5 Ways to optimise your customer testimonials
We have all seen advertisements where companies claim that the products or services they offer are “the best” or considered to be “number 1” in their niche. This is not enough to convince prospective customers anymore. Testimonials, on the other hand, are great for allowing prospects to see first-hand experience of other customers who have invested in your brand. It serves as reassurance for prospects that are hesitant in their decision to buy your brand’s offerings. Here are five easy ways to get great testimonials from your current customers:
- Simply ask your customers for feedback. Create a system whereby customers receive a generic email asking for feedback about the service they have received. This will generate a steady influx of comments that your brand may use for content marketing purposes.
- Ensure that your testimonials are relevant to your target audience. The testimonials you choose for marketing your brand should be somewhat persuasive in its approach. Make sure that the gist of the testimonials focus on the product features and elements of your service that distinguish your brand from your competitors.
- Align your testimonials according to the different functions of your business. Comments that promote the great customer service you offer can be put on your contact page, for example and comments specifically highlighting customer satisfaction relating to a product they have purchased should be placed on the product page on your website. Choose the best comments that are likely to have the greatest appeal to prospective customers.
- Share your customer database. Use names or logos of companies that are highly esteemed in your trade. An impressive client list will build your brand’s credibility with a prospect that is new to your offerings. Don’t just think in terms of individual names. If you can, add the names or logos of respected companies that use or buy your services. If you can showcase an impressive client list, do so.
- Be innovative with your approach. Use the feedback you have received in creative ways. Using testimonials that are related to different facets of your overall marketing will contribute greatly to your brand’s image. Add a related comment to your business card, or include a page of satisfied client feedback in sales packs that you offer. You could even use a current customer’s testimonial in one of your blogs. The possibilities are endless.
It is important to get the customer’s permission first before using their remarks about your services and make sure they are happy about their comments being made public on your website. If not, ask if you can use their comments in e-mail correspondence specifically to prospective customers. Keep customer comments short, quirky and easy to read. For authenticity, always try to include a full name, company and job title. Testimonials offer an unbiased indication that your brand is doing a good job and they will be sure to impress prospects if presented well.
