Let me tell you about the time I scored my first big client for Mad Over Internet. No, it wasn’t because I had the flashiest website or the coolest social media posts. It was because of a testimonial. Yep, a few kind words from a past client did more for my brand than all the self-promotion I could ever do.
It all started when I was talking to a potential client who was on the fence about working with me. I had explained my services, shown them my portfolio, but they still seemed unsure. Then, I sent them a glowing testimonial from one of my previous clients, who had experienced great results from working with me. And just like that, they were sold.
It was a lightbulb moment for me: testimonials and endorsements are like magic spells for personal branding. They’re the social proof that makes people trust you. And trust is everything in the world of business.
So, if you’re looking to build your personal brand, it’s time to harness the power of testimonials and endorsements. Let’s dive into why they matter, how to use them effectively, and some fun ways to make your brand shine through the words of others.
Why Testimonials and Endorsements Matter
Before we jump into how you can use testimonials, let’s talk about why they’re so important.
Imagine this: You’re looking to hire a new yoga instructor. You find two profiles online. One instructor has a beautiful bio, fancy website, and looks like they know their stuff. The other has all of that too, but they also have pages filled with testimonials from real people raving about their experience. Who do you trust more? Exactly.
Testimonials give your audience a reason to trust you. In the noisy online world, where everyone is shouting about their skills, having someone else back up your claims is a game changer. It tells potential clients or employers, “Hey, I’ve worked with real people, and they loved what I did for them.”
Endorsements work similarly, but they often come from someone with authority or a respected figure in your field. When someone with credibility vouches for you, it’s like getting a stamp of approval that boosts your brand’s value instantly.
1. Collecting Testimonials: Don’t Be Shy!
The first step in using testimonials for your personal brand is pretty simple: ask for them! But if you’re like most people (including me), this can feel a little awkward at first. “Isn’t it weird to ask someone to say something nice about me?” you might think.
Trust me, it’s not. In fact, most people are happy to give testimonials, especially if they had a positive experience. If you’ve done great work for someone, chances are they’d love to support you. All you have to do is ask.
Here’s how I do it:
- After completing a project, I send a friendly email thanking the client and casually ask if they’d be open to sharing their experience in a short testimonial.
- I offer to make it easy for them by providing a few guiding questions. Something like, “What did you enjoy most about working with me? How did I help you achieve your goals?”
- If the client seems busy, I might even draft a few lines based on what they’ve shared with me and let them tweak it if needed. Most people appreciate this because it saves them time.
Once you get a few testimonials, you’ll feel more confident asking for them—and before you know it, you’ll have a library of glowing reviews ready to showcase!
2. Placing Testimonials Strategically
Now that you’ve collected a handful of stellar testimonials, where do you put them? You want them to be visible but not overwhelming. Here are some ways I’ve found super effective:
- Website: Your website is the first place people will look when they want to know more about you. Having a dedicated section for testimonials (with real photos of your clients, if possible!) builds instant trust. If someone’s scrolling through your services or about page, those testimonials serve as social proof that you’re the real deal.
- Social Media: Social platforms are great for sharing short, snappy testimonials. A well-designed testimonial graphic or a quick client video shoutout can grab attention and build your brand. I like to post client feedback as Instagram stories or LinkedIn posts with a personal thank you message.
- LinkedIn Recommendations: If you’re building a professional personal brand, LinkedIn is your best friend. Ask clients or colleagues for recommendations, and give some in return! When someone visits your profile, seeing recommendations instantly sets you apart as someone credible.
3. Endorsements: The Next Level of Trust
If testimonials are golden, endorsements are platinum. While testimonials come from your clients, endorsements are usually given by someone with authority or expertise in your field. Think of them as a “seal of approval” from someone people already trust.
For example, I once collaborated with a well-known digital marketer. After our project wrapped up, they were kind enough to endorse my work on LinkedIn. That endorsement brought in so much credibility, and I noticed a spike in people reaching out to work with me.
Here’s how you can approach getting endorsements:
- Build Relationships: This one’s key. Endorsements don’t come out of the blue—you have to build relationships with others in your field. Start by engaging with their content, supporting their work, and offering value without expecting anything in return.
- Collaborate: Find opportunities to collaborate with thought leaders or respected professionals. When you work closely with someone, they’re more likely to endorse you because they’ve seen your skills firsthand.
- Ask (Carefully): If you’ve built a relationship with someone, it’s okay to ask for an endorsement, but do it thoughtfully. Explain why their endorsement would mean a lot to you and how you’ve valued their guidance or work. Keep it genuine, and don’t pressure them if they’re not comfortable.
4. Making Testimonials and Endorsements Work for You
Now that you have testimonials and endorsements, let’s talk about how to make them work for your personal brand.
- Be Specific: Generic testimonials like “Great to work with!” are nice, but they don’t tell people much. Encourage your clients to be specific. For example, “Archana’s strategies helped me grow my Instagram following by 30% in three months!” is much more impactful.
- Use Video Testimonials: Written testimonials are powerful, but videos take it up a notch. Video testimonials are more personal, relatable, and trustworthy. Ask a few of your clients if they’d be willing to record a short video sharing their experience with you.
- Keep Them Updated: As your personal brand evolves, so should your testimonials. Make sure to keep gathering fresh reviews, especially as you work with new clients or take on different types of projects.
5. Telling Your Story Through Others’ Words
Remember, the best part about testimonials and endorsements is that they’re other people’s words telling your story. It’s not about bragging or showing off—it’s about giving potential clients a peek into what it’s really like to work with you. It’s their real-life experiences speaking louder than anything you could say.
And that’s the magic of it. When people see that you’ve already helped others succeed, they’ll trust that you can do the same for them. Your personal brand will grow organically as more people spread the word about you.
So, don’t be shy. Ask for that testimonial, seek out that endorsement, and let the world know how awesome you are through the voices of those who’ve seen your skills in action. Your personal brand will thank you for it!
Take Action Today!
Are you ready to embark on your own personal branding journey? At Mad Over Internet, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s work together to build a personal brand that attracts traffic and generates leads for your business. Reach out today to get started!
