Testimonials Mean Business

You can say you offer a quality home remodeling service but smart clients want proof—that means asking current and previous clients for testimonials.

We know—it’s hard to ask. And it’s even harder to get your clients to actually write one. But testimonials are great selling tools on websites, blogs, print ads and direct mail pieces, and even Facebook.

Here are a few tips for getting quality testimonials.

1. Ask each client for “Feedback” after every successful remodeling project
The trick to this approach is not to use the word “testimonial”. The word “testimonial” implicitly implies that the client should heap praise upon you whereas “feedback” indicates that a fair and balanced response is appropriate. And while you secretly do hope that the client will heap praise on your remodeling business, you want them to feel comfortable enough to do so.

2. Make the “Feedback” process easy
 Send every client a survey or evaluation form via email after the completion of every job. Word the questions on the survey carefully so that, in a pinch, you can use the survey responses as brief testimonials. Be sure to include a few open ended questions where the client can write in responses.

A few Questions to ask:

• What was their house like before they used your remodeling services?

• What was it like working with you?

• What specific results did they get from their home remodel?

• How did you compare in price to other companies they contacted?


3. