What incentives can you offer customers to provide testimonials?

1 Why testimonials matter

Testimonials are more than just nice words; they are strategic assets that can help you attract, convert, and retain more customers. By showcasing the results and outcomes that your customers achieved with your solutions, you can boost your reputation and authority in your industry and niche. Testimonials provide social proof and validation that your products or services work and are worth investing in. Additionally, they can address common objections and concerns that your prospects may have, ultimately influencing buying decisions and increasing conversions and referrals.

2 How to ask for testimonials

Before you can offer incentives, you need to ask for testimonials in a respectful, timely, and effective manner. The best time to ask for testimonials is when customers are most satisfied with your products or services, such as after a successful implementation, positive feedback, referral, or renewal. Depending on the relationship and communication style with customers, you can ask for testimonials via email, phone, video call, or in person. Explain why you are asking, how their testimonial will be used, and what format and length you prefer. Additionally, direct customers to a platform or channel where you want to collect and display the testimonials such as your website, social media, review sites, or third-party platforms. Make it easy for them to submit their testimonial by providing a link, a form, or a template. Asking for testimonials in this way is polite, specific, and appreciative.

5 How to use testimonials

Finally, after you collect your testimonials, you need to use them effectively to boost your outside sales performance. Showcase them on your website and social media platforms to highlight the benefits and results achieved with your products and services. Include customer photos, names, and titles to support your value proposition. Share the testimonials with prospects and customers via email, phone, video, or in person to reinforce sales messages and overcome objections. Repurpose the testimonials for blog posts, newsletters, case studies, presentations, proposals, brochures, or flyers to educate and inform your audience. Testimonials are a great way to showcase value and build trust with prospects and customers. Offering incentives can motivate customers to provide testimonials that will help you grow your outside sales business.