In service-based businesses, word of mouth recommendations, or referrals, can serve as the ultimate tool for gaining new clients. In addition, client testimonials can offer social proof and help built up trust and credibility with prospective clients who may be in the same or similar situations. A strategically placed testimonial can help significantly influence a potential client’s decision-making process, to sway them in the direction of a mortgage broker over other options.
The Importance of Client Testimonials
These impartial reviews of a service or person help establish trust by providing proof that the person, or business, is able to do what they say they can do. When others see that clients have had positive experiences, it increases their likelihood to consider that service or person for their own needs.
In addition, testimonials can act as success stories to convey the benefits and values of working with a particular mortgage broker. These success stories create a track record of proven experience and knowledge, which helps to create reassurance in the potential client’s mind.
Capitalizing on the Power of Testimonials
1. Collecting Testimonials
The first step to using testimonials is to be able to get them. The best time to do this is at the end of a successful mortgage funding. Sending a personalized message with a request for a review in a specific location (ie. Google, Facebook, website, etc.) is always a useful opportunity. Providing clients with direction on what the review might include, such as what they found beneficial, what they thought of the service, timelines, etc., can help them build up a more robust review than just a generic five stars. Reviews with more details or story offer a more reliable and valuable testimonial for the mortgage broker, so whenever possible, encourage a more comprehensive review from clients.
2. Displaying Testimonials
Once testimonials have been collected, they should be utilized to their fullest. Feature them prominently on websites by adding them to homepage or the footer or lower section of other pages. Creating a dedicated testimonials page, that potential clients can review, is also a great option.
In addition, share theses testimonials on social media pages and in marketing materials and other places. If potential clients can see these and relate to them, they may be more likely to reach out.
3. Analyzing the Feedback
As well as being a great marketing tool, testimonials can provide valuable feedback information. Suggestions and constructive criticism in this feedback form can help improve systems, communication and overall customer service, leading to happier customers in future with even more rave reviews. Always take the opportunity to review feedback with an open mind, it can be a useful tool to help grow a business.
Client testimonials are useful and relevant feedback from clients that can make or break many types of businesses. Make sure to request testimonials from clients in a positive way and avoid sounding demanding in this request. Always have permission to share any testimonials or feedback and attribute these to the appropriate person. Never embellish or change the words of the testimonials and never ignore negative feedback but instead, use it to improve client experiences in future. Effectively collecting, displaying and learning from testimonials can lead to more business in future, so make sure to tap into this free opportunity to grow trust and credibility online.