy testimonials, etc. etc.

              Random lurkers/newbies have no idea. That's why those marketers buy testimonials to begin with--not to impress other marketers.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153852].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Laurie Rogers
          Wow oh damn, I guess I better go buy some ... nothing like some fake video testimonials to boost my sales .. yeehaw! Maybe those IM'ers got no more friends left and already used up all their scammer testimonials "contact base."

          Actually I noticed an increase of people offering fake video testimonials on fiverr in the last while. Not cool, not cool at all.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153581].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ginak59
    Not surprised. One of the first things I did when I started doing IM is Google "Fake Clickbank Earnings" 4 or 5 videos came up on YouTube demonstrating how to do this with Firebug "hey, ya don't even need Photoshop!". As far as testimonials? I can't count how many times I've Googled or looked up the URL for the person writing a testimonial and found something bogus.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153744].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author mytoy78
      I love doing this as well...it's great especially when the product is for example to "explode the traffic your site receives"

      You do a little Alexa check on the site that has done "so well from the product" that it is not even in the top 10,000,000!!!














      Originally Posted by ginak59 View Post

      Not surprised. One of the first things I did when I started doing IM is Google "Fake Clickbank Earnings" 4 or 5 videos came up on YouTube demonstrating how to do this with Firebug "hey, ya don't even need Photoshop!". As far as testimonials? I can't count how many times I've Googled or looked up the URL for the person writing a testimonial and found something bogus.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153875].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Kay King
        Same here i always see the same people doing the reviews on sales page in different niches now...
        The only difference "now" is the testimonials you can buy are $5 and from someone no one has ever heard of.

        Ten years ago IM products had testimonials of well known IM names - and to get those comments you either had to cut them in on the action or provide them with space to promote their own little self in the review.

        I remember one of my first clues about the "value" of testimonials was noticing that every new IM product that came out had a glowing review by Joe Vitale and a couple another names.

        It's not a new phenomenon - but an increase in sleaze factor.

        kay
        Signature
        Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
        ***
        One secret to happiness is to let every situation be
        what it is instead of what you think it should be.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4154002].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author gorufus
          I wrote a post about this yesterday, and first of all, I am not endorsing this type of marketing. However, what is the difference between im-ers and big national corporations hiring actors for testimonials? What immediately comes to mind is a commercial I watched yesterday pertaining to medicare and medicade. It went something to the effect of before I found this company, I had no idea about ... It clearly stated, well I guess not clearly, on the bottom in small print that these were actors. So what is the difference between an im-er and a big corporation? In this case a 5 dollar budget vs a million dollar budget.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4154077].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Michael Shook
            I am wondering how many of the thumbs up on Fiverr gigs for producing fake testimonials are from people who were satisfied with their fake testimonials. And how many are from fake people who are selling fake Fiverr thumbs up for five dollars.
            Signature


            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4154466].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
            Banned
            Originally Posted by gorufus View Post

            However, what is the difference between im-ers and big national corporations hiring actors for testimonials? What immediately comes to mind is a commercial I watched yesterday pertaining to medicare and medicade. It went something to the effect of before I found this company, I had no idea about ... It clearly stated, well I guess not clearly, on the bottom in small print that these were actors. So what is the difference between an im-er and a big corporation? In this case a 5 dollar budget vs a million dollar budget.
            The obvious difference is the disclaimer under the TV actors that says these are actors.

            There's no disclaimer under the IM'ers testimonial saying,
            these are liars
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4154742].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author myseoclub
    The worst thing I ever rememeber was about 2 years ago. I saw a post on here asking for testimonials and provided one because the product was really good.

    Then i noticed about a month later he had created a 2nd review (fake) with my image and link to another of my sites.

    I found it really insulting and that was the last time I gave a testimonial

    unfortunately it does happen.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153783].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author samirbalwani
    The whole fiverr thing is amazing. I wouldn't use it only because how many times can the same person show up with a testimonial - instantly kill all your credibility.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4153864].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author LarryC
    I can't say I'm surprised, considering how many gigs on Fiverr read something like,
    "I'll do a testimonial for your product and say whatever you want for $5"
    Sure, it's fake but is it really any different from the average TV commercial, where actors are being paid to pose as satisfied customers? I suppose the testimonial is a little more of an outright lie, as most people accept that a commercial is a dramatization.
    Signature
    Content Writing, Ghostwriting, eBooks, editing, research.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4154497].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Murt@gh
    I hate these fake testimonials, the good news is you can spot them a mile off because, half of these people that give fake reviews 'love' the products that much that they actually have to read off of a piece of paper about how much they like it... come off of it!

    I'm sure most potential customers can see right through it, though it doesn't exactly help the rest of us now does it.

