Imagine you’re considering a web development partner to bring your digital vision to life. You’ve browsed portfolios, read service descriptions, and maybe even attended a few consultations. But what ultimately sways your decision? 

Often, it’s the words of other businesses—testimonials from satisfied clients who’ve experienced firsthand what the company can deliver.

At 14 Oranges, we understand that testimonials are more than just kind words; they are powerful endorsements that build credibility and trust. I thought it would be helpful to share how we leverage client testimonials to enhance our own business and share some insights on how you can do the same to foster trust and drive growth in your own company..

The Impact of Client Testimonials

Client testimonials have played a crucial role in the growth of 14 Oranges. While it can be challenging to pinpoint the direct impact of a single testimonial, we’ve found that accumulating multiple testimonials over time creates a compelling narrative of trust and reliability. 

For instance, our journey with the Town of Arnprior led to referrals to the Township of Selwyn, and then to the Township of Asphodel Norwood, showcasing a chain of trust built through positive word-of-mouth. This kind of organic growth, driven by satisfied customers, underscores the value of strong client relationships and authentic feedback.

Recommendation: Start by encouraging your first few satisfied customers to leave reviews. As you build a collection, the credibility of your business will grow, leading to more referrals and new clients. The key is to get the ball rolling with genuine, positive feedback.

Collecting and Curating Testimonials

At 14 Oranges, we typically request testimonials at the end of a project if the customer is satisfied with our services. We ask them to leave reviews on third-party platforms like Google or Clutch. This approach ensures that the testimonials are perceived as genuine and trustworthy because these sites aren’t directly controlled by us.

Recommendation: Use third-party platforms for collecting reviews. These platforms add a layer of authenticity to the testimonials, making them more credible in the eyes of potential customers. Additionally, approach the request for a review in a way that feels natural and unobtrusive to the client.

What Makes Testimonials Effective?

We have found that a variety of testimonials can be more impactful than uniformly positive reviews. Genuine testimonials often include specific details and personal stories, which make them more relatable and believable. 

For example, one of our clients highlighted their positive experience working directly with our CEO, which is something that not all companies offer. Such specific insights resonate well with our audience and show what is different when working with us.

Recommendation: Encourage clients to include specific details in their testimonials. These specifics can provide potential customers with a clearer picture of what to expect, making the testimonials more relatable and convincing. One way to help get testimonials that include more specifics is to add a few suggested questions your customers can consider answering when leaving their testimonials or reviews.

Overcoming Challenges

Collecting testimonials isn’t always straightforward. For instance, we had a client who assured us they had left a review on Google, but it never appeared on our profile. Additionally, Clutch’s transition to a paid review model has presented challenges, as it complicates the previously straightforward process of gathering authentic reviews.

Recommendation: Be prepared for some challenges in collecting testimonials. Always have a backup plan, such as asking clients to leave reviews on multiple platforms or directly on your website. Stay informed about any changes in the review platforms’ policies that could affect your process.

Client testimonials are more than just endorsements; they are stories of trust, satisfaction, and successful partnerships. At 14 Oranges, we’ve seen the profound impact they can have on building our brand and attracting new business. By collecting genuine feedback, showcasing a variety of testimonials, and ensuring authenticity, other small businesses can similarly harness the power of testimonials to build trust and grow their online presence.

If you’re looking for an effective way to start collecting and leveraging testimonials for your business, get in touch today. 

Sylvain Marcotte is CEO and President of 14 Oranges.