Admin

Why Testimonials Alone Aren't Enough to Convince Most Customers

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with ProCaseStudies

Why Testimonials Alone Aren't  Enough to Convince Most Customers
(C)2007 Barry W. Morris   http://NeverAskForReferrals.com

Sure, you’ve got testimonials. Lot’s of them. But they don’t seem to make a difference. In this article – learn why customers skim right over most testimonials.

Let’s face it, you’ve never seen a bad resume.  They don’t exist.  Even the ones that aren’t exactly truthful look pretty darned good. And an impressive resume is very similar to a good testimonial.

Testimonials are always great. If they weren’t, they wouldn’t be seen in public. So if testimonials are essential for building credibility, why are they so innocuous? Why do your customer’s eyes glaze over when they read your glowing quotes?

Quotes don’t pull much weight unless they’re hitched to a painful problem.  Problems attract attention.  Glowing solutions don’t...at least not until the problem has taken center stage.

We all walk around thinking about problems. It’s how our brains are programmed.  If you really want to get the attention of your readers and customers, you need a problem oriented testimonial.

A problem oriented testimonial (as well as a problem oriented case study) attracts the attention of your customer by focusing on the concerns universal to your customers.  They can’t help but be attracted to the story.

Everyone loves a story. Your customers are no different.  They love hearing the story of someone just like them experiencing similar challenges.  What’s even better? They love hearing how you solved that problem.

They place themselves in the story and imagine what it would be like to have the same experience.  They see you solving their most pressing problems. They automatically think of you as the one person or company that cares enough to tell this story and solve their problem.

That’s why a problem oriented testimonial stands head-and-shoulders above an ordinary one. 

Show All Comments Sort:
Janet Guilbault
Platinum Home Mortgage Company - Walnut Creek, CA
San Francisco Bay Area Direct Mortgage Lender
Gosh, Barry, this is great advice, except most clients would not take the time to do this. But we could write and get them to sign. I agree with you completely, and almost every real estate transaction has a great story behind it. Wish I was in Aptos today, you lucky devil
Jun 24, 2007 05:26 AM
Barry Morris
ProCaseStudies - Aptos, CA

Hi Janet,

You've hit the nail on the head. Most agents and clients simply don't have the time to do this. But imagine a third party service conducting the interview and crafting the testimonial or case study that you use over and over again? That's the power of leveraged marketing.

Yes, Aptos is sunny and warm today. I give thanks every day that my son and I can live here. :) 

Jun 24, 2007 05:38 AM
Chris Tesch
RE/MAX Bryan-College Station - College Station, TX
College Station, Texas Real Estate
excellent point Barry.  I still am pondering this one though.  I don't think potential clients want to think anything could go wrong with the purchase or sale. 
Jun 24, 2007 05:42 AM
Rich Jacobson
Fathom Realty West Sound - Poulsbo, WA
Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker
Hmmmm....sounds like an advertsiment?
Jun 24, 2007 05:42 AM
Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services
Hi Barry -- How are things in Aptos?  I have a dear friend Dr. Tutko, the sports psychologist who lives in Aptos.  It is a beautiful area.  At any rate, back to the topic -- I think everyone needs to have testimonials, but I think that is just a starting point.  A list of good references is also important.  Also, one has to have confidence it themselves and their services when a prospect is interviewing them.  True professionalism will come through.
Jun 24, 2007 05:52 AM
Barry Morris
ProCaseStudies - Aptos, CA

Hi Chris,

Certainly, your point is spot on concerning the sale and anything that could go wrong. Rather something relating to, say, choosing an agent. Something like, "Chris's photo turned me off at first."  -Just a hypothetical :)-  A 'problem' is what gets the reader's attention. (And I'm sure your photo is fine. :) )

Barry 

Jun 24, 2007 05:55 AM
Barry Morris
ProCaseStudies - Aptos, CA

Rich,

Sorry about the tone coming off as advertorial in nature.  I try to educate rather than advertise.

Barry 

Jun 24, 2007 05:56 AM
Sandi Bauman
Chico Homes Real Estate - Chico, CA
Chico CA Realtor
I agree with you...  I have received comments back on testimonials by past clients when the new clients can RELATE to the person writing.  That chord of recognition really can hit home.
Jun 24, 2007 06:06 AM
Michael Eisenberg
eXp Realty - Bellingham, WA
Bellingham Real Estate Guy

Great idea, people can always relate stories rather than just glowing testimonial

Jun 24, 2007 09:18 AM
Mike Mueller
Tech and Social Media Consultant - Walnut Creek, CA

I’d like to personally welcome you to ActiveRain!

I think you’ll find this to be a very warm and giving network.

I’d like to suggest that you take a moment and make sure your profile is complete.  From your picture, to the contact info, to the description, to the testimonials!  Make sure it is all complete and to your liking.

Next, check out and bookmark the ActiveRain Community Resource Post.  I say “bookmark it” as you’ll find yourself searching again and again for this single informative post. 

Then check out some of the groups specifically designed to help you here in ActiveRain.  I’ll give you two to start with:  The Active Rain Newbies and the Practice Here! Groups.  Read the directions for each group and feel free to ask plenty of questions. 

Michelle DeRepentigny wroteA Newbie Guide To Choosing Groups

Kelli Fronabarger wroteWhat have you learned from Active Rain ? ? ?

 
There are so many people here willing to help! Let me know if there is anything I can do for you!

 
Congratulations on your first post, and welcome to ActiveRain!

Jun 24, 2007 04:25 PM