Copywriting Basics - Creating Testimonials That Sell Like Crazy!
Every great copywriter knows that a testimonial can be one of your best selling tools. Unfortunately, you won’t always be handed a pile of powerfully worded testimonials. The good news is that you don’t have to settle for weak ones — even if that’s all you have to start out with.
By doing a little extra work, you can go out and get great ones. Testimonials that talk about specific benefits, and connect with your prospect because they are talking more than just “before and after” — they’re telling stories about real people. With testimonials like this, your copy becomes even more powerful.
Most customers give the same type of testimonial. I call it a Before and After testimonial. He tells you the problem he had, and how this product solved it. This type of testimonial is definitely better than just saying, “I loved your product!” but in today’s market you need to go one step further.
That’s because your prospect is getting use to seeing Before and After testimonials. Everyone is using them, and they just don’t have the same impact they use to have.
For great copy, you want to get richer, more powerful testimonials. The good news is it’s not that hard to do! In fact, with just a little work, you can have a pile of testimonials — each focusing on a different selling point. All you have to do is go out and get them!
The first step is to get the names and contact information of key customers. Call them up and arrange a time to “interview” them for 20-25 minutes. This will be your chance to uncover interesting, real-life stories your prospect can relate to.
When you’re finished, you are ready for the next step. This is where you take the information you just gathered and transform it into the strongest testimonial possible.
When you’re finished interviewing the customer, ask him if he’d be willing to let you use what he said as a testimonial. If he says yes, offer to type one up for him based on the conversation you just had. When it’s written, you will send it to him for his approval. Surprisingly, most people will jump at this suggestion!
Once the customer gives you the go-ahead, your job is to take what you have and turn it into the most powerful testimonial you can. If the interview has gone well and you’ve asked the right questions, you will have a lot of great material to choose from.
Start by reviewing your interview notes and asking yourself a few questions:
* Which angle should I take?
* Which key selling points do I need to reinforce?
* Which one is best supported by this person’s story?
* What is the best way to use or position this story?
* What parts will make my prospect think, “Hey, that guy is just like me!”
Just imagine how much more powerful and effective these type of testimonials will be. All of the different angles you can take and the great real-life tidbits that you can weave through your sales copy.
The truth is, there’s no better way to get these type of powerful testimonials. When you know how to guide the interview, you can uncover the “good stuff” quickly — every single time. Then all you need to do is take what you have and position it, and you’ve got a testimonial that will make selling your product that much easier.
You’ll have a testimonial that’s written from your customer’s own unique perspective. One that’s focused on the exact benefit you want to emphasize, and talks to your prospect’s real needs and desires. A powerful testimonial that’s written in your customer’s own word, only better!
