3 Tips for Powerful Testimonials that Convert

Testimonials are a vital piece of your website.

A testimonial is a trust-builder that assures your ideal client that you can solve their problems and that you've done it before. They’re the social proof you need on your website if you want people to click "purchase" confidently and without hesitation.

Today we’re breaking down how testimonials on your website could either make or break your sales.

Let’s go on a little mind journey.

Has this ever happened to you?

You're in the market for a new product or service. For this example, let's say it's a business coach. (Where all my coaches at out there? 🙋‍♀️)

You've found a promising business coach's website, and you're snooping around trying to figure out if she can really coach your business to success like it desperately needs to be.

It's a big investment, so what will help you determine whether or not to buy?

You'll hear the experiences of other business owners just like you.

You find the testimonials section of the website… but it's just giant bodies of text with so much fluff you honestly don't even want to read them…

"…She is such an awesome coach! She's nice, considerate…" 

"…Seriously, I don't know where I'd be without her!…"

"…Wow, she is so awesome!…"

Unconvinced, you click away. You’re off to find another coach who might actually be able to solve your problem.

So, why didn't these testimonials convert you?

There’s 3 things your testimonials NEED to convert:

1. People need to know who you were BEFORE. 

Testimonials are emotional, so we need to know how you felt before. This will speak to others who are also currently feeling that way. They'll identify with the speaker and think hey that's how I feel too, maybe this can solve my problem.

2. People need to know who you are AFTER.

Here we need an aspirational identity and to see transformation happen. Shoppers know who they want to become, and when they can see someone else become that because of you, that's when they become buyers.

3. It needs to be concise.

 People don't like to read, so do yourself a favor and cut down your testimonials as much as you can. Cut out all the fluff, all the “she’s so awesome!!!” etc. While yes, you probably are awesome, that language isn’t going to convert and is only making the block of text longer.

When your testimonials are short and to-the-point, people will be more likely to read them. (Which means more selling for you!)

Okay, so like, can I have an example?

Heck yes you can. See if you can point out the 3 above points here:

"Before I hired Jennifer as my coach, I felt completely overwhelmed by all the systems and operations of my business. I was scattered and didn't know what step to take next. Now I have a simple automated system that saves me time AND makes me more money, while I'm actually doing less!"

So we saw how she felt before (overwhelmed, scattered, and unsure), who she became after coaching with Jennifer (doing less while making more money/saving time), and it was 3 simple sentences.

Implement these tips to refine the testimonials on your website or social media and land all the more clients!