How to Get Testimonials for My Blog

A healthcare professional can provide a testimonial for a health blog.

A testimonial from an authoritative or well-known person can add significant credibility to any project, including your blog. If you write a blog and are looking for some experts to provide testimonials, the process isn't difficult. The key is to identify people who cannot only write an impressive testimonial but are considered an expert in a field that's related to your blog.

Instructions

1. Create a list of professions that would be ideal for providing a testimonial about your blog. If you write a health-related blog, for example, a suitable expert is a doctor or dietitian. If you blog about your love of food, a chef from a well-known restaurant in your area is the ideal expert.

2. Make a list of the people in the appropriate professions that you want to contact. Writing a testimonial isn't necessarily difficult, but not everyone will agree to do it. As such, it's important to have a number of people you to contact.

3. Email each person on your list and briefly explain what you hope to accomplish with the blog, how long you've been writing it, why you think it's helpful and provide any other relevant details. Write that you want to develop a testimonial page for the blog and that her testimonial would be helpful and appreciated. Ask the individual to take a few moments to read your blog, then email you back with a short testimonial.

4. Follow up by phone or in person with the people on your distribution list if you haven't heard back from them within a couple weeks. Some may tell you they don't have time to help you, while your follow-up contact will encourage others to complete the task for you.

5. Send a note of thanks to anyone who provides you with a testimonial. Write a snail-mail thank-you card rather than sending a quick email; the act shows you took more care and obviously appreciate the person's assistance.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have personal contacts who would provide a well-regarded testimonial for your blog, ask them before branching out to contact strangers. People who know you are more likely to take the time to read your blog and provide comment.

• If you write a blog for a business, offer each person who provides a testimonial a gift for helping you out. Depending on the nature of the business, it could be a gift certificate or other item.

References

• FrugalMarketing.com: How to Get Great Testimonials, Even if You're Just Starting Out; Sheldon Nix; 1999
• Cairril.com: How to Get Great Testimonials
• Marketing Today: More Tips on Using Testimonials; Robert W. Bly; 1998
• Brent Hogdson, Copywriter: 5 Tips for Getting Freakin' Awesome Testimonials; Brent Hogdson; 2008
• Geisheker Group: How to Get Customer Testimonials; Peter Geisheker
• Entrepreneur: Make Customer Testimonials Meaningful; Susan Gunelius; March 2008