If you’re running an online business, you know how important reviews can be. Positive reviews are priceless – especially if you know how to use them effectively. Getting testimonials for your business shouldn’t be an afterthought. It should be a top priority every time someone has used your program and service. Client testimonials don’t have to be a lot of work—for you or your client. In this article, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to getting more client testimonials.
Just to be clear…What’s a Client Testimonial?
I like to think of testimonials as accolades or praise from a happy customer. Testimonials are similar to reviews. When you buy something on Amazon or visit a new restaurant, you probably look at the review first.
Reviews and testimonials are insights and experiences from real people who used the service/product.
In your business, testimonials are statements from your customers that express positive feedback about your product, service, or business. Typically, testimonials include information about how satisfied the client was with your service and the benefits they received from using it.
Testimonials can be in various formats – written quotes, videos, or audio. Here’s an example of a testimonial on my success stories page.
“Christina Hills’ Website Creation Workshop course is The Best online course I’ve ever taken!”
Christina Hills’ Website Creation Workshop course is The Best online course I’ve ever taken! Here’s why: It’s way more than information-packed (which it is). It took me, step-by-step, to create my own website in a way that was thorough, and easy to understand, and supportive, and encouraging, and easy to follow … AND FUN!
Yes, there’s a learning curve, but after the first few modules, I was having FUN being creative, building my very own website exactly how I wanted it. I’m thrilled with the result, and I’m excited to show off my new site to a new and wider audience!
Why Are Testimonials Important?
There's a ton of "noise" online. It seems like everyone is competing for everyone else's attention. We are constantly being marketed to online. With lots of competition and scammers to beware of, people want assurance before buying something.
Testimonials validate your business and services by sharing real stories of happy customers. When buyers see that others have had good experiences, they feel more confident and can choose a program or service that fits their needs. Online reviews and detailed feedback carry a lot of weight, and positive testimonials can sway people to buy.
Client testimonials are important because they help build trust and credibility. They also give your business a stamp of approval and show that it is reliable and effective.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting More Client Testimonials
Step 1: Have Satisfied Customers
The first step in getting great testimonials is having satisfied clients! Make sure you provide a top-notch program or service and offer excellent customer support. Go above and beyond and exceed their expectations. Happy customers are more likely to share positive experiences.
Step 2: The Right Timing
Timing is important when asking for a testimonial. Ask for feedback right after your client has successfully completed your program or service. That way, their positive experiences and emotions will be fresh in their minds.
Step 3: Make It Easy
There are many ways to request a testimonial. You could send an email with specific questions, put a form on your website, ask for a brief interview, or set up a testimonial voicemail number. Providing multiple options will make it easier for your satisfied client to reply. The goal is to make it convenient for them to express their thoughts.
Step 4: Personalize the Request
Automated systems are great, but personalized communication is best when asking for a testimonial. Mention specific details about the service they purchased and remind them of a benefit they've received. Explain how their feedback can help others who have questions or may be unsure about buying.
Step 5: Use Other Communication from the Client
Sometimes, a client replies to a customer service email or Facebook post and shares a positive experience they've had in your program. Copy and save these to use as client testimonials. But remember to ask for permission from the client to use that content.
Step 6: Say Thank you!
Be sure to let your client know how grateful you are for their testimonial. Respond quickly to their testimonial and thank them sincerely. Also, let them know if you are going to feature their testimonial on your website, social media, or other marketing communication.
Step 7: Put a Process in Place
This step-by-step guide to client testimonials is only valuable if you implement it. Put a process in place that ensures these steps are completed every time a client uses your program or service.
Decide what format you will use for testimonials. Who will be in charge of collecting testimonials? Where will you store them? Who will send out the thank you? Once you have answered these questions, get started!
“I loved how I could create my site as I was learning in a safe environment.”
“I absolutely LOVED the WCW course and can’t believe how much I was able to get done in the time. Before I signed up for Christina’s course I’d been putting off creating a new website in WordPress for months because I was phased by the amount of time and stress I knew it would take by trawling the net for information.
