How do we know that we can trust a product or service that is being advertised online? Well, the answer is simple: read the reviews and testimonials before buying.
Both are sources of direct feedback from a customer’s perspective. These sources are unfiltered and uncensored, especially on social media. However, there are subtle differences between the two.
Let’s start with customer testimonials:
A customer testimonial is a detailed statement from a specific person who had firsthand experience with your product or service. They will describe this experience from their unique point of view.
Testimonials can be published using different media types as well. These cover videos, audio files, or detailed written descriptions. Testimonials are more emotional, engaging, and relatable. Therefore, they can connect to people on a deeper level.
What about reviews?
For the most part, reviews are presented in a different style than testimonials. Reviews will include opinions or evaluations about the experience with a product or service. Usually, they do not dive into detail and should be viewed as an overall assessment or critique.
Most businesses ask customers to rate their product or service on a scale of 1 to 5. Reviews can literally make or break a brand or business, as they are fast and easy to complete.
Let’s discuss the benefits of both for your business:
Customer testimonials carry a storytelling element to them. They are personal and emotional – allowing people to connect to the person who created the testimonial. Testimonials also create room for a narrative. Such a narrative can convey the uses and benefits of a business’s product or service on a personal and engaging level.
When people find themselves in a similar situation as the person who delivered the testimonial, they can relate to the testimonial on a personal level. Such a connection is invaluable for a brand. This can also lead to a positive endorsement by the people who read or viewed the testimonial.
Reviews, on the other hand, offer a more objective point of view. They are simplistic and to the point – giving the customer specific perimeters on which they rate the product or service. This is commonly done on a scoring system that involves star ratings.
How can your business benefit from both?
Testimonials can be reviewed and published by your business. This will create a personal and relatable connection with your followers. This will also give your business a source of direct and unfiltered feedback.
Most people will search for relevant testimonials before trying out a product or service. This is where you can give these people the necessary convincing mechanisms to try out your brand.
Reviews are simple and straight to the point. People will look at reviews to get an objective evaluation on the product or service that they are interested in. This will also serve as a convincing mechanism to either try your product or search for an alternative one with higher customer reviews.
When it comes to online marketing for your business, both testimonials and reviews play crucial roles. Every website should have both to inform potential customers before buying products or services. Utilise them to the advantage of your business today!
