Testimonials-How do you get them?

[scoopd]

Had some great nights and tried to contact the client later for a testimonial only for them not to reply.Just wondering if anybody has any tips on that front.

[ross@rds]

I always send out a questionair after every gig for the client to answer a number of questions and they can leave a comment on the back which 9 times out of 10 they do but ive had alot of people just send out letters of thanks its always nice to hear from them and how they had enjoyed themself.

[Shaun]

I always send a letter to the client after the event thanking them for choosing me for their occasion. I include a feedback form and stamped addressed envelope with the letter. The forms are returned about 90% of the time. Alternatively, people can fill in the feedback form in the client area on my site. This option is being used a lot more these days.

[PropellerHeadCase]

Do you send put some kind of service questionnaire after the gig, with the receipt for final payment, for example?

It's true, some of my very best gigs don't have testimonials to show I was even there, not even a thank you from the B&G on the night, often.

[BeerFunk]

I personally don't feel comfortable bothering the client after the event. Most of the time, they thank me at the end of the night, and I discuss how everything went, and that's it. I hate receiving questionnaire's and junk mail unsolicited, so I wouldn't send any.

Do you really need testimonials? I don't think you do, I don't think potential clients pay much attention to them, as their authenticity is questionable.

[soundtracker]

PREHANDLE - Explain to your clients upfront how you aim to grow your business by referals, and if they are happy with the service, to please drop you a line or an e-mail so that you can use it in future advertising. Works for me!

[PropellerHeadCase]

I personally don't feel comfortable bothering the client after the event. Most of the time, they thank me at the end of the night, and I discuss how everything went, and that's it. I hate receiving questionnaire's and junk mail unsolicited, so I wouldn't send any.

Do you really need testimonials? I don't think you do, I don't think potential clients pay much attention to them, as their authenticity is questionable.

If you do a great job for someone they generally won't have a problem saying so in writing - and I doubt most people would call one phone call 'bothering'. If the questionnaire is in with the final payment receipt then you get around the 'junk mail' label.

Yes, some people will question the validity of your testimonials, especially if they are too glowing, however, my experience from talking with Brides at Wedding Fayres and on-line (I'm sure Rice will back me up on this) is that testimonials absolutely make them feel more confident in booking you. Sure, it seems strange that people will take the word of someone they have never met as one more reason to trust a supplier's claims, but the entire multi-billion US-dollar infomercial industry is based around exactly that "interviews" with "satisfied customers". And if you think about it, with no testimonials they are only taking your word for it, also someone they have never met before, and someone who manifestly has something to gain from 'handling' the truth.

[scoopd]

I think If I was looking for a DJ I would trust the testimonials.if you don't-where do you draw the line? What's to say the DJ would play the songs he said he would or turn up at all if you don't believe him

[rob1963]

I personally don't feel comfortable bothering the client after the event. Most of the time, they thank me at the end of the night, and I discuss how everything went, and that's it. I hate receiving questionnaire's and junk mail unsolicited, so I wouldn't send any.



I completely agree, Beerfunk (as I often do with you!).

The testimonials on my site are from a number of sources: mostly letters, cards & emails...but there are also one or two which were simply given to me as verbal comments at the end of the evening - but they still count!

:)

[Steve 'B']

I have a 'Your Comments' page on my site. Works well. As has been said before, I could write them myself, but I think if potential clients were to read them, they would clearly see that I dont write them. At the end of the day I have all the old customers numbers and anyone can gladly speak to past clients provided I OK it first.

You can only do this if you get to know the customer well enough. I have alot of customers who turn out to be friends.

[rob1963]

In some ways testimonials are a bit of a con, because they don't necessarily represent the average comments you get from clients, but only the very BEST ones.

After all, you won't put it on your website if a client says "That disco was toilet!"

:D

[BeerFunk]

I completely agree, Beerfunk (as I often do with you!).
Well, you must be the only one on here then! (kidding) :p;)

[rob1963]

some of my very best gigs don't have testimonials to show I was even there, not even a thank you from the B&G on the night, often.

Hi Al,

That's the way of the world.

Most of the time, if the clients are happy or VERY happy with the service, you won't hear from them.

However, if they are NOT happy.........

[rob1963]

Well, you must be the only one on here then! (kidding) :p;)

:lol:

[PropellerHeadCase]

Hi Al,

That's the way of the world.

Mist of the time, if the clients are happy or VERY happy with the service, you won't hear from them.

Absoutely, which is why the ones you do get are so valuable.


As the comment about testimonials being a con because you only put your bestr one's on there... welcome to marketing, when was the last time you heard a product calling itself decidedly average?

[rob1963]

As the comment about testimonials being a con because you only put your best ones on there...welcome to marketing, when was the last time you heard a product calling itself decidedly average?


Good point, Al.

After all, on MY website I make myself out to be quite good.....

.....but in reality, I'm complete toilet!

:D :D :D

[PropellerHeadCase]

You really do have a toilet fixation don't you? There's people you can see for that ;)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I never 'dig' for compliments, but we have had more compliments and letters and emails of thanks than ever recently.

As for the authenticity - why on earth as an established company, would I put fake comments on my website?

[Steve 'B']

We can all do things to make our self seem good. The web counter starting on 3000000000 is the best one!! I suppose the proof is in the pudding. If your good, your busy (Or in Robs case, cheap and toilet!!;) ) Only kidding Rob. I dont offer the cheapest service, but I will walk that extra mile for my customers and that is the one reason they all re book.:D Hopefully.

[Vectis]

Customers of our top services get pictures and a video DVD as part of the package. I enclose a short questionnaire with their DVD when I mail it out.

Customers of the basic package (who tend to be the most cost-conscious) get the questionnaire (+ a SSAE) and a '10% off' voucher valid for 2 years. Each voucher has a unique code that is activated when the questionnaire is received back with us.

About 90% of customers return the questionnaires. Most customers give permission for the information to be shared (not their personal informaton mind!). I scan these and put them on the website as PDFs, and keep the originals in a display wallet for customer consultations - bride-to-be's love flicking through them as I think it gives them a sense of well being :)