You may soon see your words emblazoned across another's web site.

If you have a web site you want to target for a good testimonial, follow these tips:

*First of all, look to see if testimonials are posted. If so, where? Make sure they are in high traffic areas, especially if they're not on first page.

*Study other testimonials for tone and wording...determine what webmaster is looking for. Then write and submit a better one.

*Link testimonial to specific benefits you gained from product/service. Try to weave in nature of your own business, how you were able to use new product/ service, and its positive impact.

*Always, always include your link with your name

*Try this same technique with ezines!

Now, Put The Shoe On The Other Foot! When you are ready to launch a new product, approach those heavy hitters that have used your testimonials on their sites in past. Give them a free 'review' copy, in exchange for a testimonial. Now, suddenly, you're following in guru's footsteps, except that shoe's on other foot - now they're endorsing you!

Think this could have a positive effect on sales? You tell me!

A testimonial only takes a few minutes to write. If enough of your comments are used across Internet, those few minutes could turn into a very profitable investment.

Combine offline with online world, and you'll stand apart (if not stand alone!)

*Think of ways you can be extra thoughtful. Does your product require batteries? Tuck in a pack, so that your customer will be able to start using it immediately upon delivery. The financial outlay will be made back in goodwill - do you think they'll feel really great about experience? Just think of referral potential!

Modest Expectations + Overdelivery = A Happy Customer

Always promise less, and give more. Error on side of caution concerning delivery times, repairs, exchanges...then call or email them with good news that process will actually take less time than expected. The faster you can deliver, happier customer.

Worst case scenario? That you deliver product within promised time frame.

A Word About Advertising...

As hype continues to fly online, customers have developed a healthy case of skepticism. They're rapidly becoming immune to over-the-top claims. Don't fall victim to temptation of hype or spin. Honesty in advertising will give you a fighting chance.

Also, with hype, you risk having a disappointed customer. And have you ever noticed how a person likes to share his or her bad experiences with others? This ripple in a pond effect is real. Online, where news travels fast, this could be devastating to your reputation and business.

So, to end, it's not about getting more traffic - it's about gaining a customer. Obviously, there's time and cost involved in converting a prospect. So, once they decide to come onboard, do everything you can to keep them!