    It is not healthy for a brand/product and as soon as people get the hunch that it is a fake testiomonial then they have lost business and reputation.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4154524].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author premiumplr
    The sad thing about these testimonials is that "john q" shopper probably will not know that those testimonials are fake. Then when they use the substandard product they'll deduce that all products of that type are a scam. Truly a sad day for all IM entrepreneurs.

    The warrior eye has been sharpened to notice things like fake testimonials that most regular shoppers don't notice. Just look at the investigation that OP conducted to verify the legitimacy of those testimonials, most regular shoppers don't do that. If people are still buying into the fake prince emails surely some are forgetting to research the legitimacy of testimonials.

    At the rate these scammers are moving the FTC will require us all to leave a QR code of our thumbprint next to every ad.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4154696].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author morrow66
    Kind of at the stage where I no longer read them. Its impossible to tell if the testimonials are real or fake these days with any product. It really does not suprise me that you found two videos of the same guy.

    Wondering what else the FTC can actually do to prevent this lol
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4154776].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Hansie koch
      Sites like Fiverr where evryone is in it for a quick buck has made it difficult for the real guys out there to make money.

      because of this you have to now over deliver at a lower price just for a customer to try your product.

      I wish I started in the good old days, I think it is 1000 times harder to make sales for an honest marketer today than 5 years back.

      Ah well we are here so lets be the positive in the negative.

      be strong.

      Hansie
      Signature

      Buy my health PBN ready to use now!! more details here:http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...medtiatly.html

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4155438].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Richest
      Ouch! It's a bad news for a newbie who want to start brokering services by utilizing fiverr
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4188143].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Richest
      Any idea to find trusted gigs on fiverr?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4201587].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Charles Jones
      Try this....when you see a testimonial on ANY site (say elance in my case). Google the testimonial in quotes and see what happens.

      We found one WORD FOR WORD on like 100 different sites. Same testimonial, same everything. People are paying for these, just like gigs on Fiverr, then they pass it around.

      I actually sent an email to the guy after finding a couple of others on the web AND a few of his "work samples" via image search out there on some template sites (and not pointing back to him). I know he was doing it to "pad" his profile and he had done quite a few jobs and had a good rating.

      It just didn't sit well with me. I emailed him and advised him what I found and then reported him to Elance. It was just too blatant.

      Always take them with a grain of salt...if that.
      Signature
      SEO Supernova
      15 SEO PLR/MMR seo products w/ 5 keyword/niche products w/ a BONUS of 50 SEO articles for ONLY $27
      www.imkickback.com
      Cash Back Shopping JUST for IM products...try it out...FREE to signup Just Launched....265+ products
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4201923].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author msmir75
    LOL I think I discussed this the other day on another thread but I came across this advertising site that looked good until I recognized the girl who gave the "testimonial"..yeah saying she "used the site and it brought her tonnes of traffic and made tonnes of money" lol... because she was from Fiverr offering testimonials for $5 Then I passed on that site. You buy a testimonial... well people are going to find out about it and that will turn them off like that site turned me off. Yep, keep away... keep far away! I would rather have NO testimonials while starting out than a bunch of fake ones that will hurt you in the long run!! (or short run)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4155492].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rschuchy
    The problem is, as others have noted, that people new to this business don't know it's fake; just as they don't know pump and dumps in the stock market or the add ons that occur when you buy tires. Until it's your mistake, until it costs you money you just don't notice it. Due diligence is required everywhere and it's tough to do when you don't know what you need to be diligent about. It's that you don't know what you don't know syndrome. It requires the honest entrepreneurs to work harder in building trust and educating the public, whatever the business. It means we have to admit and expose the frauds and then work to show people the good side of the business and that holds for IM, fast food, or yoga. Education matters.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4156729].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author SocialMediaOwls
    On the internet, nothing is safe from fake reviews....it's too easy to set up fake accounts with various IP's and "hook yourself up"
    Signature

    Health and Fitness niche Affiliate Program | High CTR/EPC | Personal Account Manager 24/7 support https://influencer.bulksupplements.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4157357].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author celente
      Originally Posted by SocialMediaOwls View Post

      On the internet, nothing is safe from fake reviews....it's too easy to set up fake accounts with various IP's and "hook yourself up"
      I have seen this done countless times too.

      Actually I am technically dummy when it comes to that, and i do not know how to set that up, or even want to.

      But it is a shame that that low percentage of people do want to do this, to make a quick buck.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4157538].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author SocialMediaOwls
        Originally Posted by celente View Post

        I have seen this done countless times too.

        Actually I am technically dummy when it comes to that, and i do not know how to set that up, or even want to.

