50: How to Get Authentic and Useful Testimonials from Coaching Clients

This is a short episode with practical suggestions that work for how to get useful testimonials from clients.After a 2 episode hiatus, I’m getting back to the Client Winning Coaching Website Series. You can find the full transcript for this episode at prosperouscoach.com/50Not All Testimonials Are Useful Think about what you like to read when you’re considering hiring a professional. A testimonial that reads like this is sweet, but not compelling:Rhonda is such a great coach. She’s kind and gentle but also tells me the truth when I need to hear it. I always enjoy our sessions and feel energized afterwards. I’ve learned so many things from her. I think every coach should hire Rhonda.Now, I just made that up but it’s the kind of testimonial I used to get and I stopped posting them because they aren’t helpful.You want testimonials that have substance not just ooey gooey praise for you.People read testimonials to hear results. So good testimonials reveal the tangible and emotional outcomes your client experienced working with you. It’s the before and after picture in words that’s most affective.Here’s a testimonial from a recent client of mine:My Strategy Session with Rhonda was a game changer. I’d been overwhelmed by all the information out there for coaches and was essentially taking no action. My confidence was at a low. I had no clients, was earning no money, and had no idea who I was trying to serve. In our session, Rhonda helped me identify a target audience that I’m truly excited to work with and take ownership of what I bring to the table. It was so productive and confidence building that I invested in Rhonda’s private business coaching program to build a business around my new niche. I’ve accomplished more in 5 months with Rhonda’s help than I imagined possible. I now have a clear path forward!-       Kate Minogue, Basel, SwitzerlandThank you for that, Kate!Can you hear the difference between those two testimonials? It’s not just than one was longer. There was a clear picture of transformation in it with specific results.Super long testimonials aren’t as useful as short ones. A guideline is 75 – 100 words. But even a one sentence testimonial can be impactful.Where Should You Put Testimonials?Your website of course. I recommend that once you have 3 great testimonials, put up a What Clients Say page on your website. Check out mine at prosperouscoachblog.com/what-clients-sayBut there are other places where testimonials will help you.1.     Put an excellent testimonial in the pre-Discovery Session email you send out inviting a prospect to have that free conversation with you. 2.     If you have a blog, podcast or other type of steady-drip generosity, put a testimonial for it in the confirmation email after they opt-in. Yes, it’s good to have testimonials after prospects engage.3.     If you use multiple lead generation offers, also called freebies, make sure you have 1 – 3 in each of those.4.     If you have an online training program or webinar, add in a well placed testimonial or two, or ten.Read about LinkedIn testimonials and see how to get testimonials that are more inspiring!