Social proof that reaffirms your product or service does what you say it will do, is mandatory these days. Just about everybody does some sort of research before they visit a restaurant for the first time, hire an electrician or buy a car. This is why sites like Angie’s List™, Amazon Reviews and Google+ are so popular these days. Create a system to ask for and use testimonials and reviews in your business. Typically the best time to do this is when the customer is happiest (at the time of purchase, delivery, etc.). Here are a few ideas to get you started:
• Create a short customer survey and have all customers fill it out. Ask for a testimonial.
• Hand out a flyer during the sales process asking them to give you a positive review online.
• Take a picture with your customer at the time of sale or when they receive their delivery.
• Use social media to give online fans a way to leave their comments.
Collect these testimonials and use them in all your marketing – offline and online. Create a testimonial book and leave copies around your office or store. The effort you put into this will come back to you exponentially. If for some reason the consumer is unwilling to give your business a positive testimonial or review, that is a warning to you that some type of intervention is needed. Be willing to change a process or even an employee if you are consistently uncovering the same complaint. Businesses, like people, are always changing for better or for worse – they do not stay the same. So commit to changing your business for the better.