Last week I met with Jessica, a brilliant New Orleans photographer specializing in weddings and portraits.

 Before our meeting, I asked Jessica what was her biggest edge over the competition. Her response: she gets an overwhelming amount of feedback about how polite and hardworking she is. Because of this, most of her business is made up of return clients and referrals from those people. Awesome, right?

But how do you let people who HAVEN’T worked with you or gotten direct referrals know exactly why you are so amazing? You could tell them yourself, but you’d look boastful and they may not trust you. You’ve got to have someone tell them for you, and the easiest way to do that is to post testimonials on your website.

The secret to getting testimonials: ask for them. Not from everyone, of course, but think about the people who are already referring you to others, talking you up and describe you in a way that would make others want to hire you.

Here’s an example of an email request for a testimonial that I sent to one of my favorite clients/cheerleaders: Kaki Foley, a New Orleans artist who does work for Anthropologie as well as local businesses.

“Hey Kaki - I’m in the process of reworking my website and I’d like to weave some “testimonials” into my digital strategy session section. 

If you find yourself with a bit of free time this week, would you be willing to write a few words about our work together, how I’ve helped you or anything that comes to mind? 

I appreciate you! 

Megan”

“Dear Megan,

My testimonial is in the form of a thank you…a sincere thank you for all the hard work, understanding and navigating you have done to help me conquer my fears of …THE WEB. As the sole owner of a small visual arts business I have to wear many hats and I want to focus on creating. The computer world is a whole new frontier that continually changes.

I am grateful to have found you to help not only teach an old dog new tricks but to make this new journey fun and fruitful.I admire and appreciate how you pay attention to what my needs are, my strengths, my weaknesses and you find a creative solution…finding tools that I will actually try:) And all this with a big smile on your face.

You make it look easy then you truly do make it easier for me. I am so happy to have you on my team…and I do feel that you are! Thank you for being there and having patience!

All the best, Kaki”

 

How awesome/sweet is that!?

So what do I do with this? I’m going to use it on my testimonials page (coming soon) but I’ll also weave it into some general promotional content on print and web collateral where I’m making a sale.

Another quick (though less personal) way to get testimonials is by requesting them directly via LinkedIn. The benefit here is that it’s a platform where people are already used to writing recommendations for people and it’s in a place that anyone checking out your profile for the first time can see. I’d recommend trying a blend of both of these with different people and see what you get back.

So try this out, and then let me know what creative ways you are using your testimonials to promote your brand!

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