I’m a firm believer in the power of testimonials but;
Not so much in the power of the questionable testimonials I see on many people’s sites.
What makes a testimonial questionable?
The main thing that makes me question a testimonial is the name of the person giving it.
Like “Richie D, Massapequa, NY”
“Richie D” seems made up but “Richie DeMarco” a tad more legit.
Why only a tad?
Because I’d rather see “Richie DMarco, Manager, US Market Development, Richelieu Hardware LTD
There’s no faking that one and the reader can mosey on to LinkedIn to do a little due diligence.
“But putting their actual name puts me at risk”
At risk for what? Not being perceived as a bullsh*t artist?
If you need to worry about your clients jumping ship like that, I’m thinking you have a much bigger problem to address.
I use testimonials in a few different ways.
I have them all over my online sales pages. This includes my services pages, my courses, my webinars, etc.
I include them in a “Pre Appointment Kit” I’ll be talking about that during our 12 Ways To Safeguard Your Deal Webinar on May 18th.
I include them in my proposals but I do it differently than most. I provide my bio as part of my proposals. At the end of the bio, I have testimonials talking about me, not my company.
Why?
Because feature, benefits, bells and whistles are great but;
I’m the difference that brings it all together.
Said a different way . . .
People Buy YOU first
I use them from time to time, as part of my auto signature in my email blasts.
About two years ago, I decided to bring my testimonials up a notch by asking Richie DeMarco (one of my sales coaching clients since 2011) to provide a video testimonial.
Why?
Because the only thing better than using someone’s full name, is to see and hear them provide the testimonial.
To have a look for yourself, click HERE!
One more thing, testimonials are one of several types of “evidence” that can help expedite your deals.
They answer the question;
Who says so besides yourself?
I’m going to be talking all about it during our 12 Ways To Safeguard Your Deal webinar on Thursday, May 18th, at 11:30 am EST. You can learn more by clicking HERE!