Marketing is a key component of your business success.
After all, people cannot use your business if they don’t know about it.
With so many different marketing channels to choose from, it is hard to know where to invest your money.
There is TV, radio, print, and of course the digital options of email, social media and Google advertising.
But what if we told you there is a very effective advertising method that costs nothing? And, it is one of the most persuasive marketing tactics that you can employ.
It is, of course, the humble testimonial!
Read on to find out why your business needs them, what the benefits are, and how you can help the businesses of TNG members by giving and receiving them.
Why You Need Testimonials
You can be the most persuasive person in the world and still not be as powerful as a testimonial.
As far as potential clients are concerned, you are not the most credible source of information for your business. You want their custom. So, as far as they are concerned, you might simply be telling people what they want to hear in order to entice them in.
However, if the same message comes from a satisfied customer, then that is powerful stuff!
Testimonials prove to people that you are good at what you do. They show that you offer solutions to real problems and have a proven track record of doing so. And the best thing is, they are completely free to obtain!
How They Benefit Your Business
There are three main ways that testimonials can benefit your business:
1: Build Trust – Your potential clients don’t know that your services are fantastic yet because they haven’t had any experience with them. In fact, this might be the first time they have ever encountered your business. A testimonial gives credibility to your offerings and helps to build trust with your prospects – it proves you are good at what you do.
2: The Art of Persuasion – People often make buying decisions with their emotions. They like to know, like and trust a business before handing over their money. Testimonials gently persuade them that you are worth their trust. It takes the fear emotion out of the equation and helps people to feel good about the decision to buy.
3: Tell A Good Story – There is a reason that kids love bedtime stories. And the situation is no different for adults. Everyone loves a good story – especially if it is a rags to riches one. Your testimonials will show how you have transformed lives and how easily you made it happen. Your prospects will be so wrapped up in the story, they will be convinced to work with you.
Those are the emotive benefits, but there is also a practical one. If you collect reviews via Google, it can also boost your web rankings too.
How To Get Them
Alright, we know how good they are now, but how can you get them for your business?
The easiest way is to simply ask. It sounds all too simple, but the direct approach really works. Once you have completed a job or sent a product, ask people to leave you a testimonial about their experience.
Make it easy for them by providing a link to your Google reviews or your Facebook reviews. Then they simply have to click the link and write down their thoughts.
You can also help out your fellow TNG members in this way. Post reviews for the members that you have worked with, then ask them to do the same for you. It is an easy and free way to show your support, and it really helps everyone’s businesses grow.
Just remember to only include positive comments. If you have an issue to discuss, take it offline into a phone call or a one-on-one meeting.
So, make it your goal for this week to post a review for three TNG members you have worked with recently!
Love the thought of networking in a supportive environment? Then join your local TNG group for a taster experience today. Find out where your closest group is by clicking here.