Testimonials benefit your company in numerous ways. One very important way is that it proves that you have experience and are an expert in your field. Testimonials give proof that you aim to please, which in turn will push the prospect towards your company and away from competitors. It is also very important to know whether or not your clients are happy because maintaining that relationship is key to keeping your business afloat.

How to Get Great Testimonials

First and foremost the best way to get GREAT testimonials is to provide great quality service. You can't get a good review with poor service. So do everything you can to maintain quality customer relationships, doing this will help give clients the initiative to write you a good review.
If your mailbox is not flooding with testimonials then you have to take the initiative to get them. You can do so in a variety of ways. You can give them a brief follow up call, send an email, or a letter asking them for their opinions.

You want to make sure that you ask questions that will provide you with quality answers. Using questions such as "Did you like our Product?" will give you a simple yes or no answer. Try asking questions like "What did you like best about our product?" or "What positive effects have the product had on your life?" These questions allow the consumer to truly think and give you an in depth response that will show better in a testimonial
Offering the consumer something in return for their opinion will give the consumer more incentive to give you a response. It can be something simple like a free book or coupon for future purchases with your company. Or if you truly feel it is worth it you can offer larger gifts, either way it is worth it.

What to Avoid

When dealing with and using customer testimonials there are a few things you want to avoid. The first thing and most important is to use real testimonials from real people. Faking testimonials is extremely hard and highly unethical. Customers can see right through it and automatically deem your company as unworthy of their time. So make sure it is a real and sincere opinion rather than a drafted, polished scam.

Another thing you definitely want to avoid is using a testimonial without permission. Customers give you their opinions for many reasons and posting them may not be one of them. So you want to make sure you get their permission before posting their testimonial. Remember you may have satisfied them enough to get the testimonial, however if you do not check with them first not only will you lose that testimonial, you will also lose that client.

You should also do your best to avoid testimonials that are weak and use testimonials that have depth. It is understandable that some clients may only give you a few words of praise, but depth adds character and sincerity to a testimonial. For instance "Great Job!" tells the prospect nothing at all other than you did a good job and it lacks realism. Try using one with their name, what you did to help, how you satisfied the customer, specific numbers, and whether or not they will come back for more.

Here is an example.

"Dan,
Since attending your "Cash for Coaches" seminar my income has over doubled. Before the seminar I was earning around £2000 per month and just last month I made £5483.43 by using the strategies you taught me. I can't recommend this seminar highly enough. It changed my life.

Jon Doe,
www.jondoe.com
London"

Testimonials are a great way to boost clientele and sales. Using them will definitely improve your business's reputation and allow you to create relationships with new customers. Just remember to keep it real and sincere, avoid common errors, and do your best to provide excellent service.