Video testimonials are a great way to build trust with users who land on your website. Any visitor is a potential client, but you have to show them that you are trustworthy. A video of someone detailing their positive experience with your business shows that they liked your service enough to share that experience with others for the benefit of helping you out. A picture is worth a thousand words, and while one video testimonial may not be worth a thousand written ones, a web site with several or more good video testimonials may well be.
A great way to get client or customer testimonials is to tell them early on that getting testimonials is a large part of how you grow your business and gain new clients. When you first begin to do business with someone new, you can let them know that you work mostly on referrals and testimonials. Then ask them if they would mind if you recorded a short video of their experience once you have completed your job to their full satisfaction.
At this point, they will most likely agree because you have been upfront with them and have asked for the testimonial as part of your agreement. Mentioning this beforehand keeps it from being awkward when your job is finished. They will be expecting you to bring it up again and will have even had time to think about what they would like to say in the video.
You will want their video testimonials to detail the problems and frustrations they had before coming to you. Then they should explain what you did to solve their issues, listing anything positive they gained from the experience. Give them a chance to add their own comments.
- Have them answer the following questions:
- How were things going before us?
- Why did you come to us?
- How did we work with you?
- What were the results?
- What did it mean to you?
- Why would you recommend us?
- Anything else you would like to add.
Definitely do not leave out the last question. You may find that the best part of the testimonial is when you ask if there were anything, they would like to add. They may have something positive to add that you never even considered. This type of candid addition can really speak to the viewers that are considering hiring your for their needs.
The video does not need to be a huge production. Just record them in an environment where they are comfortable, usually in their own workplace or home. Be sure that there is ample lighting and no background noise or other disturbances.
Finally, remember adding videos to your website add a personal touch to it. When people they will feel like they know you or the company like an old friend or colleague. This is another way for more traffic to generate as well as show others a personal side of your website.
Watch samples of our customer testimonials at our Youtube channel.
I just started adding testimonials to my site. I think they add a very personal touch. I just had my clients do them with their web cam kind of like a YouTube video response. So far, so good.
This is a really neat idea, I think it would help our site a lot to get people who have submitted / mailed an anonymous letter to share how it helped them feel better and not dwell…. but do you think video testimonials would be a good idea for a blog like mine that only sells a $5 product (mailing an anonymous letter for them) – How would I fit that in?
What I don’t like about testimonials is that, like everything else online, they can be faked. I can smell a fake one from miles away. I did take a look at some of the testimonials here (Melbourne SEO Services) though and they look very natural and authentic. I think it matters how and when they’re obtained. Yours were after a workshop so they communicate authenticity.
Yes, being honest with your clients about getting their testimonials beforehand is something that your clients will appreciate. Personally, I would love to do that for someone especially if I really had a positive experience using his techniques or trying his products. 🙂
@Barbara testimonials are always a good idea 🙂
@Vince cheers glad you like them.
Your Trading Coach,
Dave
From the standpoint of a product buyer/workshop participant I would be very hesitant to give a testimonial even if I were pre framed. That’s because I hate being in front of a camera. I would only really consider giving a testimonial if a product, service or workshop is exceptional. The best way to convince people to speak in your favor is if you provide a standout item or performance.
This is something that every internet marketer should also use to build credibility. I would be impressed if I get to watch great testimonial from someone who is known in the industry and others who have genuine words on how the product/service helped them.
Great write-up, couldn’t agree more with some of your thoughts here. We’ve actually built a product that allows businesses to capture testimonials of happy customers right over the web. Something about the authenticity of a low-quality video really adds some personal touch and credibility to a website vs. expensive (commercial) video.
Great video in the post, by the way – very resourceful stuff!