If you’re still using tired old written testimonials on your website, you’re missing a trick. It’s time to wise
up to the future of online testimonials – and its video.
Formerly the preserve of big corporates,
promotional videos can cost upwards of
£1,000 to produce. But Oxford-based Video Testimonials means to change all that. Founder Mark
McDermott is out to cater to the SME, with a low cost, easy alternative to a traditional shoot. A DIY
“film crew in a box”.
The company only launched in August this year, but it’s already caught the attention of
ex-Dragon Rachel Elnaugh, who features a video testimonial on her homepage.
“Mark couriered over the kit, which arrived in this James Bond-style metal briefcase,” says Elnaugh. “I
activated the webcam, which is remotely controlled by Mark. He talks through the machine and tells you what to
do. We shot a 60-second video and it was up on my site within 24 hours.”
“The web can be very impersonal. With videos, you have real people providing real content and it adds so
much power to your website.”
Video testimonials can be used to introduce yourself on your website, or to send the kit to customers to record
their recommendations.
The videos cost £195 each, including dispatch, editing and production, with a knockdown price for multi-buys –
£160 each for three. McDermott also offers
hosting and streaming services for £5 per
month.
Vince Golder, founder of Reading-based Goldnet Referral Marketing, recently caught on to the service. “When you
read testimonials from J Smith from Leeds, it’s just not credible. If you see a full name, perhaps a job title,
it’s a bit more convincing. Add a picture and it’s very credible. Video multiplies that credibility
100-fold.”
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