Should I include testimonials on my website?

This is one of the most debatable topics when it comes to deciding what to include on your website. Some find it important to include testimonials in order to display their qualities while some find it inappropriate and cheesy. But if you ask us, we think that testimonials are an important feature for any online business.

As people have said: “if you got it, flaunt it“. There is nothing wrong in sharing what your clients love about you. Testimonials help you strengthen your brand and turn visitors into customers. Here are a few pointers before you get started adding testimonials to your website:

• A testimonial should always be authentic and written by your client. A fabricated testimonial is usually obvious. In order to increase the credibility of each testimonial, it helps to include the client’s name and if possible, their business name, website url or some other identifier. A photo of the client is a bonus. Furthermore, a personalized video testimonial adds credibility if you have a client that is willing and able.
• Testimonials should be short and to the point. Somewhere between 50-100 words is appropriate. People don’t have the time or focus to read long testimonials. They are only interested in getting a quick sense of how satisfied your previous customers have been.
• Make sure that each testimonial speaks to the unique feature or quality of your product or service. If given the opportunity to advise your client, ask them to write about a specific service that helped them out or solved a problem or how much they enjoyed a specific feature of a product, etc. Not only does this make the testimonial more believable but it is invaluable to someone that needs your product/service for the same reason.

Why should you include testimonials on your website?

1. Testimonials that speak highly of your business from someone other than you give potential customers confidence.  When others brag about your company, it is the next best thing to word of mouth.
2. Creating a separate page for testimonials can help SEO. Not only does Google appreciate fresh and unique content, but when users describe a product or service in their testimonial, it usually contains targeted keywords and phrases that help search engines find your website.
3. Testimonials give new web visitors a sense of security that you have been in business for awhile and that others are satisfied with your product or service.

Where to place customer’s feedback?

Once you’ve gotten positive feedback, you want to make sure it’s visible!  In addition to having a “Testimonials” link in your top menu bar (above the header usually), also include a link in the footer.  You can also scatter your best testimonials on a sidebar of your products page or strategically placed on the home page or service page.

How to collect testimonials?

First, collect any positive feedback found on your social media pages, as well as, any accolades sent to you via email or text. Reply to each thanking them for taking the time to comment on your service/product. You can mention that knowing how your customers feel helps you improve. At the end of your reply, ask for permission to add to your website!

Second, if you had a positive experience with a client, ask them for their feedback. Let them know that hearing what was good or bad helps you improve. If you are happy with how they respond, you can follow up by asking for their permission to add their comments to your website. Most are more than happy to do so.

Finally, you can collect testimonials through an email autoresponder after a purchase is made from your website asking for a review. This can be set up on services like Mail Chimp, Constant Contact and many others. We can help you set it up!

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