eAction

You have seen those web pages, particularly if it is trying to sell something, where the sales copy is interrupted with quotes from people who have already reviewed or tried out that product and found it to be useful and of excellent quality. Seeing their names and faces gives you the impression that this is really great, popular stuff!

That’s the whole point of those testimonials. I recently read the advice of a writer of good advertising copy and he said one of the smartest things you can do for your web site, is to post testimonials of your satisfied customers everywhere. It makes you seem more trustworthy and reliable.

Which raises some questions. Like, what if you have had no enthusiastic customers yet? Or, how do you get customers to give you such nice praise? Can I expect rewards if I send thank you notes to sellers of products I really like?

Answer 1. If you have no customers yet, it might be wise to arrange with some friends or well-known individuals to give them a free product in return for their testimonial. That is not as great as an unsolicited testimonial, but just so you have something to put up at the beginning, most business people find that acceptable.

Answer 2. You get customers to give you nice praise by checking with them after a few days and asking them if they have any problems, and if they indicate all is well, ask them if they’d be kind enough to give you a testimonial. The majority of people never think of giving thanks.They have to be asked quite bluntly for feedback. Do it politely, of course. You know how seldom you do it yourself, right?

Answer 3. A true testimonial should not be bought, however, as I just said, so few people go back to say thanks when they get purchase or receive something useful and valuable, that if you do so, that person is going to fall all over you with gratitude and you will likely benefit from better service, advance notice of special deals, bragging on you to others, etc. The most useful testimonial, you’ll notice after a while, is one that describes how that particular product or site, or service has been a great boon and help to you. Remember, it will be mixed in with the sales copy.

Now, that person shouldn’t really use your note of praise on a web site without first asking your permission. When they do, you can graciously say, “That would okay, I think. Will you be including a link to MY site with that?” Usually they are most happy to. Take that link as your prize. Because people will click on it to see what you are really like, and what you have to offer. It becomes FREE advertising for you!

Which reminds me…. (hint-hint). I should love to get some testimonials for my web sites. I must start checking with friends and happy clients to see if they’d write and allow me to use their kind words.

Guess it would only be fair then, to go offer some testimonials to sites and services I have really liked!