Do testimonials convert to sells ?

by LXR
27 replies
I have received several emails from clients from one of my sites stating that they are glad to have purchased the service I provide and that they have already recouped their initial investment advertising with me.

Would it be appropriate to contact others that use my service and ask them for testimonials?

Would the testomonials actually convert more prospective clients into purchasing my services if I created a page and placed the testimonials on it ?
#covert #sells #testimonials
  • Profile picture of the author writeaway
    If they are the right kind of testimonials. They must be honest. They must build trust. They must connect on an emotional level.
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    • Profile picture of the author LXR
      Originally Posted by writeaway View Post

      If they are the right kind of testimonials. They must be honest. They must build trust. They must connect on an emotional level.
      So then, is it appropriate to solicit testimonials from your clients ?
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      • Profile picture of the author twranks
        Originally Posted by LXR View Post

        So then, is it appropriate to solicit testimonials from your clients ?
        Yes, as long as they have agreed to it and will give you and unbiased review of your product. The more effective method would be to pot in the Wanted - Members Looking To Hire You section

        Cheers
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      • Profile picture of the author writeaway
        Originally Posted by LXR View Post

        So then, is it appropriate to solicit testimonials from your clients ?
        Sure, I get lots of testimonials from happy clients. It is appropriate since they actually TRIED OUT your work. Now, if you were going to PAY people so they can write positive testimonials, that would be UNETHICAL. There's a difference between asking 'mind if you share what you think about my services?'and 'how about I PAY you for a testimonial?'
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    • Originally Posted by writeaway View Post

      If they are the right kind of testimonials. They must be honest. They must build trust. They must connect on an emotional level.
      agreed with this.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Tandan
    It can be appropriate to solicit testimonials if done tactfully. Brick and mortar businesses do it all the time. Word of mouth and legitimate feedback from actual customers are proven drivers of sales.
    You can simply ask for a testimonial, or offer some sort of incentive to do so. Just be sure to do so tactfully and thank them not only for any potential feedback, but also for their purchase.
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  • Profile picture of the author Coach Comeback
    Absolutely! Unsolicited testimonials are the best! I keep a stock pile of them. Not just for motivation when I have those rare "bad days" ... but for when there are those skeptics that actually need that, you have plenty to pull from!

    Share them always! People LOVE 3rd party endorsement
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    • Profile picture of the author LXR
      Originally Posted by Coach Comeback View Post

      Absolutely! Unsolicited testimonials are the best! I keep a stock pile of them. Not just for motivation when I have those rare "bad days" ... but for when there are those skeptics that actually need that, you have plenty to pull from!

      Share them always! People LOVE 3rd party endorsement
      I really do not feel comfortable sharing their emails to me without their explicit permission. They are "white collar" professionals.

      My thoughts though are to contact them, ask if I may share their testimonials on a given page of my site.

      Then maybe do some Facebook or google advertising and link the Ads back to the testimonial page.
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      • Profile picture of the author Coach Comeback
        Originally Posted by LXR View Post

        I really do not feel comfortable sharing their emails to me without their explicit permission. They are "white collar" professionals.

        My thoughts though are to contact them, ask if I may share their testimonials on a given page of my site.

        Then maybe do some Facebook or google advertising and link the Ads back to the testimonial page.
        yes of course. Don't share their personal contact information without their consent!

        But you can always quote them and say "John B." and not give anything away that is personal if they don't want
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        • Profile picture of the author LXR
          Originally Posted by Coach Comeback View Post

          yes of course. Don't share their personal contact information without their consent!

          But you can always quote them and say "John B." and not give anything away that is personal if they don't want
          I actually want to directly quote them, that way potential clients coming to my site can contact the existing clients directly if they are so inclined. My current customers contact info is already public on the site in question.
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        • Profile picture of the author Michele Miller
          When I receive a complimentary email about my products, ebooks, classes etc., I usually reply and thank the person for the email and ask if it would be okay to take the testimonial portion of their email to display on my web site as a testimonial, while reassurring them that I will not include their contact info, only their first and last name and the state where they live.

          If they agree, I publish it on my site in the testimonial section.

          For some of my higher priced products, like my health-care classes, I actively ask graduates if they would mind giving a testimonial, and I also ask if it's okay to include underneath it: "This graduate may be contacted by email upon request." I always make sure to not obligate them or make them feel they should do so. About 90% agree and if I contact them more than once to get in touch with any of my prospective students, I always send a "thank you gift check" as appreciation.

          It's social proof and I believe in my products; I always over-deliver, so I have nothing to hide letting people get in touch with some of my testimonial contributors.



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          • Profile picture of the author LXR
            Originally Posted by Michele Miller View Post



            It's social proof and I believe in my products; I always over-deliver, so I have nothing to hide letting people get in touch with some of my testimonial contributors.



