Testimonials are Gold Nuggets
Don’t Let the Opportunity Escape You
When you have been in business for a while, you come to realize that Testimonials are the Gold Nuggets of Marketing.
“Dear Patty & Mark, It has taken me way too long to get you out this note! Thank you so much for all your hard work out in Anaheim. The video shoot and the candids/ highlights video turned out so well. And it was so fun working with you. I hope to be out in California again soon so we can hook up again. Stay in touch!” – Stefani
Okay, so who out there would NOT want to receive unsolicited testimonials like this from happy clients?
The thing is, it is a rare day when this happens, and worth celebrating when it does occur. But don’t just sit around waiting for unsolicited testimonials. Be bold. Be brazen. Ask for what you want. In the video production world, when you have given your all to shoot, produce and/or edit a piece for the client, and their feedback verifies that they indeed appreciate and love it, then “Get it in writing!”
A Tip for You
A suggestion I think you will like: Ideally, you’ll be sitting at your desk in front of your computer when speaking to the client. Instead of just listening to their feedback, it would not hurt at all to actually type out what they are saying to you. Once you’ve “collected” a great blurb about your work, ask if you can quote them. Mention that you would like to use their testimonial to market your services. Use it on your website and any other marketing materials you employ. Chances are they’ll be happy to let you quote them, and they don’t have to do anything other than say “yes” because you have already done the work of recording their testimonial for them. This is the fastest and easiest way to do it.
Otherwise, you could request them to email you a short testimonial. And they may or may not do it immediately. And you may or may not remember to call or email them to follow up.
Trust me, the saying “Strike while the iron is hot” is a cliche because it’s true.
Never underestimate the power of testimonials.
When you go to Amazon or EBay or any other shopping site, are you or are you not swayed by the five-star reviews? Start collecting testimonials for your business, and observe the positive results. Make it a habit to request a testimonial every time your clients deliver positive feedback. (On the unfortunate occasion that the client delivers negative feedback, keep it to yourself; learn from it and use it as a guideline for improvement.)
“Hooray! The video’s approved and all done! It looks amazing, you did such a wonderful job with it, you are the absolute best! Thank you so much!”
These are the words that every video producer, camera operator and editor loves to hear! A testimonial like this, in addition to stroking your ego, can also work on another important level. This and other glowing quotes can go into a collection of “Client Testimonials” which you can then show to potential clients in your quest to generate more work. Start collecting them from your satisfied, ecstatic clients. Do it while your good job is still fresh in their mind.
Create a Google account, and then request testimonials from your clients (if, indeed, you have worked together – otherwise, don’t) and then don’t just park them there, spread them around. Add these testimonials to your website, sprinkle liberally in your emails, and on your brochure. Don’t be shy about blowing your own horn.
The way to a client’s heart these days is with proof from others that you can do what you claim you can do. A collection of good testimonials is like a little sack of gold nuggets that just keep on aggregating.
