Stand Out with Customer Testimonials
Want your fence company to stand out? Customer testimonials are your answer. According to a Nielsen survey of over 28,000 people across 56 countries, 92% of consumers trust “earned” media, such as testimonials, more than any other form of advertising.
Why Testimonials Matter
Build Trust: What others say about your company is far more convincing than what you say about yourself. Testimonials enhance your credibility and make your business believable.
Boost Confidence: Testimonials reassure you and your staff that your services meet customer expectations.
Strengthen Customer Loyalty: Positive testimonials remind satisfied customers of the great experience they had with your business, encouraging repeat business and referrals.
Collecting Testimonials
Every customer has an opinion. While some will share theirs unprompted, most need a gentle nudge. As a successful business owner, it’s essential to proactively ask satisfied customers for feedback.
Be Authentic: Aim to collect genuine and spontaneous testimonials. Avoid stiff, overly scripted responses. Encourage customers to discuss not just your prices or friendliness but the results they achieved.
Seek Permission: Always ask for permission to use customers’ names and locations. For business clients, include the contact person’s position, company name, and address for added credibility.
Enhance Testimonials with Visuals
#### Before-and-After Photos
Photos showcasing the transformation your fencing services provide can be incredibly effective for your website and advertising. Before starting a project, take photos of the property without a fence or with the old one.
- Highlight results: For instance, show a chained dog in the 'before' photo and a happy dog playing in a fenced yard in the 'after' photo. Similarly, an empty yard could transform into a safe, fenced area where children play.
Video Testimonials
Video testimonials are even more persuasive than photos. They require a bit more effort but offer significant returns.
Here’s an example of how to approach a satisfied customer for a video testimonial:
**Sample Email**
Hi Tim,
Can I stop by this Thursday or Friday for about 15 minutes? I’d like to include a short video interview with you on my new website. It’ll be simple—I’ll turn on my camera and ask a few questions about your new fence. No preparation is needed; I’m looking for natural, unrehearsed responses.
Let me know what time works best for you. Thank you!Most customers will agree when approached casually. Be punctual and complete the video in one take to respect their time and keep the testimonial authentic.
Written Testimonials
When video isn’t an option, written testimonials remain a valuable tool. Request these through personalized emails and provide an easy way for customers to respond. Include a fillable PDF form or offer a toll-free message line for convenience.
**Sample Email**
Hello David,
Would you be willing to let me feature you as a client success story on my website and marketing materials? This will help others see how your fence adds value to your home or business.
Feel free to write a brief note using the attached form or your own letterhead. Alternatively, you can call our toll-free message line to share your thoughts. Say whatever’s on your mind!
Using Your Testimonials Effectively
Once you’ve collected testimonials, leverage them in multiple ways:
- Feature them prominently on your website.
- Share them on social media.
- Include them in brochures and mailers.
- Display them in your office or waiting area.
- Frame them for your walls.
- Use them in presentations and advertisements.
Keep Your Marketing Fresh
Regularly adding new testimonials keeps your business relevant and demonstrates consistent customer satisfaction. Pair testimonials with visuals to create an authentic human connection.
You already know your fences are the best in quality, value, and service. Let your happy customers share that message for you. Testimonials may just become your most effective marketing tool yet.
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