Five Non-Icky Methods to Request Testimonials
You have undoubtedly seen testimonials posted on different sales pages or products all over the Internet. Because testimonials help convert customers into readers, they are very common.
All these studies show that testimonials about your business are one of best ways to increase your online reputation. You’re now sold on the power and value of testimonials. That’s great. Let’s now talk about how we can get them.
How to ask for a testimonial
If you’re anything like I, asking for reviews can often leave a bad taste in your mouth. However, this is not the only way you can get reviews. I will show you how to encourage testimonials from people without making it seem weird or icky.
1. A CONSULTATION/INTERVIEW IS PERFORMED AT THE END DURING THE PROJECT
A great time to request a testimonial is at the end of a project. It is easy and non-icky to request a testimonial by setting up an exit interview or sending an internet survey.
After you have sent the work to customers and clients, they are likely to be most enthusiastic about it. Ask for an interview or a quick survey to make the most of this time.
This will not make you or your client feel strange. Exit surveys are quite common at this stage in the customer’s cycle.
This method can be made more effective by providing easy ways for clients and other users to submit their feedback.
- LocalReviews. The OneLocal tool allows you to review, respond and collect client feedback all in one place. Send your clients a survey via email or text. Once the review has been submitted, it will be immediately uploaded to your website or on any of your preferred social media sites like Facebook or Google. You can also track all of your reviews within a dashboard so that you can respond to any questions or comments.
- Google Forms. Google is the best way to run surveys. It’s easy to set up Google Forms. The answers will be stored in a Google Sheet that you can use later. Here are the steps to set it up.
- Survey Monkey. Survey Monkey makes creating and distributing surveys easy. You can send the link to create another survey for clients with similar interests. The back-end interface allows you to view the results.
- Qualtrics. Another great survey service. The results are easily scanned and displayed in an intuitive manner. Qualtrics can be used if you have multiple clients and want them to complete different surveys.
2. Use what people already say
People are open to sharing their opinions and feedback via email or social media. Ask for permission to use these nice words as testimonials on your website. Amazon reviews can be used on your website if you sell products on Amazon.
This method requires that you get permission from the author of the comment you wish to use. It is a bad idea to use someone else’s words without their permission. Even worse is when you use someone’s name without their consent.
3. Take a quick video while meeting with a client
Freelancers often find themselves in client meetings, discussing past and potential projects. It’s a great opportunity to grab a quick testimonial clip of your client describing their experience working with you.
It shouldn’t be the main point of the meeting. Instead, ask your client if they would mind repeating what you have said to them on camera after they have praised you as being extraordinary (which they will).
It’s for a video testimonial you would like to post on your website or YouTube. If they are willing to agree, you can recreate their conversation about how awesome you are.
You can earn bonus points by transcribing the video and using excerpts to create major landing pages.
4. ASK TO SWAP TESTIMONIALS
Positive reviews and testimonials are key to online businesses’ success. This is true for all businesses, including diaper manufacturers and your local Greek restaurant.
Are you happy with the service or product provided by a company? Do they have any experience with your product? You might consider swapping testimonials.
You don’t have to make it seem strange by saying you won’t leave a review if they do. Encourage them to leave a review if you have already done so. You can ask them to write the review and request that they publish it.
Only solicit companies that have used your services before. It is extremely ethically unwise to solicit people who have not used your services to give you positive feedback.
5. A COMPLIMENT TO SUPPORT YOUR ASK
Lorrie Thomas Ross is an author and marketer. She says, “Asking for testimonials is awkward only when the asking party makes it awkward.” ”
It’s a great way to get rid of any awkwardness or lingering feelings. This will make them more likely give you a testimonial and it will also show your appreciation.
This could be exemplified by something like “Your opinion is important to me. Would you mind sharing your thoughts on the work I did for them?” ”
Send them an email thanking them for their feedback and asking permission to publish the feedback on your site. You could even offer to link your name to their website.
Testimonials – Now with 100% Less Ick
You will receive so many testimonials from each of these techniques that you won’t know what to do. These techniques can be used on your sales pages, contact pages and blog posts.
These testimonials will eventually show results for your business. You will see an increase in conversions and a decrease in the time it takes to close a sale.
Do not miss out on the many benefits of testimonials just because you are afraid of appearing awkward or icky. These methods will help you have an enjoyable and painless testimonial-seeking experience.