            That's exactly what I'm getting at. I have nothing to hide. I actually want the prospective clients to know exactly whom the testimonial is from.

            If they wish to contact the person whom has written the testimonial, the better off I am.
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  • Profile picture of the author actionplanbiz
    nothing wrong in asking for testimonials. if you want to directly quote them, then just ask their permission.
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    Testimonials definitely work and you should always try to get unsolicited testimonials from your happiest clients. Believability plays a big role in testimonials though so keep that in mind.
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  • Profile picture of the author hustlinsmoke
    A proper testimonial is gold. Remember to get there contact details in case the web police come calling. They are hitting sites hard with fake testi's.

    It is easy to get them though. Go to warriors for hire and offer the product for review. I will tell you this though more than half won't ever leave a review of it. If you know some top affiliates that is a better way they will usually always leave a review.
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    • Profile picture of the author LXR
      Originally Posted by hustlinsmoke View Post

      A proper testimonial is gold. Remember to get there contact details in case the web police come calling. They are hitting sites hard with fake testi's.

      It is easy to get them though. Go to warriors for hire and offer the product for review. I will tell you this though more than half won't ever leave a review of it. If you know some top affiliates that is a better way they will usually always leave a review.
      Not a product. It is a advertising service.
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    • Profile picture of the author Michele Miller
      I have to wonder if you even read the original poster's actual post. Besides your poor grammar, you just don't come across as very professional anyway, so they will probably just dismiss your advice anyway. I wonder where your factual advice comes from about the "web police?".... Did you have a personal experience?


      Originally Posted by hustlinsmoke View Post

      A proper testimonial is gold. Remember to get there contact details in case the web police come calling. They are hitting sites hard with fake testi's.

      It is easy to get them though. Go to warriors for hire and offer the product for review. I will tell you this though more than half won't ever leave a review of it. If you know some top affiliates that is a better way they will usually always leave a review.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ryan3
    If done correctly, they can be great. The better the story the more powerful. Testimonials build instant credibility

    Almost everyone uses testimonials, so if you don't, then its just gonna look odd top your customers since their used to seeing them.
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  • Profile picture of the author hustlinsmoke
    Doesn't matter, you can post it there too and give them samples, smaller projects of what you usually sell.

    I have did it with tangible and non tangible goods there.
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  • Profile picture of the author Lemonzer
    Why not ? Testimonials will give more trust for your product/services
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  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    Oh yes, in a big way!

    If testies are authentic, and heart felt, people will read them and buy based on the opinions of friends, or pros, or other folks happy with your product or service.

    Go for it!
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  • Profile picture of the author AaronHarris
    YES! A big YES!

    There are no greater advertising campaign than word of mouth or testimonials. It should looked sincere and true because some customers are annoyed in reading too obvious scripted testimonials.

    It is also a good way of building a good online image. More testimonials mean more trust from happy customers. influence your market to be the trend.

    Be the INFLUENCER not just a FOLLOWER.
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  • Profile picture of the author Moneymaker2012
    Testimonials are always important for sales, some people never buy from you if you don't show them testimonials, but they should be good and real to convince.
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  • Profile picture of the author johnben1444
    I have seen big sites with testimonials and have also seen reviews on forum thread which is another form of testimonials. Surely, they do work and shouldn't be taken for granted.

    While testimonial is not the only thing that matters or closes sales, your approach and consistent contact with your prospect is highly crucial.

    When asking for testimonials, I advice you make it politely and nonobligatory otherwise your existing clients might look at it in the other way..
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  • Profile picture of the author HoganG
    I advertise on the number one website for Notaries. They encourage me to ask my clients for testimonials. If a client is pleased they are more than enthusiastic to recommend. Simply ask if they will write a short comment about your level of service that you can use in your advertising and ask if they would sign it. Make it clear that you will not post their contact info unless they have a business site where they dont mind inquiries.
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  • Profile picture of the author blackli0n
    You can definitely use testimonials and/or other kinds of social proof. I've noticed testimonials will run along 2 different types:

    1. The big name. Somebody with a name, CEO of a well-known company or somebody with a high position.
    2. The emotional story. Somebody with a great ability to write and articulate and connect with others.
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  • Profile picture of the author Black Prince
    Originally Posted by LXR View Post

    I have received several emails from clients from one of my sites stating that they are glad to have purchased the service I provide and that they have already recouped their initial investment advertising with me.

    Would it be appropriate to contact others that use my service and ask them for testimonials?

    Would the testomonials actually convert more prospective clients into purchasing my services if I created a page and placed the testimonials on it ?
    Quick tip: consider asking them to include their results as part of the testimonial. Nothing is more powerful than results-based testimonials. Workout and diet systems, for example, will always sell better if they have before-and-after photos. I know that celebrities in the UK will deliberately allow themselves to be photographed by the paparazzi when they are fat, all for the sake of helping sell their weight loss fitness DVDs 12 months later...
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