Customer testimonials can be a powerful communication tool to effectively get your message out so people pay attention to it. Just take a look at these two health messages and decide which one grabs your attention more:
See what a difference a personal story can make? People like to hear how others, just like them, are affected by actions. What’s more, individuals are often more likely to favorably receive a message coming from a fellow resident, rather than the city or utilities, which can be seen as having self-serving motives for providing information.
Here are some tips for using testimonials:
- According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat back 7 to 10 degree for eight hours a day.
- John Smith, a long-time city resident, lives on a fixed income and needs to keep costs under control as much as possible. He decided to start turning down the thermostat in his home. Last month, he saved $20 on his utilities. “What a difference!” John said. “I was able to save enough money to pay for morning coffee with my buddies once a week, and all I had to do was throw on a sweater to keep warm.”
See what a difference a personal story can make? People like to hear how others, just like them, are affected by actions. What’s more, individuals are often more likely to favorably receive a message coming from a fellow resident, rather than the city or utilities, which can be seen as having self-serving motives for providing information.
Here are some tips for using testimonials:
- Finding testimonials: Send around an email and/or post fliers in areas where people gather. Explain what you want and whom the interested individual should contact to learn more. You might also tap clerks to approach customers about sharing their stories. Be sure not to pressure people into giving testimonials but explain how others might be inspired by what they have to say.
- Gathering information and images: Once you have customers willing to share, think about how you will get their stories. You either can have the individuals write their own testimonials or interview them. Either way, have your testimonial subjects review and approve the version of the story that you will share with others. Don’t forget about pictures and/or video, too.
- Sharing testimonials: You can publish testimonials in numerous places and ways. You might include the entire article in a newsletter, or on your website with a video that you shot for the story. You could post snippets from the testimonial on your utility or city Facebook Page. You could create a poster with a photo and quote from the testimonial subject, along with how and where to get the rest of the story.
RSS Feed
