Comments on: The Importance of Testimonials http://www.sitepoint.com/blogs/2004/05/26/the-importance-of-testimonials/ Tue, 07 Oct 2008 23:03:26 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5 By: Jehova Cohen http://www.sitepoint.com/blogs/2004/05/26/the-importance-of-testimonials/#comment-14542 Jehova Cohen Mon, 27 Feb 2006 00:43:34 +0000 #comment-14542 Theez bootz verr made for valking. Theez bootz verr made for valking.

]]> By: dimensionmedia http://www.sitepoint.com/blogs/2004/05/26/the-importance-of-testimonials/#comment-5668 dimensionmedia Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000 #comment-5668 <p>The degree of the need for testimonials can vary from one company to another. Since the majority of Dimension Media's work comes from referrals, we appreciate having testimonials on our site. Many "referred" clients have commented to us that "we must be good" because "others have said it". That's an interesting statement, because they don't mention anything about portfolios or samples. Testimonials don't replace a decent portfolio, but for us they are AS important...</p> The degree of the need for testimonials can vary from one company to another. Since the majority of Dimension Media’s work comes from referrals, we appreciate having testimonials on our site. Many “referred” clients have commented to us that “we must be good” because “others have said it”. That’s an interesting statement, because they don’t mention anything about portfolios or samples. Testimonials don’t replace a decent portfolio, but for us they are AS important…

]]> By: dhecker http://www.sitepoint.com/blogs/2004/05/26/the-importance-of-testimonials/#comment-5669 dhecker Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000 #comment-5669 <p>I am starting to collect testimonials from clients, but I'm having a hard time getting them. Clients always agree to do it, but then I need to pester them to actually submit a testimonial. You mentioned that there were ways to 'get tons of testimonials quickly'. Can you give us some insight on this??? thanks, dh</p> I am starting to collect testimonials from clients, but I’m having a hard time getting them. Clients always agree to do it, but then I need to pester them to actually submit a testimonial. You mentioned that there were ways to ‘get tons of testimonials quickly’. Can you give us some insight on this??? thanks, dh

]]> By: rolywalter http://www.sitepoint.com/blogs/2004/05/26/the-importance-of-testimonials/#comment-5670 rolywalter Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000 #comment-5670 <p>What has worked for me is giving clients some examples of other testimonials - this can sometimes fire their imagination. Perhaps we should have a 'best testimonial' competition?! And you're not allowed to quote your mum, dad or imaginary friend!</p> What has worked for me is giving clients some examples of other testimonials - this can sometimes fire their imagination. Perhaps we should have a ‘best testimonial’ competition?! And you’re not allowed to quote your mum, dad or imaginary friend!

]]> By: dimensionmedia http://www.sitepoint.com/blogs/2004/05/26/the-importance-of-testimonials/#comment-5671 dimensionmedia Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000 #comment-5671 <p>Well, not sure how good mine are but feel free to tell me if any stand out:<br /> http://www.dimensionmedia.com/testimonials.htm</p> <p>As for how to GET testimonials, here are some tips i've picked up over the years:</p> <p>1. Try not to ask for testimonials BEFORE the job is fully complete. Clients anxious to get their project completed will usually think that giving you a testimonial will speed up the process.<br /> 2. Ask for a testimonial at a time when the client is really happy, usually near the end of the job after a major "milestone" has been reached.<br /> 3. Mention that by giving a testimonial to you, that's one MORE way his/her URL will be available to the public (on your website or in your advertising). Some clients like the fact that you use their name and URL, especially if you advertising locally.<br /> 4. Once in a great while, for clients that are too busy (or past clients we go back to that are just as busy) we write the testimonials for them - and they have to approve them (in writting). Leave this option for last (we rarely do this) - you also have to know how to write a testimonial that isn't "over the top".<br /> 5. I know some small website companies that offer a "favor" (in writting or verbal agreement) if they get a testimonial. Unless it's a bigname company (like Amazon, IBM, or Walmart) - we don't bother. We get plenty of work and don't have to "beg" or "barter" for testimonials.<br /> 6. One thing you might want to think of is getting testimonials from different people in your cilent's company that you've worked with (if the company was large enough) - a quote from the president and one from the marketing director, for example. Play it by ear, but two quotes are better than one.</p> Well, not sure how good mine are but feel free to tell me if any stand out:
http://www.dimensionmedia.com/testimonials.htm

As for how to GET testimonials, here are some tips i’ve picked up over the years:

