[spacekadet]

Hi folks,

I've heard that testimonials can be powerful stuff. Unfortunately, I'm still working on getting those first customers. So what if I wrote a testimonial from myself? Here's what I mean...

I built my product (an online portfolio for writers) because I am my target market (newbie writers) and I know that it helped me get writing commissions. Do you think it would be effective to use this experience as a selling point? My idea is to put a quote on the main page (e.g. "I sent my portfolio to an editor and within 30 minutes he wrote back with a commission"). This quote could then link to a page where I describe my "story" and why I built the product.

I just don't want to come off as shady, I suppose. I dunno. What do you marketing gurus think?

Thanks,

Monica

[boxby]

I tend to spot testimonials that have been written by the owner as they always include more details, and more praise than a customer's genuine testimonial would. Customers only ever talk about what they experienced, not all the other services that the business also provides. I spotted a "review" today of one of my competitors sites, and it just was naff, too heavy on all the other things that that the "customer" "belives that the site also provides".

These kind of testimonials tend to turn me off a bit, it definitely doesn't encourage trust.

[Indizine]

I agree; if people are making up one part of it, what else will they fake, cover up, gloss over, claim as was, etc etc,

Writing your own achievements isnt a testimonial. However, you should blow your trumpet and include in your copy, what you believe you are capable of and give real examples if and where you can.

[notgoingtouni]

I wouldn't add a testimonial by yourself if I was you, incorporate your story in the About Us pages and it would come off much better

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by notgoingtouni

I wouldn't add a testimonial by yourself if I was you, incorporate your story in the About Us pages and it would come off much better

Agreed write what you like about yourself on the about page.

But very important that testimonials are genuine.

Nothing worse than a spammy yucky testimonial.IMHO.

Alvin

[spacekadet]

Agreed. We don't want anything spammy. Yick.

I don't have an "About" page at the moment but I will create one and put the me story there.

Thanks for all your feedback.

[Nick Dyer]

There's nothing wrong with promoting yourself, but keep your integrity.
Sing your own praises under your own name and if you do as you promise then your customers with give you testimonials to be proud of

[Sam (Mr. Mu)]

Hi Monica, tricky problem but not solved by fake testimonials :-) The only point of a testimonial is that someone real, tangible and accountable testifies in a real and meaningful way how you've helped them.

Until you've got those people who can do that, concentrate on showcasing what you do in other ways. You could 'showcase' your product on all the big forums (this one, UKBF, Shell LiveWire etc etc ) and when people make positive comments, use a few of those - you know, like:

"Wow - this looks brilliant! I like the 'we design, you just do what you do best - write' approach. I'll make sure to pass the link on to my writer friends..." Sam Deeks, 'mu:kaumedia.

:-)

[Alvin]

Originally Posted by Sam (Mr. Mu)

"Wow - this looks brilliant! I like the 'we design, you just do what you do best - write' approach. I'll make sure to pass the link on to my writer friends..." Sam Deeks, 'mu:kaumedia.

:-)

Sam thats about as bad an example of a yucky ,spammy testimonial as I have ever seen.

Alvin

[domainzaar]

how ever hard you try it will not sound wright and people will know you have wrought it your self. This will raise a lot more questions and people just will not trust you.