        But it is a shame that that low percentage of people do want to do this, to make a quick buck.

        One of the biggest places where this bothers me is on CNET's download.com....I have used this a source for years to get good software and I read all of the "reviews".....you can always tell when the developers beef up the numbers, there is a row of similar posts about "How great the software is"

        I get so annoyed by this....

        That's why forums like this one are invaluable, you can get a really good feel of how good certain SEO software will work by researching it here and seeing how most people weigh in on it
        Signature

        Health and Fitness niche Affiliate Program | High CTR/EPC | Personal Account Manager 24/7 support https://influencer.bulksupplements.com

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4157676].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
    LD,
    What's the difference between people lying on Fiverr and people giving fake testimonials in WSO threads?
    As far as we're concerned, it's just a matter of whether we can be reasonably sure if it's fake. I have no problem deleting offers and banning people for posting fake testimonials, regardless of how they choose to go about their frauds.

    The trick is having some sort of evidence. We don't just nuke things because someone says they "seem off." And yes, I've seen people demanding that threads be deleted for exactly that reason.


    Paul
    Signature
    .
    Stop by Paul's Pub - my little hangout on Facebook.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4158011].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
      No1here,
      No, I have not bought testimonials because I have no need of them right now. However, if and when I create a website that sells something directly then I'd look like complete amateur hour without some video and written testimonials.
      Hmmm. I must have dreamt the conversion rates I got on a couple of sales pages this weekend. I thought they ranged (depending on the traffic source) from 7% to as high as 32%, and there isn't a testimonial anywhere on either page.

      I must have been mistaken. Only an amateur would believe anything like that was possible, even when they see the sales coming in. Thanks for waking me up.

      Now I just have to figure out how to explain to my affiliates that those sales were imaginary. That's going to be tricky...

      Oh, and just for the record... I don't bother with SEO at all. And I don't do video, although I have all the tools I'd need. Most of my sales pages are nearly graphics-free.

      I use testimonials on some pages. Some I don't. I use graphics on some, and not on others. Strangely, none of those things seems to make as much difference as decent copy and a product that people already want.

      But then, what do I know. I'm a clueless noob.


      Paul
      Signature
      .
      Stop by Paul's Pub - my little hangout on Facebook.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4158088].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author No1here
        Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

        No1here,Hmmm. I must have dreamt the conversion rates I got on a couple of sales pages this weekend. I thought they ranged (depending on the traffic source) from 7% to as high as 32%, and there isn't a testimonial anywhere on either page.

        I must have been mistaken. Only an amateur would believe anything like that was possible, even when they see the sales coming in. Thanks for waking me up.

        Now I just have to figure out how to explain to my affiliates that those sales were imaginary. That's going to be tricky...

        Oh, and just for the record... I don't bother with SEO at all. And I don't do video, although I have all the tools I'd need. Most of my sales pages are nearly graphics-free.

        I use testimonials on some pages. Some I don't. I use graphics on some, and not on others. Strangely, none of those things seems to make as much difference as decent copy and a product that people already want.

        But then, what do I know. I'm a clueless noob.


        Paul
        Where did I say that any way is better than any other way? Did you even read what I wrote?

        For someone who claims to have "Sales Copy" you don't read too good.

        I said it would be nice if we all stopped BS'ing one another and climb down from that pedestal. The world isn't seperated into "Good Guys" and "Bad Guys".

        I don't know if you meant you run an affiliate network or if you're part of one but that does not matter.

        I never called you a noob and wasn't commenting about anyone specifically. As I said, THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT THIS THREAD not THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT PAUL.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4158170].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
          No1here,
          Did you even read what I wrote?
          Yep. And that is exactly what I responded to.

          As far as I am concerned, the world really is divided into the good guys and the bad guys. But hey... If you don't believe in either, that tells us more about you than the rest of us.


          Paul
          Signature
          .
          Stop by Paul's Pub - my little hangout on Facebook.

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4159012].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author psresearch
        Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

        No1here,Hmmm. I must have dreamt the conversion rates I got on a couple of sales pages this weekend. I thought they ranged (depending on the traffic source) from 7% to as high as 32%, and there isn't a testimonial anywhere on either page.
        I just talked to a friend of mine yesterday in the dating coaching market - dropped a new product - got a 6% conversion - zero testimonials on the sales page.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4188653].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author chewmike
    Testimonials, well, like some of the warriors have stated. It's difficult to tell the differences whether they are genuine.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4158110].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author No1here
      Originally Posted by chewmike View Post

      Testimonials, well, like some of the warriors have stated. It's difficult to tell the differences whether they are genuine.
      Just as in Pro-Wrestling it's all about the suspension of disbelief. For that to work the reader/audience has to meet you half way.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4158174].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author celente
      Originally Posted by chewmike View Post

      Testimonials, well, like some of the warriors have stated. It's difficult to tell the differences whether they are genuine.
      The testimonials I use in my WSO's are indeed real. infact.....