1. Try not to ask for testimonials BEFORE the job is fully complete. Clients anxious to get their project completed will usually think that giving you a testimonial will speed up the process.
2. Ask for a testimonial at a time when the client is really happy, usually near the end of the job after a major “milestone” has been reached.
3. Mention that by giving a testimonial to you, that’s one MORE way his/her URL will be available to the public (on your website or in your advertising). Some clients like the fact that you use their name and URL, especially if you advertising locally.
4. Once in a great while, for clients that are too busy (or past clients we go back to that are just as busy) we write the testimonials for them - and they have to approve them (in writting). Leave this option for last (we rarely do this) - you also have to know how to write a testimonial that isn’t “over the top”.
5. I know some small website companies that offer a “favor” (in writting or verbal agreement) if they get a testimonial. Unless it’s a bigname company (like Amazon, IBM, or Walmart) - we don’t bother. We get plenty of work and don’t have to “beg” or “barter” for testimonials.
6. One thing you might want to think of is getting testimonials from different people in your cilent’s company that you’ve worked with (if the company was large enough) - a quote from the president and one from the marketing director, for example. Play it by ear, but two quotes are better than one.

]]> By: dimensionmedia http://www.sitepoint.com/blogs/2004/05/26/the-importance-of-testimonials/#comment-5672 dimensionmedia Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000 #comment-5672 <p>Made a mistake with #1 above. Should read:</p> <p>1. Try to ask for testimonials BEFORE the job is fully complete. Clients anxious to get their project completed will usually think that giving you a testimonial will speed up the process.</p> Made a mistake with #1 above. Should read:

1. Try to ask for testimonials BEFORE the job is fully complete. Clients anxious to get their project completed will usually think that giving you a testimonial will speed up the process.

]]> By: Ric Moxley http://www.sitepoint.com/blogs/2004/05/26/the-importance-of-testimonials/#comment-5673 Ric Moxley Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000 #comment-5673 <p>Another way to get good testimonials is to hire out the process to a 3rd party. Many feel uncomfortable asking a client, effectively, “Tell me why you think I’m great, so I can use it in marketing material.” I know I felt that way, trying to promote my business. Recognizing that problem, I've made a business of helping businesses get testimonials from their clients. We set up and conduct 5- to 7-minute interviews with your clients, asking questions carefully designed to get the kind of words you need from them. If you hire us to contact your selected customers, one of my writer/interviewers will ask them questions over the phone, then craft their interview responses into tight, persuasive testimonials, using the best of their words. We then submit the testimonial to your clients for their approval on the final wording. You get painless power testimonials, painlessly. </p> Another way to get good testimonials is to hire out the process to a 3rd party. Many feel uncomfortable asking a client, effectively, “Tell me why you think I’m great, so I can use it in marketing material.” I know I felt that way, trying to promote my business. Recognizing that problem, I’ve made a business of helping businesses get testimonials from their clients. We set up and conduct 5- to 7-minute interviews with your clients, asking questions carefully designed to get the kind of words you need from them. If you hire us to contact your selected customers, one of my writer/interviewers will ask them questions over the phone, then craft their interview responses into tight, persuasive testimonials, using the best of their words. We then submit the testimonial to your clients for their approval on the final wording. You get painless power testimonials, painlessly.

]]> By: creativearc http://www.sitepoint.com/blogs/2004/05/26/the-importance-of-testimonials/#comment-5674 creativearc Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000 #comment-5674 <p>I concur! My business writer calls my clients for me. Not only does this hand it off to a third party, they can tweak the discussion so you get the type of testimonial you need.</p> <p>If you blindly ask for a testimonial you'll get responses like 'XYZ Company is great. They made a great Web Site.' Nice comments, but they don't really say anything.</p> <p>A 3rd party can be instructed to ask a client how your company dealt with a complicated situation and still made the project come together smoothly. With a targeted testimonial, you'd get something like:</p> <p>"XYZ company delivered on time, even when A, B, C happened. We're very pleased!"</p> I concur! My business writer calls my clients for me. Not only does this hand it off to a third party, they can tweak the discussion so you get the type of testimonial you need.

If you blindly ask for a testimonial you’ll get responses like ‘XYZ Company is great. They made a great Web Site.’ Nice comments, but they don’t really say anything.

A 3rd party can be instructed to ask a client how your company dealt with a complicated situation and still made the project come together smoothly. With a targeted testimonial, you’d get something like:

“XYZ company delivered on time, even when A, B, C happened. We’re very pleased!”

]]> By: Editor http://www.sitepoint.com/blogs/2004/05/26/the-importance-of-testimonials/#comment-5675 Editor Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000 #comment-5675 <p>I have found I have gotten the best testimonials by maintaining a good rapport with my readers.</p> <p>Editor, ADVENTURE FICTION MAGAZINE<br /> http://adventurefictiononline.com/adventure</p> I have found I have gotten the best testimonials by maintaining a good rapport with my readers.

Editor, ADVENTURE FICTION MAGAZINE
http://adventurefictiononline.com/adventure

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