It's a fact that testimonials sell. You've probably heard that you should have a page on your website dedicated to testimonials or that you should sprinkle testimonials throughout your website. But how do you get more testimonials in the first place?

Here are five tips to help you get testimonials for your business.

1. Ask for a testimonial.

One of the easiest ways to get more testimonials is to simply ask for them.

If you have a happy customer or client, don't be afraid to ask them to write a testimonial for you. Most people are happy to oblige, especially if they've had a good experience with your business.

You can ask for testimonials in person, over the phone, via email, or through a form on your website. However, you ask, make sure to be polite and respectful, and don't put too much pressure on the person to write a testimonial if they don't want to.

2. Make it easy for your customers to write a testimonial.

Your customers are busy people, so if you want them to take the time to write a testimonial for you, you need to make it as easy as possible for them.

One way to do this is to provide your customers with a testimonial template or a testimonial generator. This will give them a starting point and help them to structure their testimonial.

You could also create a landing page on your website where customers can submit their testimonials. This will make it quick and easy for them to leave a review, and it will also help you to collect more testimonials in one place.

3. Ask specific questions.

When you ask for a testimonial, you don't have to leave the content of the testimonial up to the customer. In fact, you're more likely to get a testimonial that speaks to your specific strengths if you ask the customer to answer specific questions.

For example, if you're a web design agency, you might ask the customer to answer questions about their design preferences, how they felt about the communication process, and what they thought about the final design.

If you're a SaaS company, you might ask the customer to answer questions about how they felt about the onboarding process, how long it took them to see results, and what they thought about the customer service team.

The more specific you can be with your questions, the better. This will help you get a testimonial that speaks to your strengths and will help you in your marketing.

4. Incentivize your customers to write a testimonial.

Sometimes, customers need a little extra push to get them to write a testimonial. Offering a discount or a freebie in exchange for a testimonial is a great way to incentivize your customers.

You can also run a contest and give away a big prize to one lucky person who writes a testimonial. Or, you can offer a discount to everyone who writes a testimonial.

Just be sure to check your local laws and regulations before you offer any kind of incentive. Some places have strict rules about what you can and cannot offer in exchange for a testimonial.

5. Display your testimonials for maximum exposure.

Once you've collected some great testimonials, it's time to put them on display. You can use testimonials on your website, in your email marketing, on your social media profiles, and in your print materials.

The more places you display your testimonials, the more exposure they'll get. And the more exposure they get, the more likely it is that potential customers will see them and be influenced by what your current customers have to say about your products or services.

6 Common Mistakes That Sabotage Your Testimonial Collection

Testimonials are powerful tools that can significantly boost your credibility and attract new customers. However, many businesses make common mistakes that undermine the effectiveness of their testimonials. Here are six pitfalls to avoid:

  1. Not Asking for Testimonials: It may seem obvious, but many businesses forget to simply ask their satisfied customers for testimonials. Don't assume they'll volunteer. A polite and timely request can yield valuable feedback.



  2. Not Setting Clear Expectations: Before you ask for a testimonial, ensure your customers understand what you're looking for. Provide clear guidelines, such as the desired length, format, and specific questions you'd like them to address.



  3. Not Providing a Simple Process: Make it easy for your customers to provide testimonials. Offer multiple options, such as a mailto link, a dedicated online form, or a video recording. The simpler the process, the more likely they are to follow through.



  4. Ignoring Negative Feedback: While positive testimonials are essential, negative feedback can also be valuable. Instead of ignoring or deleting negative comments, reply to reviews professionally and transparently. This can demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction and build trust.



  5. Not Using Testimonials Effectively: Once you've collected testimonials, don't let them sit idle. Incorporate them into your marketing materials, website, social media, and email campaigns. Use them strategically to highlight your strengths and address common customer concerns.



  6. Not Following Up: After receiving a testimonial, express your gratitude and maintain the relationship with the customer. A simple thank-you note or a small token of appreciation can go a long way in fostering goodwill and encouraging future testimonials.



By avoiding these common mistakes, you can maximize the impact of your testimonials and strengthen your brand reputation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, testimonials are a great way to build trust with your audience and make it more likely that they will convert. With the tips above, you can start to collect and use testimonials to your advantage.

The most important thing to remember is to make sure that you are getting testimonials from real customers who have had positive experiences with your business. If you do that, you can't go wrong!

The key to getting more testimonials is to make the process as easy as possible for your customers. By following the tips above, you'll be able to get more testimonials and in turn, attract more customers.