Using testimonials in your business, no matter what type of business you are in, is a very powerful marketing tool that can dramatically increase your company's sales.
It doesn't matter if you're in the restaurant, real estate, automotive repair, or yes, even in the funeral business.
It's a proven fact that individuals are leary when it comes to what you say about your business.
Why? Simply because they know you stand to profit from them buying your good or service.
However, what others say about your business, product or service is, at bare minimum, ten times more convincing than what you have to say.
I often suggest that the best way to understand what motivates your customers to purchase, is to first understand what motivates you to purchase a particular product or service.
With that being said, can you think back to the last time you were on the fence about purchasing a particular product or service? Often times enough, if you were on the fence about making your decision, a testimonial or review of that product or service from someone else, a real living and breathing human just like you, is what helped you make up your decision to buy.
You see, most people have very little confidence in their abilities to make decisions on their own because they are afraid of making the wrong decision.
In turn, getting someone else to recommend your business, product or service can go a long way.
Now that we understand how important testimonials can be, how do we get them? The easiest way, is to simply ask for them.
"Ask not, get not" I always say.
I know that sounds a little too simple, but that's the fastest and easiest way I've found to get the job done.
Don't foolishly expect your customers to offer up their written recommendations on their own either.
Ever heard the old saying that "a satisfied customer might tell two people, but an unhappy customer will tell fifty"? I've often found that the best time to ask for a testimonial is right after your customer purchases your product or service.
This works well for two reasons.
First, you'll be surprised what people will do, or give you, if you just ask.
Secondly, most people enjoy helping others, especially those that have just helped them.
However, I will say this, you should do some testing on your own and find out at which point in time in your business' sales process is best for asking for testimonials.
Another important benefit is that testimonials can be used on all types of different media.
You can use testimonials on your website, in your brochure, your direct-mail advertisements, and even on the back of your receipt.
Plus, you can use them over and over again.
Start implementing this proven strategy, and you will see phenomenal results!