Create a Visual for Your Customers

Posted by Deborah Chaddock Brown on February 23, 2010 under First Impressions, Perceptions, making a difference | Be the First to Comment

I was visiting Custom Auto  Body in North Canton last week for a meeting with Lance Runion, VP and General Manager.  We are working on a project together and it was the first time I’d visited his shop.  Expecting a typical auto repair store with worn carpet, car and truck magazines and ugly metal chairs I was pleased to walk into an inviting waiting area; warm, clean, comfortable.

Even better – the magazines were more to my liking with a recent copy of People Magazine.  But before I could pick it up and delve into the latest Tiger Woods, Bragelina, Brittany scandal, my eyes fell upon a scrapbook/photo album.

I opened it to find page after page of before and after pictures of the cars they had repaired.  Accompanying each picture was a handwritten thank you note from the customer.

If I was there for an estimate or to have my car repaired – what a wonderful validation that I had selected the right place to have my car fixed.  The before and after pictures were a powerful marketing message that clearly showed their ability.  The testimonials added to their credibility.

Sometimes we just need a little validation that the vendor we’ve selected is the right one.  What simple visual tool can you put together to help your customers know the value you provide?

Do you ask for testimonials?  Think about your best customers – would they be willing to say something positive about your business? Follow these simple steps:

• Give them a call and ask if they’ll provide a quote. 
• Offer to write it for them. (have them approve before you publish)
• Think of one specific thing you’d like the quote to be about and write the sentence with that focus (responsive, quality, knowledgeable, great listener, experienced)
• Amass a library of quotes; each one focused on a different aspect of your abilities
• Use the quotes in your email signature (rotate a different one each week/month)
• Put quotes on each of your website pages
• Include a quote in your e-newsletter

Make it easy for your prospects to decide to be your customer by giving them visual proof that others have been pleased.  Do you have a creative way you use customer testimonials?  Share it with us here! 

For more ways to use your testimonials – read this article from Copyblogger offering ten ways to use your testimonials.