      You want to know, and even prove it, well when you see the testimonials...just click on the triangle pointing > and when you click this it will take you to the exact thread and quote from the REAL user that offered their testimonial, so you can check and prove this is the case. That for me is very powerful!!!!

      I am with paul but, they cannot just delete a wso on the notion they think testimonials are fake. Its sucks, but it goes to show you just how fair the guys here are. Infact they do a pretty good job at catching spam, and crappy illegitimate offers.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4158193].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author dagaul101
    It shouldn't come as a surprise, with so many people competing for gigs, some folks feel making fake testimonials is the only way to go
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4158532].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author harrymcclaire
    haha i figured that out long ago.

    if they want to do it they should have said video testimony review copy.

    so people will think its a review copy. .

    only when people contact them then they reveal the slack and say just tell me what to say. lol

    want to bluff also must use brain!
    Signature
    Photo Proof of results
    979 clicks, 177 sign ups, 2 sales
    = $133.08 of CB commissions!
    Within 1st day of blast!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4159718].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Elkinton
    I question if "Television Commercials" are doing the same thing?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4187830].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Andre Slater
      That's what I see also... I just make sure I email the owners and ask them questions before I buy anything and I keep note of the scammers. You can read the fake testimonials just by paying attention to the wording. Just like if you look at a review site, you can tell if someone is actually giving a review or just trying to get you to click.

      Check the wording helps me greatly. The old adage "what does he got to gain out of this?" works well
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4187843].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author nagidr
    the problem is we like to buy such video reviews for our promotions but don't like when others are using it for their promotion..
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4187936].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
    Banned
    I ignore all testimonials period because of things like this. People sell themselves for these things all the time. As a matter of fact when I first started buying products in the niche, I went through a crapload of sales pages. I knew I was looking at scams as soon as I started seeing familiar faces grom the testimonials. Often I would also notice that written testimonials were copied word for word with different product names inserted in.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4188058].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Kyle Stankiewicz
    What do you think every actor in a commercial is? Paid testimonials. None of that stuff is really true, either. They just get paid a whole lot more than $4 for it. All of it is dishonest, there's no reason to crack down on one more than the other though.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4188095].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author timpears
    There is a WSO by Kelly Felix I think, that had one of these testimonials on it and he had some issues with WF and the members over this as someone pointed it out.

    Come to find out, that testimonial was submitted by one of his buyers, who evidently went to Fiverr.com to get it made. Caused a lot of problems for Kelly though.

    On the other hand, I would not be comfortable putting a video together so if I needed one, that would be an alternative for me. Just saying, just because it was outsourced, doesn't mean it is not true.
    Signature

    Tim Pears

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4188136].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Justin Newcastle
    Paying for testimonials is like paying for a prostitute... (insert your own closing phrase)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4188261].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ProvenViral
    Things like that happen all the time ... just figure it out yourself and test out the service if it's worth it. It's only $5 bucks anyway!
    Signature
    "Things may come to those who wait, but only things left by those who hustle". - Abraham Lincoln
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4201736].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Richest
      Originally Posted by ProvenViral View Post

      Things like that happen all the time ... just figure it out yourself and test out the service if it's worth it. It's only $5 bucks anyway!
      But it will be problem for those who want to make cash from brokering on fiverr. Losing trust is painful
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4201888].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author nelaffiliate
    Fake testimonials are everywhere. It's sad, but we all just have to be careful and hope that the product or service is atleast worth it.
    Signature

    "King of Fast Video Keyword Research"... Get Easy to rank, Zero competition keywords today. Rank your video on Youtube first page in minutes! Visit: https://www.fiverr.com/nel11111/do-v...yword-research

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4202228].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
      Fake testimonials have probably been around longer than any of of us have.
      Signature

      Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4202334].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Gary Smith
    I wouldn't trust most testimonials as far as I could kick them. And as I am in Australia and most of the sites I view are in the USA... that isn't very far!

    Seriously though, I learned a while back to trust people rather than the written word in long sales copy. There are a fairly small group of people who I would buy from, based on their own promotion and description of a product - one of those people has been quite prominent in this thread. I won't name him because you don't 'need to know' . I guess they are the among the people who took the concept of building genuine trust in their mailing list subscribers seriously.
    Signature

    Gary Smith

    PHP Developer and aging geek

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4202646].message }}

Trending Topics