How to Write a Testimonial
In today's connection-based, relational marketplace, person-to-person testimonials have never played a more important role in business transactions. Through the rise of social media networks such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and others, marketers are learning that customers place much more weight on the opinions and preferences of their family and friends, colleagues and peers, than they do on the say-so of high priced advertisements designed and executed by individuals they neither know nor trust. For this reason, relationships are the currency through which business is transacted today, and the testimonial is often the calling card by way of which new colleagues become introduced. As you network and interact online or offline, you will likely encounter a situation where you may be asked to write a testimonial for a colleague, client, or peer. Having the right skills to craft a stunning testimonial can both further cement your relationship with the contact, and also make you stand out to individuals who might read your testimonial and want to learn more about you as well.
How to Prepare to Write a Testimonial
Before you begin to write your testimonial, you will want to gather some information together to help you in this task. You will want to know several things, including the person who is asking you for the testimonial, the exact spelling of their name and company name, what industry they are in, what their specific job title is, why they want the testimonial and how it will be used, and what your experience of interacting with them or using their product and service has been like for you.
How to Write a Great Testimonial
Once you have the proper information assembled, it is now time to write your testimonial. The best place to start is by consulting your own memory and recalling what your experience of the person or their company has been like. You can describe the benefits you received from purchasing the product or service, the impact meeting the individual has had upon your ability to reach your own goals, and why you would recommend the individual or company to others. Testimonials should be short, just a few lines, unless you are specifically requested to provide a longer testimonial.
Finding a Sample Testimonial Template
Experts suggest that you can use a template to craft your testimonial, especially if your arena of expertise is not in writing and you do not feel entirely comfortable in how to word and structure your testimonial. One way to find sample testimonials is to visit the requester's website or marketing materials and review the testimonials that are already there. You could also look at competing sites to read testimonials and crafts yours along a similar vein. Sites like 4WebResults will give you sample testimonials that you can use in 'fill in the blanks style" and these can be both effective and time efficient. For personal testimonial requests you can visit the requester's LinkedIn page as well, and view how testimonials are constructed. Once you find a testimonial template that you like, all you have to do is follow it to write a great testimonial.
