10 Ways to Use a Testimonial to Get More Work
How to make the most out of testimonials to line up your next gig.
Whenever you get a positive review of your work, it feels good. But as a professional writer, testimonials are used for far more than just warm and fuzzies. They can be serious marketing heavy hitters!
In this post, we’ll talk about various ways to take advantage of a great testimonial and run with it to land your next job. Of course, prior to publishing any testimonial, you should make sure that the person gives you permission to use it for marketing purposes.
10 Ways to Leverage Your Writing Testimonials
Testimonials give you street cred, so try to collect them when you can. But, even if you ask every client for one, sometimes they come back so generic (and blah) that you can’t work with them.
However, if you want to make the most out of your testimonials, make sure you save up the good ones!
#1 Display It on Your Homepage
Put it front and center on your homepage. Since this is often the first place a potential client will go, make it big and bold so that they don’t miss it.
For even more of a punch, be sure to add it above the fold. While your homepage headline will be the most prominent, this testimonial can come in as a close second.
#2 Make a Social Media Post with It
Create a visually appealing social media post using this testimonial. As a writer, you may not be visually creative, but a simple Canva design will do.
If you can get permission to snag a headshot from your client, even better. Putting a face to a testimonial can be wildly more compelling.
#3 Send It to Prospective Clients
Whenever you’re cold pitching, testimonials can help prove your authority in the industry. Don’t be afraid to slip a great testimonial into your project pitch. It gives this prospect a better idea about what it’s like to work with you.
For more about effective cold pitching, click here.
#4 Write a Case Study with It
You’re a writer, so write a case study! Use this testimonial as the main message or highlighted point. All you have to do to complete the case study is to discuss the project, goals, what was done and the results.
The testimonial can be the cherry on top of a highly compelling way to gain more clients.
#5 Create a Testimonial Landing Page
Once you find yourself swimming in awesome testimonials, create a separate page on your website for it.
Make sure your testimonials page is in your site’s main navigation since potential clients may want to see that information.
#6 Put It in Your Email Signature
If you have a concise testimonial, consider adding it to your email signature. That way, every email correspondence gives the other person an opportunity to read it.
Think of it like a tagline to your email signature. To keep it short and sweet, hyperlink that quote to your testimonial page on your website.
#7 Slip It into Estimates
Pricing can often make or break a sale, so why not slip a testimonial into your estimate template? This would help a prospective client feel more confident about their decision to work with you.
After all, wouldn’t you love to see some encouraging reviews before buying a product or service?
#8 Get a Video Recording
Video testimonials can be highly engaging and effective. If you can convince a client to leave a video testimonial, do it! Then, blast it everywhere: your site, your socials, your channel…
#9 Add It to Your About Page
Nothing could round out your about page better than a succinct and specific testimonial. Right under your picture, add the testimonial for a little flare.
Plus, if you’re at all concerned that your about page is too “me, me, me” a testimonial can add substance to your claims.
#10 Use It on Your Business Card
When engaging in in-person networking, make yourself memorable by adding a concise client testimonial to your business card. This gives prospective clients a little more to remember you by.
Not to mention, it can add extra oomph to your business card.
What Makes a Testimonial Great?
While we won’t dive into detail here, choose testimonials that are the most specific and impressive. And don’t be afraid to alter them for better grammar or fewer words.
However, keep the same gist in the original testimonial so you don’t misrepresent their statement. To be 100% sure the testimonial is okay to use, go back to the previous client and have them approve the new version.
