How and why to collect client testimonials
It was March 2020.
Like most other humans on planet Earth, I was kneeling in child’s pose on my yoga mat.
The entryway alcove situation of my studio apartment in Raleigh became my workout studio, my arts-n-crafts space, my “Zoom room,” & my office.
It was from this “office” that
I asked my clients ONE question (to update my website testimonials)...
And after all was said and done…
I became a copywriter.
Yeah, so basically that ^^ is the SUPER condensed version of how I became a copywriter.
But, of course, there’s MUCH more to the story. And I’ll tell it more fully—one day.
Today I want to focus on those testimonials because there’s something special I’ll be sharing with you toward the ⬇️ bottom of this page ⬇️.
(Go on, scroll away if you’re as impatient as Jac 🐾 when it comes to C-H-I-C-K-E-N).
Before I share how I went about gathering and using these testimonials, I should point out WHY.
I want you to recall a memory.
mmm… let’s make it one involving a medical appointment.
(I’m going to make an executive decision & say you were looking for a dentist because you’re new in town—and I may or may not be pulling on my own experience for this “example.”)
Let us retrace the steps you took to find this wonderful dentist, shall we?!
You asked around.
It’s pretty typical that when you’re looking for a new [insert service provider here], you’re going to ask people who they would recommend. You want to hear how they truly feel about this person & the experience. What were the highs? And are there any lows you should be aware of?
You Googled.
It’s the 21st century. We Google things. And then we read reviews.
(I don’t know you that well, so I’m not sure what else you did beyond those ^^ 2 things.)
Wanna know a little secret that really isn’t a secret at all?
Buyers People are smart. They are savvy shoppers. They do their homework.
Sure.
You might have the exact solution they’re looking for, but they need a reason to TRUST you enough to do business with you.
✨✨And over 80% of them trust online reviews EQUAL to that of a recommendation from a friend.✨✨
So when it comes to WHY testimonials matter and WHY you should put some effort into not only getting them, but also using them—that’s ⬆️ why.
As for the HOW of me gathering those client testimonials in 2020…
I really did ask just 1️⃣ question.
I had to make it super easy—for me, my client, and ALL our emotions.
My heart was heavy.
I missed my clients. I missed my work. I needed a reminder that I mattered (selfishly). I wanted to know my practice & my people wanted to see me again.
And I also desperately needed to update my website.
So it all worked together beautifully!
I drafted a short message that I dropped into several hundred text messages & emails.
And in that message I asked this:
“What are you looking forward to the most when we get back in the massage studio?”
I was flooded with the nicest comments about why they chose me as their massage therapist, what they liked about the sessions, who they wished they’d referred to me sooner, and on and on and on.
But I didn’t stop at the collection phase.
I took their words and added them to my site.
For social proof.
To let “strangers” know that they could trust me to, that this is the experience they could have as well, and to show my existing clients that they mattered!
This story continues with me joining the Copy Confidence Society & honing my messaging.
With the master of storytelling and messaging: Marisa Corcoran ✨
(Which actually started with me watching the Leave ‘Em Wanting More Masterclass.) << You’re in luck if you’re seeing this in January/February 2023!
There are 3 masterclass dates & times you can choose to attend (there are NO replays—you must show up live for the goods).
They are:
February 14th 1pm ET
February 16th 8pm ET
February 18th 10am ET
I will share my full CCS story another time.
Ok, ok! I promised you a super fun announcement!
I’ve been sitting on this since October 2022.
⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️
Dolly invited me to be a contributor to her Systems & Workflow Magic Funnel Bundle!
AND to be a guest on her PRIVATE POP UP PODCAST: Foundational Funnel Training ↓↓↓
You may remember Dolly from her episode with us on The Simple + Smart SEO Show podcast.
Dolly is a whiz with workflows & systems!
(I mean, she has a podcast called The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast. << Check me out! I’m episode 56.)
I was so honored to get this invite, you have no idea!
As I was thinking of what to share with you, I realized that
Testimonials—every aspect of them—trip up SO many business owners.
No longer will that include you, my friend.
Because inside this bundle, you’ll find the ULTIMATE Testimonial Training (w/ template included!).
psst!
🎉 My testimonial training is listed for $147 in my digital shop.
You can get this bundle for a grand total of $97. 👀 🎉
…and you get access to THIRTY SEVEN (37) of us! And 38 resources!
This takes you to the bundle ↓
And this takes you to that private pop up podcast! (January 31st-February 11th)
When you tune in, you’ll get a GOOD feel for:
the different experts (21 humans—including me!)
the types of goodies inside that ^^ funnel bundle
what a funnel even is
where you might want to optimize your funnel
Have questions? Comments? Thoughts? A really good recommendation?
You know where to share it! ⬇️