testimonials, do you use them?

[bikersbits]

Hi, I’ve just received one of the best feedbacks from a customer and thought how a simple sign of appreciation can really make you smile.
All the hard work and long hours are suddenly worth it, so my question is
How many of us actually take the time to congratulate or saying something positive when we see something done right?
Or do we just comment or complain when things are wrong?
And do people actually search for, read and believe testimonials?
I have a testimonial page on my site which probably I'am the only one using it, but sometimes if I| need a boost or praise or just to remind me why I’m working so hard, I read it and smile. :wink:
Roberta

[Whistle Ink]

Roberta,

Well done and congrats on getting good feedback! :D

I think ppl do take the time to say thank you - I get it all the time in my my job :D And I too myself will make time to tell someone and thank them. BT came out to fix our line, and the chap were friendly and cheerful and explained things - I sent an email (whether it got here or not is another matter!)

I do read testimonials and do believe them - howver if you doubt something i think you should be able to ask the business if they can contact the customer to clarify.

testimonials are worth posting on your website or quoting on literature because its not just you thats talking about ur business / products its real customers!

[ebonybailey]

I know many people look at mine, it holds great value. I suppose it depends on whether the person looking at them recognises the company that is providing the testimonial.
http://www.ebonybailey.co.uk/testimonials.php

[Cornish Steve]

We have posted three testimonials on our home page. We're fortunate enough to have several others, and we plan to add them to the flash animation some time soon.

We did face a dilemma though. To make them prominent on the page, we associated the testimonials with photographs. We do have actual photographs of some people, but we thought it inappropriate to post someone's picture on our website; in the end, we chose to use stock images. We do make the point of using similar pictures - a man or woman, a black or white face, and so on.

What do others think of this practice? Is it being dishonest to use stock photographs? Are we right to protect our customers by not posting their actual pictures? Is there an established etiquette?

[coxadmin]

I have a dedicated page on my website with some of my testimonials.

I think they're a great point of reference for prospective clients, in addition to giving you a boost when you need it.

[SillyJokes]

We get quite a few and I try and put them on the relevant product page.

We also have some on our 'About Us' page.

You must get permission to use them though.

I think they do add something human to the site. People buy from someone that other people have bought from - call it a feeding frenzy. This is hard to generate when all your customers have no idea they are on a site with many other people. For all they know they are alone in choosing you.

They are also a great lift to the spirit when you have had a run of problems. I keep mine in a folder and look at them when I'm feeling a bit pished off with this internet malarky.

Of course sites like IWantOneOfThose use testimonials and photos of customers using the products to great effect but while we have a few photos sent in, you do need to offer £50 to really get them flowing.

[Eagle]

Testimonials are worth their weight in gold. I use them on a dedicated Testimonials page. :)

[BrightSparke]

I have found testimonials effective and have a page for them on my site.

I - and I think most people - can tell the difference between real ones and those created by the company.

I always ask permission to post testimonials and have never been refused - in my experience i) people who like your product/service are always happy to say so, and ii) adding photos, etc. don't really add much and might put someone off (not everyone wants their picture in cyberspace).

For me, it's a question of finding the time to ask for them and then getting them uploaded.

Peter

[Doctor-Webby]

I have used testimonials successfully in a previous full time role, i use to sell a small business product for Thomson Directories and whenever the start of the month was i use to spend the first half a day getting testimonals relevant to the industry then start cold calling, when a customer said no i would say i ahve a testimonal here that says blah blah blah and this customer has successfully used this product to increase their sales, it works like magic and its the reason why i hit 17 back to back sales targets and won a DBA business award with them, having said that the extra 3K in commission each month was quite handy too, so i would say that testimonals are powerful if you use them correctly and especially powerful in telesales

[Webstuff]

I love positive feedback, it really does make it worthwhile. My favourite has to be foreign customers with only a small English vocabulary, because they don't tend to use long words that confound me some ;) (It's been a long day.)

[Webstuff]

I just checked my emails and had a nice letter from a French customer :)

[daveashton]

The sales view

Testimonials are a MUST in every sales cycle. People might not need to see/call/read them but they should always be offered and where possible you should provide 3:

1: Type of solution i.e. quick delivery, technically very similar etc.
2: Industry sector. people i.e. if you are selling this week to an accountant, provide an accountancy reference
3: Location. To prove you can deliver in their area.


Cheers

Me

[sparklyscotty]

Yup. Testimonials are great. I just got around to that item on my to do list to put them on my website, and customer sign ups have tripled since i did it!
Also- in regards to the stock photo issue, I face a similar dilemma, as I ask brides to send me photos of them wearing my jewellery. If they give me permission I will use them on the website, but often for the sake of quality, I use stock photos for publications. I think as long as you convey the right 'sentiment' with the photo, it gets across the message.
-Angel-

[Richard Conyard]

Fun and games with testimonials - we recently got this one in (which won't be used).

I have recently started to use "xxxxx" in the office and have found it extremely user friendly. Access to the system is very straightforward, it is simple to edit and update material, and I have never been timed out of the system and had to begin again, (as happened regularly with a previous system that I used).

It's nice, the sentiment is there, but it lacks the required punch somewhat ;-)

[ebonybailey]

the best approach is to write it for them, and get there ok, or show them previous testimonial so they know how to write it. Thats what i did.

Michael