Thread: Testimonials - how do you handle yours

Testimonials:
How do you handle them?

People say nice things to me after workshops and performances etc, which is nice, but I also secretly hope they send me an email and say "you can quote me", not that it is ever gift wrapped like that. More often I might accidentally run into an opinion on some other third party site, not directed at me at all and it is nice and I think, can I quote that?

Not that I need the ego boost, but when I teach my next workshop or put on my next show or get requests for a gig, I'd love to be able to have that info out there, so they can see that I've gotten good reviews from previous events and, you know, hire me with confidence. But I really don't know what the rules of decorum are here.

So those of you who have glowing testimonials posted on your website, how do you get those? How do you frame them? What is the secret of getting people to offer up a good review in a quotable fashion...I mean I just don't feel right typing up what people say to me after a show or class, ya know?

Do you think they are helpful and necessary?

I've solicited testimonials in a general email to students, selecting the most original and personally meaningful ones; I've asked my mentors for testimonials; and during conversations, I've asked people for permission to quote what they just told me, as sometimes I'll think, that would be great on my website. I will only post with permission.

I have a separate page for testimonials on my website. I enjoy reading testimonials and believe they can add to the overall image of the dancer/teacher/studio they are recommending.


Khalida

Testimonials I think add validity to your teaching or performing. It is like adding a little bit of "word of mouth" business to your web site.

I collect them at the end of a workshop or a series of classes. I pass out an instructor evaluation form and the last page is a space for a testimonial. I make it clear that if they are comfortable being quoted on line than they should check the box at the top of the page.

I also send an e-mail to my clients who hire me as a performer as soon as I get home form the event. I ask them to submit a testimonial.

I also try to keep index cards in my dance bag, just in case I have the opportunity to grab a testimonial.

When you ask for testimonials it is a good idea to provide a break down of information for them to add. A good testimonial should include:
- identify who they are
ex: I am a mother of three
- what problem they had
ex: I was tired all the time and never had time for myself
- how you helped them
ex: class with "x" opened my eyes to a new community of women and my energy skyrocketed.
- how their life has improved
ex: I am now happier and I feel more fulfilled thanks to my belly dance class!

Specifics are very important! But if your testimonials are too verbose, potential customers wont read them. Also, make sure you tell people to be completely honest. You will not use every testimonial you collect, just the best ones.

I think the sort of testimonials that appeal to dancers who might hire you to teach a workshop are not always the same ones that would appeal to GP customers looking to hire you for a gig or potential students thinking of trying your class. I guess that means that you want an assortment of angles. Can you get any useful quotes from the PBD feedback?

Originally Posted by Tourbeau

I think the sort of testimonials that appeal to dancers who might hire you to teach a workshop are not always the same ones that would appeal to GP customers looking to hire you for a gig or potential students thinking of trying your class. I guess that means that you want an assortment of angles. Can you get any useful quotes from the PBD feedback?

That's a thought. I'll have to look back at that and see.

I have thought about this same question when I see quotes on other dancers' sites and I think they ask for them. (I have done this for another site that my husband and I operate. When we have received comments about how much a customer loves one of our products, we contact him/her and ask if we can use the quote on the site.)

I have also noticed dancers writing quotes for each other for Google or other general public review situations.

When I follow up a gig with a "thanks for having me dance" email they usually respond with some kind words. I ask for permission to use them.
On my new redesign I have Brian (DreamStarStudios.com) make a testimonial submission page... actually two- one for teaching and one for shows. A few people have spontaneously used it. I can also send out the link with an email if I so choose.
As far as length- yes- I edit them down for brevity but do not change any details or words. For example I'll cut it in half to make two separate quotes and eliminate duplicate words or unnecessary details (such as the location of the wedding or something).

Yes, I think having some testimonials are good. When I was on GigMasters, they automatically solicit them for you, and I collected many of mine that way.