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Video testimonials:

By including video testimonials on your website and social media, potential customers can see and hear from real people who have used your product, increasing their trust in your business.  There is emotional messaging in a video testimonial; when a client is happy to appear on camera for you it says to the viewer they really trusted and engaged with you.  

With the advancement of technology, video testimonials are within the reach of companies of all shapes and sizes.  As well as professional video recordings, it is also feasible to record on mobile phones or even Zoom or Teams can, with good preparation, be useable.

Take deeper dive into how to use a mobile phone to record testimonials here: https://takeonetv.com/blog/5-tips-for-filming-with-a-smartphone

If you’d like our Guide to Filming with a Mobile, contact info@takeonetv.com for the download.

Video is the most in demand content format for getting news and information, with 54% of consumers favouring video over any other forms of content.  People retain approximately 80% of visual information, compared to only 20% of text-based information. For many audiences, who are often time poor, video is more attractive than long passages of text. The visual delivery can also help visualise product specifics for up to 47% of consumers.

Reference: https://www.storyprompt.com/blog/why-video-testimonials

Written testimonials:

You can also multipurpose video testimonials and convert the spoken words to shorter written reviews, or even simple audio files with relevant branding. It’s good practice to repurpose content in a number of ways, so that people are seeing your messages in a place and format that best appeals to their learning preferences.

Written testimonials act as a strong source of social proof, helping potential customers in their decision-making process. When clients share their positive experiences with your business it can encourage others to trust and choose your products and services.

Positive testimonials have the ability to spark a chain reaction, as happy customers share their opinions with others, boosting brand recognition and credibility.

Moreover, testimonials can assist in resolving any concerns or uncertainties potential customers may have.  By highlighting the ways in which your product and service has impacted others, you can overcome common doubts and offer reassurance, ultimately guiding their decision-making process.

These are examples of good written testimonials:

• Really positive feedback from the guys in the US on my call with them on Tuesday. They liked the hard-cut styling for example, actually they loved it as it really hit the edgy style they were looking for. Truvista Brendan Raggett
• We've used Take One TV in the past to provide our business with professional promo videos. Since it had been 3 years, we went back to them to create some video guides and product overviews for our website. As before, they were set up in good time at our offices with a crew of 3 people, created a professional environment for the videography and helped us with our scripts and presentation style. They were an absolute pleasure to partner with and provided a set of excellent videos that we can be proud of. I have no hesitation in recommnending them for any film production needs. Amazing. Craig Moss, MD FutureLink

Try to ask for client testimonials as soon as possible after completing a project with them.  That means the experience will be fresh in their minds and they will be in their active phase with you.  Everyone is short on time these days so it can help to suggest 2 or 3 questions which you’d like them to answer about their experience with you, or to offer an outline of what you hope they’d want to say, but obviously giving them free reign to amend as they feel appropriate.  Just giving them a head start away from a blank sheet can make all the difference to their response.

Client testimonials can help businesses to improve their customer service by identifying the areas where they excel, but also the areas where they can improve for the future. 

Google Reviews:

Google Reviews are customer feedback and ratings that appear on your Google Business Profile. Customers who have experienced your products and services can leave reviews, along with star ratings and written comments, to share their opinions and experiences with others. By responding to the Google views and thanking your customers for posting you build stronger relationships. Even if the review is not 100% positive, always respond positively and promptly to resolve any concerns.  Serious complaints should of course be taken off line and dealt with in detail as soon as possible.

Google Reviews can make a big difference to a small business. Positive reviews lead to increased trust, which in turn, can influence purchasing decisions and the overall success of your business. The more positive reviews you have, the better your chances of attracting new customers and creating a strong online presence.

It can be beneficial for businesses to have customers, clients, and staff members engaging by asking and answering questions on their Google Business Profile. It demonstrates knowledge and shows that the business cares about engaging with people.

Encouraging staff members to engage in answering questions, provides a more personalized experience. Although AI and chatbots are quite popular in some sectors, people still prefer to have a conversation with a real person who can more easily understand the nuances of their questions.

The Q&A section can be an efficient way for businesses to address frequently asked questions, provide direct communication or clarify any confusion around products/services. Take a deeper dive by reading Marcus Sheridan’s book: They Ask, You Answer.

Having 24/7 accessibility can provide customers can view answers to questions at any time, even outside of business hours, which enhances customer service.

If a business provides detailed answers, Google may display them as rich snippets in search results, which increases visibility and can lead to higher click-through rates.

Retail Reviews:

Check a Trade is a UK-based online platform that connects customers with trusted tradespeople for various services, such as plumbing, electrical work, home improvements, and more. Check a Trade is valuable for both homeowners seeking reliable services, and for tradespeople looking to expand their clientele.

It helps customers find verified professionals and provides them with peace of mind by offering, all tradespeople listed on the platform are vetted for qualifications, insurance, and background checks, which boosts trust.

Customers can read reviews and ratings from previous clients, helping them make more informed decisions when hiring.  Adding photographs and video to the listings can also increase confidence for the buyer, especially if the service offered requires access to their home and personal space.

The platform is user-friendly, making it easy for customers to search for services, request quotes, and contact tradespeople directly. For tradespeople, Check a Trade is a way to build and maintain a good reputation through positive customer reviews, potentially leading to more business opportunities.