When did you last update your website’s testimonials? Google and other search engines promote webpages with frequent updates. Do you find it awkward to ask a client for a testimonial for publishing it on your website?

Testimonials promise a business’s trust and credibility. Nowadays, this is known as social proof.

Why testimonials are a powerful marketing tool?

What others say about you and your product, service, or business is at least 1000 times more persuasive than what you say, even if you are 1000 times more articulate.

The reason is obvious. Customers are skeptical of what a business says about themselves but believe other customers. And the more positive feedback the business receives, the more prospective customers will believe it.

Let’s delve deeper into this!

Collecting testimonials can be difficult, particularly on customer review sites such as Google Business, TripAdvisor, and G2. However, they are worth their virtual weight in gold.

A testimonial quickly validates your product. It’s also a small piece of copy ready to be incorporated into emails, websites, and social media postings. You may increase your conversion rate and sales with only a few words.

As the numbers don’t lie:

• Most shoppers read 10 online reviews before making a purchase
• 63% of consumers require hearing a company’s statements 3-5 times to believe them
• Consumers often look for roughly 40 online reviews before trusting a business’s star rating
• Young consumers (18-24) demand 203 reviews per product page
• Approximately 85% of consumers find reviews older than three months to be irrelevant

How to feature testimonials?

The first thing that comes to the mind is website. For instance, a real estate company can showcase client testimonials on a dedicated testimonial page. This is an opportunity for potential homebuyers, renters, or sellers to learn about the services or products instantly.

Conversely, advertisements are another option to feature testimonials. Suppose a tech company’s CRM product is favored by many clients. The business can develop an entire advertising campaign considering a series of testimonials. They can highlight what the customers are saying about their CRM product and how it has transformed their businesses. This will boost credibility and attract attention. Positive feedback can be the driving force behind clicks and conversions.

Social media is another excellent option to feature testimonials. You can share the testimonials aggregated from your customers on social media platforms. It will enhance visibility and engagement with your business.

How do testimonials help businesses?

Following are the four ways that testimonials help businesses.

• Explain the products or services

Testimonials put your organization in a positive light. It also strengthens the customer-customer interactions. A good customer testimonial will provide a concise explanation of how your products or services meet their needs. How did your business serve as a solution for them? If your product or service is unique, make sure to highlight the testimonials that demonstrate this.

• Boosts credibility

Credibility is essential for your business’s success. It is straightforward proof that you have satisfied customers and are a trustworthy business. People prefer to trust other customers over organizations. Ensure you have a diverse range of reviews to reach as many potential customers as possible.

• Enhances your revenue

Testimonials build trust in your product or service. For example, if a homebuyer is deciding between your real estate business and one competitor, your list of customer testimonials can be compelling. Reading a good quote from a loyal customer increases the likelihood of making a purchase.

• Improve website traffic

Search engines want their users to find what they’re looking for. Reviews and testimonials influence which businesses appear for which search terms and in what order. Using these client reviews will help you boost your SEO and attract more visitors to your website. Posting testimonials on your website will increase customer curiosity. With this, you not only become a business but a community of people working to develop the best product or service available.

Getting Testimonials – Doing it in the right way!

First, you must offer a superior product and service. Then ask your customers for feedback. Interview them to find out what they genuinely like about your product and service. What do they enjoy about dealing with you and your company? Ask if they would give a testimonial. If you give a presentation, ask the audience to complete assessment forms. Some of the remarks may be valuable testimonies.

A client/customer advisory board can also provide testimonials. You can invite participants to describe their involvement with your company. Their testimonials can be used in your company brochure.

You can also engage with customers through social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Encourage customers to share their experiences and anecdotes about your product or service. For instance, you can also send a personalized email to customers who have purchased a house under the guidance of your real estate company.

Inquire about their feedback and whether they would be prepared to submit a testimonial. Better yet, provide customers with explicit directions on how to post a review, and thank you! In exchange for a testimonial, provide customers with an offer. For example, if you are a tech business, offer discounts on the services. Given the importance of testimonials to your business, this is a brilliant method to encourage customers to share their great experiences. Many businesses include reviewers’ names in a raffle as an incentive.‍

Final Thoughts

By this time, you should not doubt the relevance of testimonials. They are an essential tool for establishing trust, credibility, and social proof among your customers. Use them liberally in all of your digital and offline marketing materials. You can expect to see an increase in conversions and earnings in no time.

If you are a new business and want strategic financial advice, Basta & Company is glad to help you. We have the right expert to guide you in overcoming financial obstacles in your new venture. Visit our website and schedule an appointment!