client testimonials

[DIESEL]

When I needed testimonials for my website, the most I offered was to build in a link to their website through their signature on their testimonial. This actually worked well for some business owners.

It also helps when someone asks if I'll exchange links with them. I hate having a page of links, so I tell them that the way I do it is they come for a massage, write me a testimonial and then I'll link to their site through their signature. The explanation satisfies most people. Few choose to spend $60 on a massage they wouldn't ordinarily want, just to get a link on my site, but occasionally it works.

 

[Mick Jaguar]

I recently opened my own practice and started to send out materials to Chiro, and Pt offices. I approached two clients about referrals, and sent them a “form” letter. I think you will have a better response if you can personalize the letter in some way. One client was a BIG gardener, so I put a line about learning from him about how to get more from my garden. I have approached people in the past and received two sentence testimonials, NOT what I was looking for. So I use the form idea, four questions that lead them the way I want them to go. After the client filled out the form, I reformatted the comments into a letter and then asked them to approve the reformatting with a dated signature. WORKED GREAT!!! I gave each one a ½ off certificate, they have both sent in the testimonials, but no one has redeemed the certificates, the best part of a promotion.

Another thing I was warned about is HIPPA. You HAVE to have them sign a HIPAA notice that is very specific about how you will be using it, and when it expires. I think you might be able to get around this if you do not use names, but I have always been skeptical of testimonials without names. Either way be sure you check with the local authorities before you get yourself in trouble.

 

[adrilorepena]

I don't like the idea of testimonials. I think it is a little cheesy and don't see how it differentiates you from anyone else.

Like anyone would ever post a negative comment!

If you have Mr. A, B and C's name attached to favorable comments about you, and the MT on the next floor has favorable comments published from Mrs. X, Y and Z -- what is the difference? They all say their MT is great.

And who is to say A, B, C or X Y or Z are not an in-law, college roommate, etc? I don't see the value in it.

Much like ads that use superlatives -- who says you are the best, most, etc anything other than the person writing the ad?

 

[The Sophisticated One]

I don't like the idea of testimonials. I think it is a little cheesy and don't see how it differentiates you from anyone else.

I disagree. I think testimonials can be an important part of one's overall marketing campaign. If the objective of one's campaign is to 'make a promise' about delivering a specific service, then using testimonials offers the proof that he/she can deliver on those promises.

I can state in my marketing that CranioSacral Therapy can help reduce or eliminate migraines. But if I simply state that, it is just my word and my 'belief' that it can help. However if I add in a testimonial from two, three, four, or more clients who have experienced reduced/eliminated migraines, my marketing becomes believable because I can deliver on my promise.

Now, a testimonial needs to be specific. I am not talking about the simply testimonial that states, 'Jon Smith is the best therapist I have been too in years.' or 'Wow. My session with Jon was so relaxing.' While these are nice statements to have, they really are not testimonials.

I'm talking about more in-depth specific outcome based testimonials. Testimonials that can help overcome people's objections to getting a session with me. For example....

'I have been suffering from severe migraines for over 18 years. I would get at least 2 migraines per month (often times 3 or 4) and I would be 'down and out' for at least a day or two. Even medication was not stopping the migraines. A friend suggested I see Brian and try CranioSacral Therapy. I was very skeptical. I tried massage, acupuncture, rolfing, reiki, and nothing had helped me yet. So I reluctantly set up an appointment for another alternative therapy I had never heard about.

I am so glad I did!

After the very first session I felt different. I wasn't sure if my migraines would really go away. But I had never felt my head so open and light; and I have never been more relaxed during a treatment. A week later (without a migraine) I went back for a second session. It felt even more relaxing and I felt lots of stuff changing in my head. I knew this work was going to be different.

I saw Brian for two more sessions (four total over four weeks). I have been completely migraine free for three months. Three months!! I can't remember the last time that happened. I can't say they are gone; I'm always watching for signs of one to start. But, to have three months without one gives me hope that maybe I'll have them less frequently. For me two or three migraines per year is much better than two or three a month. I feel like I got my life back.

Anyone that I run into who mentions headaches and especially migraines, I tell them about Brian. I always tell them that they can find the money to try a few sessions if it means they will be healthier, happier, more productive people. I know I am!!'


Now, that's a testimonial. People I come across with migraine issues relate to this client and are way more open to trying a CranioSacral Therapy session. People want to know how you have helped others. They want concrete information. The right testimonial can give them that information and help them decide that you are the right bodyworker to see for his/her specific issue.


Brian

 

[Well]

Just because your testimonials get more specific and contain more info in them, they could still be testimonials from family, ex-college roomates, etc. You just spent more time on them than someone who says they're the "best."

Lots of testimonials used in marketing today read and sound very realistic but are either false or misleading.