Alex states that when he is deciding to buy a product that costs a lot, he reads testimonials, and weill even "call the individuals who have given testimonials and ask them questions, get their reactions and see how they feel about the product they purchased."
That's sound advice, but I certainly hope that one cannot get the names, addresses, and phone numbers off of the web site. This is the Internet world, folks, and lots of bad people do bad stuff with good information. It's not worth it to me, and I hope it's not worth it to you, to take such a chance, especially since there is a much better way that protects the privacy of your Clients, which I provide to you shortly.
Alex also says that he gets frustrated when he looks at a site and finds anonymous testimonials that just so happen to match the writing style as the rest of the site. He even goes so far as to say, "Let's be honest if 'Sally G.' does exist she probably does not mind being on your site! If she is an agent or in our industry then she probably wants the exposure!" Possibly a legitimate point, but I have personally had lots of Clients in many different industries who have asked me to write a testimonial and they will sign their name to it. Additionally, I don't want garbage as a testimonial, so if the thought is there, but the expression of the thought is full of typos and bad grammar, I'll ask if I can rewrite it. I've never been denied that rewriting opportunity.
Alex goes on to say that should should get "a brief release from your clients with a testimonial that allows you to use it on your site. (this step is critical - don't skip it!)." Not only is that step critical, but it should not be a "brief release." It should be a very detailed release, stating where the testimonial will be used, how it will be used, what right you have to edit for space limitations, and how long the testimonial can be used. Many courts have recognized that a release does not provide release in perpetuity. You need a beginning and an ending date.
Back when the world was small, and we each lived in our own little villages and cities, testimonials were very powerful. In a global economy with a global marketplace, they can still be powerful, but in addition to not being afraid to share them, you do need to be aware of your Client's privacy rights, especially if you are in a state where those rights might be protected to a greater extent.
Real names can be effective testimonials, but it takes just one real name death with a paper trail leading to you that can ruin your life. In some states, our attorneys advise us never to use full names, especially on the Internet, because of privacy laws. Remember that once it's on the Internet, it's pretty hard to take it back. As someone famous said recently, "It's going to get worse before it gets better."
If I use the full name, I usually won't use the city. If I use the city, I usually won't use the full name. If anyone wants to check references, I never provide names, phone numbers, and addresses of my Clients. Wrong, wrong, wrong in this day and age. I'll take the requestor's name and phone number and provide that to my Clients and ask my Clients to call them. If my Clients do, and they usually do, great. If they don't, that's okay, too.
It's very easy to use anonymous or semi-anonymous testimonials. Here's how, which I personally have found in this Internet world to be an even better method because it indicates a respect for the privacy of the prospective Client who is considering me.
Instead of putting full names, addresses, cities, phone numbers, and/or email addresses on your web site, include this statement on your site along with your anonymous or semi-anonymous testimonials:
In order to protect the privacy of my Clients, I have not used their [real names/full names/real city/etc.]. If you would like to check with any of my Clients, please call me and I will provide your name and phone number to my Clients and have them call you. Thank you for your understanding. I'll protect your privacy in the same manner when you are a Client of mine.
Professionals should protect their Clients, even if it means we have to work a little harder to get business, which I have not found to be the case. I believe you'll get more business with respect and concern for your Clients than otherwise.
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10 Comments on How to effectively use anonymous/semi-anonymous testimonials
JUN
14
2009
Russel -
Good ideas!
Testimonials add credibility, and I think in today's Internet, "Everybody Can Find Out Anything About Anybody" times, folks understand that there has to be some anonymity to the testimonial.
But the testimonial itself has to be complete, detailed, specific to the situation, not canned. In other words, readers must believe that Russel R. or San Diego would say such a thing, honestly. No need to look him up just to prove it.
Russel, I agree with you completely. I will not publish their names, I have a first name and an initial. I think I will use a disclaimer similar to yours, very good indeed.
Did you find those batteries??? And nice pictures, LOL.
Russel, very good advice. You need to protect yourself from liability, but as you say, it's also good to protect your clients as well. There are many strange people in the world that have done some unthinkable things. The internet makes it easier to be found and that's not always a good thing.
Russel, I ask clients how they want their testimonials to appear, if at all. I have one person who wanted me to print his number, so I did. One signed it as a satisfied customer and his town, okay cool. Most use first name, last name and town. I do like your suggestion and using it would allow me to put up a bunch that I've kept off cause they present too easy a target.
BTW, no rechargeable batteries at our CVS either, but tons at our dollar store. Go figure.
Hey, Suesan - Even when Clients tell me that I can post their contact information, I don't. There's just too much liability for me in this day and age.
We have found out CDPE training an invaluable tool with short sales..but I disagree with Alex on this one..we would never ever use real names...if ..you want references...we will give them to you,,splashing names everywhere...not so much....or appreciated by those splashed !
Russel - Here's another idea. Perhaps it's possible to see if you can use their picture, or get an audio testimonial? I think that combination will give the anonymous testimonial the ring of authenticity.
Great points! I did a post in which I had permission to use real names but opted to go pseudo because it was funnier. Even my clients got a kick out of the noms de plume!
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Alex also says that he gets frustrated when he looks at a site and finds anonymous testimonials that just so happen to match the writing style as the rest of the site. He even goes so far as to say, "Let's be honest if 'Sally G.' does exist she probably does not mind being on your site! If she is an agent or in our industry then she probably wants the exposure!" Possibly a legitimate point, but I have personally had lots of Clients in many different industries who have asked me to write a testimonial and they will sign their name to it. Additionally, I don't want garbage as a testimonial, so if the thought is there, but the expression of the thought is full of typos and bad grammar, I'll ask if I can rewrite it. I've never been denied that rewriting opportunity.
Back when the world was small, and we each lived in our own little villages and cities, testimonials were very powerful. In a global economy with a global marketplace, they can still be powerful, but in addition to not being afraid to share them, you do need to be aware of your Client's privacy rights, especially if you are in a state where those rights might be protected to a greater extent.
It's very easy to use anonymous or semi-anonymous testimonials. Here's how, which I personally have found in this Internet world to be an even better method because it indicates a respect for the privacy of the prospective Client who is considering me.
;)
;)
Russel -
Good ideas!
Testimonials add credibility, and I think in today's Internet, "Everybody Can Find Out Anything About Anybody" times, folks understand that there has to be some anonymity to the testimonial.
But the testimonial itself has to be complete, detailed, specific to the situation, not canned. In other words, readers must believe that Russel R. or San Diego would say such a thing, honestly. No need to look him up just to prove it.
Thanks for the share!
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