An introduction to testimonials

If you’ve ever seen a TV commercial, browsed a company website, or visited review sites such as Yellowpages, Tripadvisor, and Yelp, you’ve likely seen a testimonials or two before.

Chances are your decision to purchase something was influenced by the opinion of others. You might be afraid to admit how true it is, but nothing is more powerful than word of mouth, especially in the digital age.

When I was out jogging the other day, and I was on my way home, a friendly old lady asked me if there were any good places for brunch nearby. I pointed her in the direction of a personal favourite. I don’t know this lady or any of her friends personally, but she looked as if she was eager to keep my reccomendation in mind.

I didn’t see what happened when she walked away, but it’s probably safe to assume that thanks to me, the restaurant made a bit of extra money that day.

A testimonial is basically like the interaction that I just mentioned, except it’s often online based.

If you write then great, but chances are there’s someone else out there writing the same thing. That’s why testimonials are so important. You need concrete proof that makes people think to themselves: “wow, she or he is really great at what they do!”

The scary thing about the internet is the fact that it’s easier than ever for anyone, anywhere to set up a website. Anyone can say: “I’m really great at… (insert your expertise here,) but not everyone can provide concrete proof. That’s yet another benefit of throwing some testimonials into the mix.

I’m going to bluntly say that tracking down testimonials was one of the hardest parts of building my own website. I recognised the value of  testimonials for a very long time and have worked with plenty of clients who were extremely satisfied with the results, but I’m also, quite introverted.

I’m good at being pushy when I have to be, and pretty good at my work, but asking people what they think doesn’t exactly come naturally. You know what put that problem in the bag? A helpful Freelance FAQs article that I read, about the testimonial request process. Jordan Roper’s twitter feed was really great too.

That’s where I learned a lot of great tips about freelance websites and how to get testimonials .

On Sunday, I emailed former clients, and also people that I’ve done guest blogging work for in the past. The point was to increase the number of testimonials on my website from two to at least four or five.

If I’ve written something for you in the past, and I haven’t emailed you yet, you’re welcome to pitch in.

If that’s the case  you have two options: fill out the testimonial submission form, or send me an email: (rmayrichings@gmail.com.) Both are equally as fast, and go to the same place so up to you really :)!

Posted 5 Apr, 2016

I’d love to hear from you on this topic!

An introduction to testimonials

I am a freelance writer and editor, and I draw on my experiences as a neurodivergent person to provide advice and create content for disability-friendly organizations. I've worked with Spot App, Uptimize, E-bay, and Saatva Mattress Company. My writing has been featured on Weebly Inspiration Center, The Good Trade, Search Engine Journal, and more. I was diagnosed with dyspraxia when I was four years old. I wrote a book about my disability, "Stumbling through Time and Space: Living life with dyspraxia", available September 2022 through Jessica Kingsley Books. My advocacy efforts are dedicated to furthering a supportive community for neurodiverse people. I am a founding member of the Dyspraxic Alliance and Dyspraxia Magazine Panel Member.​