4. Get Permission to Use Testimonials

Always get your customer's permission before using their testimonial. And tell them how they will be identified with testimonial. For example, I usually include at least my customer's name, city and state (or country).

If you sell to businesses instead of to individuals you may want to include some other things about each customer with their testimonial. For example, your customer's title, company name, type of industry or anything else that would appeal to other customers like them.

5. Highlight Testimonials When You Use Them

You can group all testimonials together in your sales letter or web page ...especially if message is short. Or you can scatter them strategically throughout your message ...especially if message is long. But always highlight testimonials so they stand out from rest of your message.

For example, display them in italic letters enclosed in quote marks. On web pages you can further highlight them in yellow or some other color that contrasts with background color of page.

The 5 tips in this article revealed how you can get persuasive testimonials - and use them with maximum impact. Start applying these tips now in your business and you will quickly start converting more prospects into buyers.

Bob Leduc spent 20 years helping businesses like yours find new customers and increase sales. He just released a New Edition of his manual, How To Build Your Small Business Fast With Simple Postcards ...and launched *BizTips from Bob*, a newsletter to help small businesses grow and prosper. You'll find his low-cost marketing methods at: http://BobLeduc.com or call: 702-658-1707 After 10 AM Pacific Time/Las Vegas, NV

* You sell your product or service for less than your competition does. * You offer something that no one else offers.

* You sell a higher quality product or service than anyone else in your industry.

* You provide more customer service or education before, during and after sale than anyone else does.

* You offer twice guarantee of your closest competitor.

* You offer better bonuses than anyone else does.

* You serve a specific demographic i.e. age group, industry, or type of person.

Here's Exactly How to Create Your USP:

Write out in one to two paragraphs benefits, NOT features, of your product or service; what sets it apart from your competition; and what makes it appealing to your target market.

Edit out generalities and focus on clearest, most specific promise your product/service can offer to your target market.

Does Your USP Pass This Checklist?

* Is it true?

* Is it easy to understand?

* Does it differentiate product in an attractive manner from competition?

* Is it expressed way people will express it in their own minds?

If you haven't answered YES to all four of above, go back and rework your USP until you can.

You should present your USP in every ad. And do so year after year. People remember with repetition.

Regards Andre Plessis Author & Marketing Expert SmartBizConnection 509 N. Berendo Street Suite 329 Los Angeles, CA 90004 If you think this article is valuable, please pass it on to your friends and colleagues. If you have any question regarding this article please feel free to email me at aplessis@comcast.net To advertise with us visit: http:// http://www.smartbizconnection.com/advertise.html or send email to: aplessis@comcast.net subject: advertise

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