© 2015 Devon International Group

Customer

TestimonialsHow to properly ask

permission from a

customer while staying

within legal rights

Presented By:

© 2015 Devon International Group

What is a Testimonial?

A testimonial is a

written or spoken

statement in which the

subject says that they

used a product or

service and liked it.

© 2015 Devon International Group

Why do we Use Testimonials?

90% of people trust recommendations from people they know.

70% of people trust the opinions of strangers posted online.(Neilsen, 2009)

Testimonials provide social proof that your business has seen

positive results and has a history of what you promise in your

marketing, sales and conversations.

© 2015 Devon International Group

You Should Get a

Testimonial if:

© 2015 Devon International Group

Sample Requests for Testimonials

Asking for a testimonial:

Dear [Client],

I hope all is well. Because I value you as a client, I would appreciate your feedback. With your permission, I would like to use your comments as a testimonial to help convince future clients that they can benefit from working with us.

To help you get started, I’ve included a few questions, but lease feel free to write whatever you would like. (Include questions)

Thank you for your time, and thanks again for your business.

Please let me know if there is anything further I can do for you.

[Your Name]

© 2015 Devon International Group

Sample Requests for TestimonialsLetter to a client whom you’ve asked to write a testimonial:

Dear [Client],

Working with clients like you makes my business a great

joy. Thank you for agreeing to provide a testimonial. Your

story will help inform our potential clients why it is good

to work with us and how they can benefit.

To help you get started, I’ve included a few questions, but

please feel free to write whatever you like. (Include questions)

Thank you for your time and kind support. We value your

business and look forward to working with you again in the

future. Please let me know if there is anything further I

can do for you.

[Your Name]

© 2015 Devon International Group

Sample Requests for Testimonials

Letter to a client asking if you may quote them for a testimonial:

Dear [Client],

Thank you for taking your time to express your kind comments to me.

Your praise brightened my day, and clients like you make everything I

do worthwhile.

With your permission, I would like to share your thoughts with potential

clients. Your words will help them to understand how they can benefit

from working with us, and why they should do so. Do I have your

permission?

Thank you again for your business, and please let me know if there’s

anything further I can do for you.

[Your Name]

Via http://www.sitepoint.com/how-to-ask-for-testimonials/

© 2015 Devon International Group

To ensure you receive a convincing testimonial, you might want to consider

providing sample questions in your request email to help your client open up.

How did you benefit from working with [company]?

What is the most significant improvement that has

resulted from your work with [company]?

Why did you select [company]?

What were the results of working with [company]

and what did [company] do to contribute to the

outcome?

Example Questions

© 2015 Devon International Group

You’ve Got the Testimonial

...now what?

There are growing attempts to regulate testimonials,

with closer scrutiny on both the state and federal levels.

The regulation of testimonials and other types of

advertising comes under the Federal Trade Commission’s

rules and regulations on the federal level.

© 2015 Devon International Group

More About Your Testimonials

If you have reason to believe a testimonial is not

true, don’t use it.

Keep your testimonials up-to-date.

Disclose any paid compensation for the

testimonial.

Make sure the testimonials you use reflect the

TYPICAL experiences with your products.

Document each testimonial with the date,

name, and signature giving permission to use it.

© 2015 Devon International Group

Testimonial Release Template

I/we, hereby give my/our written permission to ________________________________

personally, and/or any successor and/or assignee(s), to use our testimonials in

their/his/its advertising without any consideration paid to me/us.

I/we understand and acknowledge that ______________________________ personally,

and/or any successor and/or assignee(s) may use my testimonial(s) for commercial

purposes or otherwise. As the undersigned(s), I/we hereby agree that the

aforementioned entities shall be the owner(s) of the copyright(s) of my/our

testimonials. The aforementioned entities shall be entitled to reproduce it, and/or to

use the testimonial(s) in any manner.

_____________________________________________________________

Signature Date

_____________________________________________________________

Printed Name

_____________________________________________________________

Signature Date

______________________________________________________________

Printed Name

© 2015 Devon International Group

Sources:http://www.debutmarketing.com.au/how-and-why-you-should-use-testimonials-in-your-business/

http://www.sitepoint.com/how-to-ask-for-testimonials

http://www.info-marketing.org/resources/easy-legal-compliance-manual/ensuring-testimonials-

comply-with-law

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