Comments on: Why Testimonials Do (and Don’t) Work http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/ Marketing blog focused on marketing optimization, improving website conversion rates, search engine marketing, web analytics, word of mouth, etc. Sun, 21 Mar 2010 09:26:04 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: Direct Communications http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/comment-page-1/#comment-1239096 Direct Communications Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:47:13 +0000 http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/#comment-1239096 testimonials generally sound fake testimonials generally sound fake

]]> By: Kevin http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/comment-page-1/#comment-1235966 Kevin Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:16:35 +0000 http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/#comment-1235966 You are completely right about the power of testimonials ! And I use a tool that might be interesting to all you readers. Our company (BBC) appealed to Our Clients (www.our-clients.com). Our-clients is an online tool that makes it easy to collect testimonials from your clients and keep them up-to-date. The testimonials are completely trustworthy thanks to the fact that not only you but also your clients have control on what is published. And testimonials have to be updated or confirmed every 12 months. So you end up with a list of testimonials that are real and recent. Only those will convince your prospects. Cheers, Kevin You are completely right about the power of testimonials ! And I use a tool that might be interesting to all you readers.

Our company (BBC) appealed to Our Clients (www.our-clients.com). Our-clients is an online tool that makes it easy to collect testimonials from your clients and keep them up-to-date.

The testimonials are completely trustworthy thanks to the fact that not only you but also your clients have control on what is published. And testimonials have to be updated or confirmed every 12 months. So you end up with a list of testimonials that are real and recent. Only those will convince your prospects.

Cheers,
Kevin

]]> By: Jim Mueller http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/comment-page-1/#comment-1229676 Jim Mueller Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:09:46 +0000 http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/#comment-1229676 Creating social proof is one of the oldest concepts in marketing/sales. Great examples are the bartender seeding the tip jar before his/her shift. The church usher seeding the basket before passing it around and an oldie but goodie...the laugh tracks in sitcoms. Studies show that people laugh longer and harder when they are watching a show with laugh tracks...even though they know they're fake. It will definilty increase your conversions and boost sales if your create social proof around your products and services through the use of testimonials! Creating social proof is one of the oldest concepts in marketing/sales. Great examples are the bartender seeding the tip jar before his/her shift. The church usher seeding the basket before passing it around and an oldie but goodie…the laugh tracks in sitcoms. Studies show that people laugh longer and harder when they are watching a show with laugh tracks…even though they know they’re fake. It will definilty increase your conversions and boost sales if your create social proof around your products and services through the use of testimonials!

]]> By: Eric http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/comment-page-1/#comment-1195571 Eric Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:27:26 +0000 http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/#comment-1195571 I love the testimonials article Holly. Couldn't agree more on the 3 points - specific, overcome objections, and are well placed. I'd add a third - that is they testimonials are authentic. We just did a beta launch of our site <a href="http://propadoo.com" rel="nofollow">Propadoo.com which automatically collects, promotes, and authenticates testimonials.</a> I love the testimonials article Holly. Couldn’t agree more on the 3 points – specific, overcome objections, and are well placed. I’d add a third – that is they testimonials are authentic. We just did a beta launch of our site Propadoo.com which automatically collects, promotes, and authenticates testimonials.

]]> By: Eric http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/comment-page-1/#comment-1195570 Eric Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:24:05 +0000 http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/#comment-1195570 I love the testimonials article Holly. Couldn't agree more on the 3 points - specific, overcome objections, and are well placed. I'd add a third - that is they testimonials are authentic. We just did a beta launch of our site <a href="propadoo.com" rel="nofollow">Propadoo.com</a> which automatically collects, promotes, and authenticates testimonials. I love the testimonials article Holly. Couldn’t agree more on the 3 points – specific, overcome objections, and are well placed. I’d add a third – that is they testimonials are authentic. We just did a beta launch of our site Propadoo.com which automatically collects, promotes, and authenticates testimonials.

]]> By: FAQ Page = A Sign Warning Drivers of Potholes | FutureNow's GrokDotCom / Marketing Optimization Blog http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/comment-page-1/#comment-1186052 FAQ Page = A Sign Warning Drivers of Potholes | FutureNow's GrokDotCom / Marketing Optimization Blog Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:02:08 +0000 http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/#comment-1186052 [...] your regular Website copy. You don’t necessarily have to do it with copy, as pictures, testimonials, videos, user reviews and other site elements can also address these concerns, but make sure the [...] [...] your regular Website copy. You don’t necessarily have to do it with copy, as pictures, testimonials, videos, user reviews and other site elements can also address these concerns, but make sure the [...]

]]> By: Jill Spiers http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/comment-page-1/#comment-1176483 Jill Spiers Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:37:40 +0000 http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/#comment-1176483 Many thanks. We have new developments and systems for our simple time logging and tracking software, and you have given me good ideas for incorporating our testimonials throughout the website - not just in a list. Thank you again. Many thanks. We have new developments and systems for our simple time logging and tracking software, and you have given me good ideas for incorporating our testimonials throughout the website – not just in a list. Thank you again.

