How to Use Testimonials on a Business Website

Testimonials on a website show a history of satisfaction with your business. Let potential customers on the border about using your business be convinced by past customers. A few glowing testimonials could lead to several new sales.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Use Testimonials on Your Business Website

1. Choose testimonials that appeal to your audience. You want potential customers to relate to the people who have given previous testimonials. The more they see themselves in the comment, the more likely they are to use your business.

2. Give the full name and location of the person who wrote the testimonial. This gives an impression that the person is real. Be sure to ask permission before you use someone's name on your business website.

3. Include photos with the testimonials if possible. Consumers are more likely to trust people if they can put a face to a name. Try to use photos that show people using your product.

4. Place testimonials throughout your website. By relegating feedback to its own page, the visitor has no reason to visit that page. Putting a couple of testimonials in the side bar of each page gets your message across better.

5. Use testimonials that are complete sentences, not simply a few words. Excerpts from longer letters are fine, as long as they form a complete thought. The more details included in the comment, the more persuasive it will be.

Obtain Testimonials to Use on Your Website

1. Ask customers to write reviews. If you are a new business, have colleagues or previous customers attest to your knowledge or integrity.

2. Solicit experts in your field for a testimonial. Provide a free sample of your product, so they can provide constructive criticism and a testimonial for your website.

3. Contact customers who have sent in unsolicited letters or emails to see if you can use their comments on your website. These are usually the best testimonials, as the person is so pleased with your product or service that she just had to write you.

4. Include an evaluation form with your product or send out a follow-up email asking for reviews. You will probably get some negative feedback, but hopefully, you should receive a few testimonials you can use on your website.

Tips & Warnings

• Use real testimonials. If you fake them, your comments may not ring true or may sound similar to other copy on your website.

• If a customer has already established contact by asking questions, respond to the request for help, and then follow up with a request for a testimonial.