Christina makes learning so easy. She has endless patience and nothing was too much trouble. She explained everything clearly on the webinars and teleseminars and the videos take you step by step through all the processes, so you can replicate it on your site.
I loved how I could create my site as I was learning in a safe environment. So rewarding and so much fun. I now control my own site and can change anything when I want to. This workshop will save you a fortune on designer fees. I can’t really recommend Christina’s course highly enough. If you are thinking of having a WordPress website, just do it.”
Displaying Testimonials on Your Website
Include Names and Photos
Add the client's name and profession to your testimonials. If possible, include a photo. If you're having trouble getting a picture of the person, ask if you can use their Facebook or Instagram photo. People are more likely to trust testimonials with real names and faces attached. Always get their permission before using personal information!
Display Testimonials Strategically
Strategically place testimonials on your website, marketing materials, or website pages. One option is to create a dedicated testimonials page. Another option is to have have testimonials in your sidebar on each page. Or do both (like I do!).
The most important thing about displaying your testimonials is to make sure that they are easy to see. Visitors will probably not spend a lot of time hunting for testimonials on your website, so display them so they can't be missed.
Testimonials displayed in the sidebar
Emphasize Certain Phrases in Your Testimonials
Once you've gathered testimonials, highlight the most impactful quotes. Short and powerful quotes are more likely to catch the reader's attention than lengthy paragraphs. In addition, make the title of the testimonial bigger and bolder so that it stands out more.
Choose statements that show key benefits the client has received and highlight the unique features of your service. It helps if the client explains how you've eliminated a pain point for them or solved a nagging problem.
Have Diverse Testimonials
Collect testimonials from a variety of clients who may be from different backgrounds or industries (if you're selling to businesses). Having many testimonials from different people shows that your service appeals to a broad audience.
“I have a website I love!”
How to Add Testimonials To Your WordPress Site
There are many different ways to add testimonials to your WordPress website. Below are a couple of ways that I use all the time.
1) Using the Strong Testimonials Plugin
by WPChill
We recommend the Strong Testimonials Plugin for adding testimonials to your WordPress website. It's one of my top 5 easy-to-use plugins for your WordPress website.
This tool helps you showcase customer feedback. It's easy to use and lets you customize the look of your testimonials. You can choose from different designs to make your testimonials stand out.
This is the plugin we know and love! If you want to try another plugin, be sure to evaluate it using my 3-question method first.
“I never thought I would be this happy with a website!”
I never thought I would be this happy with a website! I was stuck between paying AT LEAST $5000 for someone else to create a good website vs. creating a website myself that I wouldn’t really like. I didn’t want to pay that much, but I knew that I didn’t have the expertise to create even a bad website.
But with Christina’s Website Creation Workshop, I produced something that I am proud of and that is constantly getting me compliments! The step-by-step process is very straightforward and easy. Christina has “game-a-fied” the creation process so you see yourself making progress as you go. Not only do I love my site, but I’ve been able to even help some other people because of the training I’ve received!
2) Using the Divi Theme Testimonial Module
If you're using the popular Divi theme, you have a few other options, too. One common method is to use the built-in Testimonial module. It lets you easily add testimonials to any page or post using the Divi Builder. You can customize the look of the testimonials. You can change the layout, text, and style.
Another option is to use the Testimonial Slider module. This module displays testimonials in a slideshow, which can be a great way to showcase multiple testimonials in a compact space.
Additionally, Divi offers the Testimonial Grid module. This module displays testimonials in a grid, which can be useful if you have a large number of testimonials that you want to display in a more structured format.
Here's an example of a testimonial with the Divi testimonial module:
Final Thoughts...
When you're running a business, it takes a lot of work to juggle all the different pieces of your business. You may get so caught up in serving your existing customers that marketing to new customers takes a back seat.
If you don't have testimonials on your website from satisfied customers, you are missing out on a fantastic and easy opportunity to connect with your prospects and market your services.
Testimonials are a super easy way to always be marketing. Detailed testimonials build trust, influence buying decisions, and help you build a great business reputation. Having a few of your best testimonials on your website can seal the deal for a prospect who is on the fence.
If you haven't already, use this step-by-step guide to start collecting testimonials for your business!
