Small businesses don't have
same luxury of 'brand-name recognition' that
big companies have. Thus, we have to work that much harder to earn our visitor's trust. One way to build this all-important credibility is to get and use testimonials from happy customers. __HOW TO GET TESTIMONIALS FOR AN EXISTING PRODUCT
If your product or service has been available for some time, then it's not that hard to find out how your customers feel about their purchase or your service.
1) Unsolicited Testimonials.
Your customer may be so thrilled with your product that he or she just has to let you know how happy she is. As a courtesy, you may want to acknowledge her message and ask for permission to use her testimonial in your promotions and on your website.
2) Ask.
Don't assume that happy customers will write to you. Be proactive! For example, you can contact your customers and ask them for feedback on your product or service. You can even include an evaluation form with your package to save time. You'll get both valuable suggestions for product improvements, and hopefully some testimonials as well.
I've found that customers will often email me with a question or comment that shows how much he appreciates my product or service. I answer
email thoroughly, then follow up with a request for a testimonial.
__HOW TO TESTIMONIALS FOR NEW PRODUCTS OR SERVICES
What do you do if your product is brand-new? You may not yet have customers, or perhaps your product/service is something that takes time before results can be seen (for example, a dog training tutorial).
1) Get a 'Personal Referral'.
Ask colleagues, subscribers, or previous customers from another product line to attest to your knowledge, integrity, great customer service, or how your other product has helped them.
2) Approach a Colleague for a Review.
Find another 'expert' in your target market (*not* a competitor, though!) and offer him or her a complimentary copy of your product for review. This has two advantages: first, you'll get constructive feedback about your product from someone in your field... and secondly, you may get a testimonial from it.