I have read mixed thoughts on this topic. I recently read a huge article on this that explained testimonials are essential to getting business online with a website design business. What are your opinions on using testimonials on your websites? I personally have always thought they look cheezy and may devalue a site, but I have been reading differently. Another topic I had a question on is pricing. For something as complicated and broad as website design and seo, should you put general pricing on the website or should I just have a quote form. I can see how both would drive people away. Some people just do not want to fill out a form and would leave. Others may think the pricing is too steep and go shop around and may not make it back to your site, where if they applied for a quote, at least you get a chance to sell them on the phone. What are your thoughts on these two topics? I really need some feedback, thanks!!!
I belive that honest testiomonals written by genuine people do help improving the trust of your visitors and it indicates higher conversion. And about the pricing i think it mainly depends on your strategy. If you can afford to be the prize leader in your market, so you have the lowest prices i guess displaying and stressing the particular customer cost can provide more sale opportunities and let you enjoy the advantage of the price leader position.
I think testimonials are good way to motivate a visitor to convert into a buyer. However, it will only work if you provide the details about that testimonial (like the website designed by you for the person who left the testimonial so they can actually see that it is genuine).
I think its important that the testimonial is genuine and honest. If the potential buyer believes the testimonial to be real then it will be a great influence on them. However, if they appear to be fake then a buyer will lose confidence.
When the net was new I would believe such things, but to tell you the truth I have chatted with so many folks that have said they write fake testimonials on their sites, that I have lost all belief in them. I would NOT put any faith in a testimonial anymore........
Thanks for the comments on the testimonials. I guess I agree that if I can put the website of the url we have done for that company and that company has contact info for that person on it.....I guess it would be OK. How about the pricing vs. get a quote for website design part? Any more input on this? I guess they both have their advantages. Showing pricing is up front and you wont have to weed through everyone even though you may lose a few, but you may be able to sell or convince people better if they get a quote and contact you.
Completely agree. If there is some accountability to the testimonials (like including a site address or other contact info), people take them much more seriously. At least in my experience... A
Also include their pictures next to their comments. I have done this. Testimonials don't hurt a site, so why not put them in anyway?
I think they do if they have no credibility. It looks like some sales scheme. "Digital Point is by far the most amazing website ever. I will never forget my experience with Digital Point" -Dave from Mississippi If they looked like that, I think it devalues a site.
If its from a web design business then you can easily list the testimonials next to your clients url. This way people can click and visit the url to see the work you done. And clients will most likely write you an excellent comment if they know it will get them a free backlink from your site. Almost all testimonials are worthless as like you say they are attributed to some random initials, or Steve in New York. Complete waste of space. But with web design you have an excellent opportunity to link them to another website, and show off some your work.
I agree. It is also a good idea to post the full name and title (if B2B) of the person giving the testimonial. It is also where you place it the testimonial. I think they are a great touch on a landing page or checkout. They give the visitor that extra kick to buy. It is also not a bad idea to post on a case studies page that shows exactly what services you provided and the success of the project.
I'd call it my design portfolio - show some websites you've designed in the past and list testimonials and contact info next to each URL (provided the customer says it OK).
Testimonials are good, even more than good for getting new customers when they are actual and honest.
I'd suggest that you don't use any. In case you want to do the opposite of mu suggestion I'd recommend you to make podcasts. Do not use written text. Anybody could fake this. But a podcast is a different cup of tea
Testimonials are great as long as they don't look too good to be true. Don't try to go the extra mile with these things because they'll end up hurting you. Honest results and opinions from real people is the way to go. As for pricing, decide what your service is worth and what price range is in harmony with your business plan and, most importantly, corporate philosophy and image. Every single aspect of your business needs to be united in harmony. One more thing; stick with your pricing. If you decide to go low, be prepared to stay low. If what you choose doesn't work out, change marketing tactics or whatever but leave your pricing intact. Changing pricing strategy projects insecurity and indecision, and that's not part of your corporate image. Pricing your service too high can work out if you're a marketing genius. Pricing to low can work out if you're willing to work more than 24 hours a day. Good luck, man.
I use customer testimonials on my site and I think that it is positive reinforcement to my perspective customers. But, at the same time, my customers need to go to the testimonial page, I don't force my customers to view them. Matt