Displaying testimonials or reviews on your website or in other marketing can be very persuasive to prospective clients looking to schedule an appointment with you. They build trust, aren't "sales-y", and help clients overcome skepticism.
When a potential client sees a whole page full of quotes and testimonials from existing clients, it
further cements the idea that you’re someone they want to do business with.
So, how do you go about collecting reviews for your business? While there are many review sites available to list our businesses on, there's also great testimonials all around us if we are listening. When a client comments about how great they feel after their treatment, ask them if you can quote them on that.
Many online scheduling softwares include automated emails that ask your clients to leave a testimonial or review. This is not only a great way to collect testimonials for your marketing, but a wonderful source of feedback to improve where needed.
Some tips for collecting testimonials:
- Ask for a review within a day or two of your service when it's still fresh in your client's mind.
- Ask for their permission to use it and their name in your marketing.
- Have an easy form for clients to fill out that simply asks them questions like "How do you feel before your massage? How do you feel after your massage? What do you like most about our services?".
- Use an online system that automates the process for you. (Shameless plug: Bodywork Buddy.)
- LinkedIn can be another easy source for testimonials. If you're connected with clients on LinkedIn, you can easily send a request for them to leave you recommendations.
- Facebook business pages includes the option to rate and review.
When using testimonials in your marketing, choose testimonials that are:
- Filled with benefits.
- Substantiates your claims.
- From someone your clients can relate to.
- Compares your services to others.
- Credible - use real words from real people. Don't create fake reviews.
