Testimonials are powerful tools that can significantly enhance the credibility of your products and services. Potential customers and clients often look for social proof before making a purchase, and authentic testimonials can provide the reassurance they need.
A well-placed testimonial can bridge the gap between curiosity and conversion, showing prospective buyers that others have had positive experiences with what you offer.
But how do you go about collecting these valuable endorsements? It’s not just about doing great work and hoping for the best. You need a strategic approach to encourage satisfied customers to share their experiences. Whether through direct requests, leveraging compliments, or utilizing feedback forms, gathering testimonials can be a systematic and rewarding process.
Following are strategies on how to gather compelling testimonials, illustrated with real-life examples.
These examples will show you how powerful testimonials can be in boosting your brand’s visibility and credibility.
1. Ask Directly
- Timing: The best time to ask for a testimonial is shortly after a positive interaction or the successful completion of a project. This is when the customer’s satisfaction is at its peak.
- Personal Approach: Customize your request. Whether you ask in person, via email, or over a call, a personal touch can make a big difference.
- Specific Questions: Help your customers articulate their thoughts by guiding them with specific questions about their experience.
2. Do a Great Job
- Quality: The foundation of receiving positive testimonials is delivering exceptional products or services. Happy customers are more likely to share their positive experiences.
- Exceed Expectations: Going above and beyond creates memorable experiences that customers are eager to share.
3. Leverage Compliments
- Immediate Response: When a customer compliments your work, respond promptly. Ask if you can use their kind words as a testimonial.
- Ease of Use: Make it easy for them. Write down their compliment and ask them to approve it for use as a testimonial.
4. Provide a Template
- Guidance: Some customers may find it challenging to write a testimonial. Providing a template or example can help them articulate their thoughts more easily.
- Customization: Encourage them to personalize the testimonial to reflect their unique experience.
5. Use Feedback Forms
- Post-Service Surveys: Send out surveys after a purchase or service completion. Include a section where customers can leave testimonials.
- Incentives: Offer small incentives like discounts or gifts to encourage customers to provide feedback.
6. Encourage Online Reviews
- Platforms: Direct customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or social media.
- Follow-Up: Send follow-up emails with direct links to review sites to make the process straightforward and convenient.
7. Collect Video Testimonials
- Engagement: Video testimonials are more engaging and often viewed as more credible than written ones. Ask satisfied customers if they’d be willing to record a short video.
- Professional Setup: Provide guidance on what to say and ensure good quality audio and video for a polished final product.
8. Showcase Testimonials
- Visibility: Display testimonials prominently on your website, social media, and other marketing materials to maximize their impact.
- Gratitude: Publicly thank customers (with their permission) for their testimonials, which can encourage others to contribute as well.
9. Follow Up
- Reminder: Gently remind customers who have promised testimonials but haven’t yet delivered.
- Continued Engagement: Maintain ongoing communication with customers to build long-term relationships that naturally lead to more testimonials.
10. Legal and Ethical Considerations
- Permission: Always obtain explicit permission before using a testimonial.
- Authenticity: Ensure that all testimonials are genuine and reflect real customer experiences. Avoid fabricating or exaggerating claims.
- Real-Life Examples
Example 1: Sandra Nomoto
Sandra Nomoto, an ethical marketer and author, shared her positive experience using The Vegan Podcast Directory as part of her publicity and media outreach strategy. It was during a masterclass she shared her positive experience. Without missing a beat, we asked her if we could get that in writing.
Here’s her testimonial:
“I published my second book, Vegan Marketing Success Stories (the world’s first vegan marketing book), in
Fall 2022 and purchased Kathleen’s vegan podcast directory as part of my publicity and media outreach strategy. As any publicist or media relations practitioner will know, a media list is everything. Using a good part of Kathleen’s vegan podcast directory helped catapult me and my book in the vegan world. Since my book has launched, I’ve gained clients, speaking opportunities, and more podcast interview invitations.
Kathleen’s podcast directory was not only crucial to the success of my (now award-winning) book, but she has been one of my biggest supporters. She not only contributed a story in the book, but provided an endorsement, book review, and had me as a guest on her podcast. Whether you purchase the directory or hire Kathleen and Vegan Visibility Productions for a service, she will give you more support than you expect and will be one of your/your business’s biggest cheerleaders.”
— Sandra Nomoto, Ethical Marketer for cruelty-free businesses and Book Whisperer for authors with impact.
Check out the Podcast Directory CLICK HERE
Example 2: Susan Smith Jones
Susan Smith Jones, an author, expressed her gratitude by way of an email for the exceptional service she received from
the Vegan Visibility Productions Podcast production team:
“Thank you for this wonderful news and keeping me on top of everything. I don’t think I’ve ever worked with a more organized, enjoyable, and delightfully positive group of media people in my life. My experience of appearing on the NHA Health Science podcast was stellar. You have now spoiled me for all future media endeavors and have shown me the gold standard for media production. Bravo!”
— Susan Smith Jones, Author, Hug in a Mug & Uplifted
Testimonials as Part of Your Visibility Process
Gathering testimonials is not just about receiving praise—it’s about building trust and showcasing the real-world impact of your products and services. The examples from Sandra Nomoto and Susan Smith Jones highlight how powerful testimonials can be in validating your efforts and driving further success.
By implementing a strategic approach to collect and showcase testimonials, you not only enhance your brand’s credibility but also create a strong connection with your audience.
Remember to ask directly, leverage compliments, use feedback forms, and encourage online reviews. Video testimonials can add an extra layer of engagement, and always display your testimonials prominently to maximize their impact.
Most importantly, always ensure the authenticity and honesty of the testimonials you share. With these steps, you can turn your satisfied customers into advocates, helping to build a solid foundation of trust and reliability that will attract new customers and retain existing ones.
Start today by reaching out to your satisfied customers and asking for their feedback. Their stories can become powerful tools that not only enhance your brand’s reputation but also inspire others to choose your products and services.
About the Author
Kathleen Gage is a highly experienced business consultant, keynote speaker, author, and marketing strategist. She’s the founder of Vegan Visibility and co-founder of Vegan Visibility Productions. Kathleen is known for her resilience in navigating economic challenges and her commitment to advocating for a sustainable, compassionate world. She consults with vegan plant-based businesses, hosts popular podcasts, authors books, and organizes the virtual summits, book launches, and digital product launches. Kathleen resides in Central Oregon, where she indulges her passion for outdoor activities and cares for rescued animals on her property.
Learn more about Kathleen and her involvement in the vegan niche and market at www.VeganVisibilityProductions.com
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