The Secret to Adding Credibility to Your Business ? Testimonials!

You may not realize it, but you already have a gold mine of endorsements waiting to be created. Everyone who is serious about building a business and creating credibility uses this idea. What is it? Testimonials from your satisfied clients.

Whether you are just starting out or have been in business for years, testimonials are a proven way to communicate the value your business delivers. Think about it, don't you want to know what other people think about a product/service before you buy? I do!

The reason testimonials are so powerful is because they come from someone, other than you, who has used your products/services and knows how fabulous they are. This is great news if you don't feel comfortable 'blowing your own horn' because the words come from your clients. You are simply sharing what others have said about you. Even better, testimonials don't have to cost you a cent.

HOW TO GET TESTIMONIALS

All you have to do is ask. You can write your request in an e-mail or ask verbally. Just ask, "Would you be willing to help me?" In my experience satisfied clients are more than willing to write testimonials.

If you want to give clients an incentive to give you testimonials you can offer them something of value in return for their time and effort. In exchange for the testimonial you can offer a discount, create a drawing for a prize, or provide them with additional information.

You can also incorporate asking for testimonials into your business process. One way to do this is to ask for them in an evaluation or survey. Another way is to let clients know up front that once they become a client that you plan to ask what they thought about your products/services.

In addition to asking for testimonials you can 'listen' and 'watch' for them by paying attention to what clients tell you verbally and write to you in e-mails or letters. If you hear or see a compliment ask the person if you can quote them on what they said and include it in your marketing materials. Think about it, you may even have a powerful testimonial sitting in one of your e-mail folders right now just waiting to get permission for use.

Another approach is to ask someone else to interview your clients (a reporter or writer). This is a more involved process and can be worth it if your product/service is complicated or if you want to create a case study.

No matter what, always ask for permission to use the person's name and/or company with their testimonial. You can give the options of using initials or first names only if people do not want their full name used. Keep in mind, a full name is the most credible. You can also use pictures of the people who write testimonials to make an even stronger impact (again, ask for permission).

FORMAT FOR TESTIMONIALS

Written testimonials are the most common and easiest to create. There are other options that engage additional senses, the ears and eyes. Audio testimonials are becoming more popular (often accompanied by a photograph) as are video testimonials, which allow you to see and hear someone speaking about your products/services.

WHAT TO ASK FOR IN A TESTIMONIAL

If you're like me, you want some guidance when asked to provide information. Help your clients out by being clear about what you are looking for in a testimonial, specific information.

Ask them to describe the situation before they used your products/services and then ask them to describe the situation now, the benefits that they experienced and how they feel as a result of this.

WHERE TO USE TESTIMONIALS

Once you have your raving testimonials, and permission to use them, you can put them to use in multitude of ways. Include them on your website mixed in throughout your text. Add testimonials to your brochures and flyers. You can even put them in your newsletters.

Are you beginning to see how powerful testimonials are and what they can mean for your business? Choose the approach that feels right for you and get into action today!

(c) Stephanie Ward 2005

Life & Business Coach Stephanie Ward helps business owners set their profits on fire! Get your free monthly profit tips plus bonus report at: http://www.fireflycoaching.com

---

Dont Use Yourself as Your Pricing Yardstick

"I wouldn't pay more than what I charge now."If you... Read More

Marketing Mimics Life

Clichés. We've all heard them...and hear some of them so... Read More

The Real Marketing Genius

I spend a lot of my time reading books and... Read More

Connect to Your Customers with Superb Sales Letters

In the age of e-newsletters and e-mail, you may not... Read More

Natural Marketing for Full Business Success

Is your mind muddy on marketing? Do you wake up... Read More

Sponsorship: A Key to Powerful Marketing

Sponsorship is the fastest growing form of marketing in the... Read More

Attract Your Dream Customer

Have you clearly defined your target audience? These are the... Read More

Do You Really Need a Brochure?

The phone rings. Good news... it's a potential client. You... Read More

Lead Generation: What Is It worth?

Our business environment has changed dramatically. Companies must now be... Read More

Writing Sales Letters That Sell

The most important part of any marketing you do is... Read More

21 Ways To Expand Your Subscriber List

Expanding your subscriber list, whether it be for your ezine,... Read More

Mortgage Marketing - Viral-Email, Referral Marketing Strategy

This is a devastatingly powerful way to extend your marketing... Read More

Laws of Marketing ? The 10 Immutable

Most marketers believe that anything is achievable if you are... Read More

Stop Searching - Joint Ventures are the Solution to Doubling Your Business

First, define the end user (or ideal client) of your... Read More

Todays Definition of Marketing. Has It Changed?

With the continued proliferation of the Internet, the meaning of... Read More

Networking Events ? Lose the Fear and Gain the Benefits

"Kevin, are you saying I need to go to Networking... Read More

Earning the Right To Sell With Stats ? 10 Steps to Greatness

We could learn a thing or two from pro sports.Baseball... Read More

2 Great, Free Techniques to Get Customers to Come to You, Not the Other Way Around

Here is a powerful tip on how to substantially increase... Read More

The Five Most Common Joint Venture Marketing Mistakes To Avoid

Joint Venture marketing has become a highly popular way for... Read More

Flesh Eating Spiders And Other Marketing Horrors

After a friend was bitten by a spider, I decided... Read More

B2B Marketing - Why it Should be Subtle

Subtle adj. Showing or making, or capable of showing or... Read More

Increase Repeat Business and Referrals with Direct Mail

So you have been writing mortgages like crazy now for... Read More

3 Quick Robotic Online and Offline Marketing Strategies to Help You Work Less and Make More Money

What is Marketing? There are many text book answers to... Read More

How to Connect Features and Values

"Buy this magazine or we'll shoot the dog," went a... Read More

15 Commandments Of Creating A Wealth Pulling Niche

Niches are like bathrooms; you never notice them until you... Read More