I’m a firm believer in the power of testimonials but;

Not so much with the questionable testimonials I see on many people’s sites.

What makes a testimonial questionable?

Here are a few examples;

One of my competitors has a testimonial that doesn’t even have a name at the end of it;

Instead, it says “Sales Rep, Pharmaceutical Industry”.

Way to narrow it down, huh?

Or how about a testimonial from  “Richie D, Massapequa, NY”

“Richie D” seems made up but “Richie DeMarco” is 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”  Note: I talk about that in this special download.

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 a few of my coaching clients 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.

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 share more on this subject in this download.