A Small Business Guide To Testimonials For ‘Clout’ & ‘Street Cred’
It is easy to assume clout and street credibility only benefits celebrities and businesses with a large social media following, but that is not the case.
Simply put, clout and street credibility is the social proof that your business exists and that people are using your product or service. It adds an element of trustworthiness and legitimacy to your business.
There are many ways to build clout and street credibility, but one of the most effective is through testimonials. If you’re not already using testimonials to build credibility for your small business, here’s what you need to know.
What Are Testimonials?
A testimonial is a written or video statement from a satisfied customer that praises your product or service. Testimonials can be short or long, but they should always be genuine and specific.
For example, rather than saying, “I love your product,” a testimonial might say, “I was able to increase my sales by 20% after using your product.”
Not only do testimonials add credibility to your business, but they can also be used as social proof on your website and marketing materials. When potential customers see that others have succeeded with your product or service, they are more likely to plunge.
Video testimonials are compelling because they add a personal touch. Seeing a real person talk about their experience with your business can be much more persuasive than reading a written testimonial.
If you are interested in video testimonials, you can read more about them in this post. Your website should also have a testimonials page where potential customers can read or watch them.
How to Get Testimonials
Getting testimonials can be challenging for businesses, but it does not have to be. Here are some tips on how you can get quality testimonials for your small business:
1. Offer Incentives
One way to encourage customers to leave a testimonial is to offer them an incentive. This could be a discount on their next purchase or a free product. You can also enter customers who leave a testimonial into a contest for a chance to win a prize.
2. Send a Follow-Up Email
Email marketing is not only about selling products but can also be used to build relationships with customers and get valuable feedback. After a customer makes a purchase, send them a follow-up email asking about their experience. If they had a positive experience, include a link where they can leave a testimonial.
3. Ask for Testimonials in Person
You can also ask customers for testimonials if you have a brick-and-mortar store. This is a great way to get personal, detailed testimonials that you can use on your website or social media. You should train your employees to ask customers for testimonials so they know what to say and do.
4. Make it Easy to Leave a Testimonial
As much as your customers may be willing to leave a testimonial, they might not have the time or know how to do it. Make it easy for them by providing clear instructions and a link to your testimonials page. You can also include a “How To” section on your website with step-by-step instructions.
5. Say Thank You
You cannot underestimate the power of a simple “thank you.” When a customer leaves a testimonial, thank them for their feedback. This will show them that you appreciate their input and are more likely to get future testimonials from them.
Generally, credibility is an essential factor in whether or not customers will do business with you. To build credibility for your small business, testimonials are a great way to do it. Use the tips above to get started collecting testimonials from satisfied customers.