]]> By: Web Media Daily - Link Edition Tuesday June 9, 2009 | Reinventing Yourself... http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/comment-page-1/#comment-1171584 Web Media Daily - Link Edition Tuesday June 9, 2009 | Reinventing Yourself... Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:52:51 +0000 http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/#comment-1171584 [...] Why Testimonials Do (and Don’t) Work [...] [...] Why Testimonials Do (and Don’t) Work [...]

]]> By: Yolanda Morris http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/comment-page-1/#comment-1169552 Yolanda Morris Mon, 01 Jun 2009 02:06:18 +0000 http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/#comment-1169552 Even the most convincing testimonials are not enough to do the trick for me any more. I've been fooled far too many times from testimonials that I believed were from trusted sources (...heck they even included a link back to the owner's website) and yet and still the purchase still failed miserably to deliver what I expected. Even the most convincing testimonials are not enough to do the trick for me any more.

I’ve been fooled far too many times from testimonials that I believed were from trusted sources (…heck they even included a link back to the owner’s website) and yet and still the purchase still failed miserably to deliver what I expected.

]]> By: Ted P. http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/comment-page-1/#comment-1168366 Ted P. Tue, 26 May 2009 23:58:11 +0000 http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/#comment-1168366 I agree wholeheartedly about detailed testimonials. Another thing is testimonials need to STAND OUT. I agree wholeheartedly about detailed testimonials. Another thing is testimonials need to STAND OUT.

]]> By: Patrick Zuluaga http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/comment-page-1/#comment-1160933 Patrick Zuluaga Mon, 20 Apr 2009 21:11:12 +0000 http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/#comment-1160933 Hi Holly, An excellent article! So many business people I encounter think testimonials have been overused online and do not work. The points you made about being specific, overcoming objections and in the right context clearly demostrate why so many run of the mill testimonials do not work. Do you have any examples from your clients on testimonials that have really work for them? Hi Holly, An excellent article! So many business people I encounter think testimonials have been overused online and do not work. The points you made about being specific, overcoming objections and in the right context clearly demostrate why so many run of the mill testimonials do not work. Do you have any examples from your clients on testimonials that have really work for them?

]]> By: 12 Techniques to Increase White Paper Leads | FutureNow's GrokDotCom / Marketing Optimization Blog http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/comment-page-1/#comment-1149501 12 Techniques to Increase White Paper Leads | FutureNow's GrokDotCom / Marketing Optimization Blog Sun, 08 Mar 2009 10:28:47 +0000 http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/#comment-1149501 [...] Prove Other People Like It - Like endorsements on a book cover, “credible testimonials” on the download page of your white paper can help sell the value of the content and improve [...] [...] Prove Other People Like It – Like endorsements on a book cover, “credible testimonials” on the download page of your white paper can help sell the value of the content and improve [...]

]]> By: Bad Language / How to write great case studies http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/comment-page-1/#comment-1149069 Bad Language / How to write great case studies Fri, 06 Mar 2009 12:19:50 +0000 http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/#comment-1149069 [...] specific. Holly Buchanan makes this point very clearly on her blog. Details matter. Not only do they make the case study more credible, they answer the reader’s [...] [...] specific. Holly Buchanan makes this point very clearly on her blog. Details matter. Not only do they make the case study more credible, they answer the reader’s [...]

]]> By: Using Testimonials – Effective or not? « Leneberlin’s Blog http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/comment-page-1/#comment-1135752 Using Testimonials – Effective or not? « Leneberlin’s Blog Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:46:09 +0000 http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/#comment-1135752 [...] mean that companies should not use testimonials at all. In my opinion, in her article ‘Why Testimonials Do (and Don’t) Work’, Holly Buchanan demonstrates a way to respect consumer’s needs by using testimonials. Finally, [...] [...] mean that companies should not use testimonials at all. In my opinion, in her article ‘Why Testimonials Do (and Don’t) Work’, Holly Buchanan demonstrates a way to respect consumer’s needs by using testimonials. Finally, [...]

]]> By: Writing Effective Testimonials - from Holly Buchanan http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/comment-page-1/#comment-1134411 Writing Effective Testimonials - from Holly Buchanan Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:55:01 +0000 http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/#comment-1134411 [...] at Psychotactics is the master of understanding and using effective testimonials.  His answer to my post on testimonials on FutureNow is one of the best I’ve ever [...] [...] at Psychotactics is the master of understanding and using effective testimonials.  His answer to my post on testimonials on FutureNow is one of the best I’ve ever [...]

]]> By: "I'll Pay you $50 for your testimonial" http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/comment-page-1/#comment-1128798 "I'll Pay you $50 for your testimonial" Tue, 06 Jan 2009 07:56:57 +0000 http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/#comment-1128798 [...] from a some well known entrepreneurs about testimonials! Some good advice to consider following… Why Testimonials Do (and Dont) Work | FutureNow’s GrokDotCom / Marketing Optimization Blog Sketchy testimonials How do I know if testimonials on a Web site are legit? :: Free Tech Support [...]

