How do you obtain Video Testimonials from your customers? You have to ask for them, and don’t be shy about doing so. Be proactive, find your happy customers and have the confidence to ask them for a Video Testimonial. People like having their opinions heard, and more often than not, you will find your customers are only too glad to have the opportunity to express their satisfaction with you.
When to ask
The best time to ask for a testimonial is when your customers are at the height of their gratitude curve. This means when they are first experiencing or most enjoying the benefits of your product or service, when they are delighted and satisfied with the job you have done, and before the novelty has worn off. This time is different for every business, and you need to work out when yours is likely to be.
For example, when you get a new carpet fitted. For the first week or two, every time you go into the room and see the new carpet you notice the difference and feel good about it. This is the right time for the carpet company to ask you for a testimonial, as you are most likely to give an emotional and enthusiastic testimonial. If they asked a month later, when you are used to the carpet and the emotional reaction is far reduced, the testimonial will not have the same vibrancy or energy. It may still be useful, but potentially not in the same defining way.
So, find the right time for your company; the time that your customers are most impressed with your service or product and are on an emotional high. This is when great testimonials are produced, that will connect with future customers and have a major impact on your business.
How to ask
It is always a good idea to keep in regular contact with your customers, either by email or phone. When you do this, and assuming they are happy with your product or service, this is an excellent time to ask them to record a Video Testimonial for you.
Inform your customers how beneficial a Video Testimonial would be for you, and how you would really appreciate their invaluable feedback. If you say you have specifically chosen them, they will feel special and you will increase the chance of them agreeing to provide a testimonial.
Incentives
If appropriate, offer a small incentive for them to provide you with a testimonial. This isn’t a bribe; it is more of a thank you for taking the time to help you. It doesn’t need to be large or expensive; the simplest gestures are often the most profound. A bottle of wine, M&S vouchers, anything that will be of value to your customer.
At Video Testimonials Ltd, we present each testimonial provider with a complimentary USB memory stick. This is only a simple gesture, but they appreciate the sentiment and it helps create a positive experience for them.
Free Publicity
For a business client, giving a Video Testimonial is also beneficial for them, as they enjoy free promotion from this. The video includes a title with the name of the provider and the company, and if you wish, they can provide a brief introduction. This offers them exposure and adds sincerity to the testimonial. You can also choose to include a link to your client's website underneath the video, increasing its search engine rankings. This allows them to give you a testimonial out of goodwill, and also receive something valuable in-return.
Short and Sweet
At Video Testimonials Ltd, we ensure that every Video Testimonial is recorded in a brief manner. By using our innovative mobile recording system, the Web Video Unit™, setting up and recording the testimonial only takes about 20 minutes. Therefore, your customers are not inconvenienced, and they do not suffer the disruption caused by a camera crew entering their premises or home.
Summary
In our experience, satisfied customers are only too happy to provide a Video Testimonial when asked. If they have been impressed with you and the service provided, then more likely than not, they will be delighted to have the opportunity to tell others about this. Ask them when they are most pleased with your product or service; the time when their positive emotional feeling is at its greatest. Not only is this the time they are most likely to say yes, but it is also the time that they will provide you with an invaluable testimonial that will significantly enhance your business.
Asking your customers for a testimonial shouldn’t be an inconvenience for them. If appropriate, a small incentive is a nice means of thanking them, whilst also making it a more attractive proposition, and for business customers, providing a testimonial is a great means of gaining publicity. If you make the recording experience as quick and simple as possible for your customers, then it can actually strengthen your relationship with them, at the same time as providing you with a Video Testimonial that will significantly drive your business forward.
The Author
Mark McDermott is the Managing Director of
Video Testimonials Ltd, the only cost effective corporate solution provider of web testimonials in the UK. He has considerable industry experience, having run a successful corporate video production company for over 4 years, before then setting up and launching Video Testimonials Ltd in August 2007.
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