Video Testimonials: The Best Kept Secret for Building Your Online Presence

It's no secret that word of mouth is a great tool for building your business.  As we all know, word spreads like wildfire! One happy customer can steer dozens more your way.  In fact, 90% of customers identify word of mouth as the best, most reliable and trustworthy source about ideas and information on products and services (NOP World).

I'm constantly asked to shoot video testimonials and for good reason: videotaped testimonials on your website greatly boost the credibility of your business. Seeing and hearing from a satisfied customer has a much greater impact than just reading about their experience.

There are even more benefits to video testimonials too, IF you use them in the right way.  I'm sure you've been hearing a lot about Search Engine Optimization, which basically means how close to the top of the results list your website is during keyword searches on sites like Google.  Having mulitple videos online is one way to boost your SEO, and creating multiple video testimonials is an affordable way to get there. 

The key to getting the most value is to shoot all of the testimonials in one day at one location (as opposed to having your crew shoot several days in several locations) and then breaking each testimonial into separate clips instead of stringing them together into one long clip.  With one half day shoot, you can have five videos up and running online!

You might think it’s tough to get your clients to go on camera, but with just a little incentive you’d be surprised at their willingness. Here’s how to go about it:

· If you're B2B, point out it’s free exposure for their own business.

· Sweeten the deal with a discount on a future service.

· Tell them that it won’t take up a lot of time, probably just 30 minutes.

· Assure them that it’s a professional production. A professional set up will show them in their best light.

· Provide them with questions they’ll be asked ahead of time. They’ll feel more confident if they’re prepared.

· Remind them that your only goal is to make them look and sound as good as possible; after all, they’re representing YOU!

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