]]> By: naila http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/comment-page-1/#comment-1118851 naila Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:20:11 +0000 http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/#comment-1118851 testimoinals really do work, i love reading them if they are in the right context especially for service based business's testimoinals really do work, i love reading them if they are in the right context especially for service based business’s

]]> By: Better Brokers Network http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/comment-page-1/#comment-1042949 Better Brokers Network Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:24:12 +0000 http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/#comment-1042949 The Better Brokers Network relies on testimonials and word of mouth advertising. For that reason, it is an important part of the business plan and crucial for consistent growth. www.betterbrokers.net The Better Brokers Network relies on testimonials and word of mouth advertising. For that reason, it is an important part of the business plan and crucial for consistent growth. http://www.betterbrokers.net

]]> By: Green Tea Booster http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/comment-page-1/#comment-956462 Green Tea Booster Mon, 18 Aug 2008 22:52:28 +0000 http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/#comment-956462 At Green Tea Booster, we know our shoppers are savvy. That is why we pride ourselves on the product and not who buys it. That being said, bragging that Christian Bale has been spotted purchasing two boosters doesn't hurt ;) Check us out at www.greenteabooster.com At Green Tea Booster, we know our shoppers are savvy. That is why we pride ourselves on the product and not who buys it. That being said, bragging that Christian Bale has been spotted purchasing two boosters doesn’t hurt ;) Check us out at http://www.greenteabooster.com

]]> By: MBA Depot http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/comment-page-1/#comment-724648 MBA Depot Thu, 15 May 2008 18:02:45 +0000 http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/#comment-724648 <strong>Why Testimonials Do (and Don\'t) Work...</strong> here are times when testimonials are incredibly powerful, and times when they might actually hurt you. Testimonials hurt you when people don’t think they’re real. Anything that sounds vague or cliché can smack of insincerity. Here are three traits... Why Testimonials Do (and Don\’t) Work…

here are times when testimonials are incredibly powerful, and times when they might actually hurt you. Testimonials hurt you when people don’t think they’re real. Anything that sounds vague or cliché can smack of insincerity. Here are three traits…

]]> By: CFA Level 1 http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/comment-page-1/#comment-666793 CFA Level 1 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:19:12 +0000 http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/#comment-666793 These are some very, very good tips and I will be implementing these strategies soon. Thanks alot for these. These are some very, very good tips and I will be implementing these strategies soon. Thanks alot for these.

]]> By: Getting Dialogue Right: Part two of a writing series » Writing for the web http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/comment-page-1/#comment-650904 Getting Dialogue Right: Part two of a writing series » Writing for the web Wed, 16 Apr 2008 22:35:53 +0000 http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/#comment-650904 [...] Read, read, read about how to get these important social proof points right (start with GrokDotCom’s piece on Why Testimonials Do and Don’t Work) [...] [...] Read, read, read about how to get these important social proof points right (start with GrokDotCom’s piece on Why Testimonials Do and Don’t Work) [...]

]]> By: Webマーケティング最前線 » SEMMY Awards 2008 特集 4： なぜお客様の声は効果的（逆効果）なのか？ http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/comment-page-1/#comment-512589 Webマーケティング最前線 » SEMMY Awards 2008 特集 4： なぜお客様の声は効果的（逆効果）なのか？ Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:52:52 +0000 http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/#comment-512589 [...] FutureNowより お客様の声はとても効果的です。 [...] [...] FutureNowより お客様の声はとても効果的です。 [...]

]]> By: New Zealand footwear e-tailer http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/comment-page-1/#comment-503697 New Zealand footwear e-tailer Tue, 12 Feb 2008 01:50:04 +0000 http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/#comment-503697 We make a snap judgment of whether the testimonial is real or fake. If it looks fake then the testimonial has backfired. The visitor now thinks the site is fake as well. We are very lucky that this is a family business and we have hundreds and hundreds of genuine testimonials filed away above the shoe shop. (You can guess what we use for filing...) We will be going online shortly and we hope to use some of the testimonials. We make a snap judgment of whether the testimonial is real or fake.

If it looks fake then the testimonial has backfired. The visitor now thinks the site is fake as well.

We are very lucky that this is a family business and we have hundreds and hundreds of genuine testimonials filed away above the shoe shop. (You can guess what we use for filing…)

We will be going online shortly and we hope to use some of the testimonials.

]]> By: Online Marketing / General - 2008 Winner » SEMMYS.org http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/comment-page-1/#comment-481020 Online Marketing / General - 2008 Winner » SEMMYS.org Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:06:03 +0000 http://www.grokdotcom.com/2007/06/11/why-testimonials-do-and-dont-work/#comment-481020 [...] Why Testimonials Do (and Don’t) Work Holly Buchanan, Grokdotcom | 6/11/07 [...] [...] Why Testimonials Do (and Don’t) Work Holly Buchanan, Grokdotcom | 6/11/07 [...]

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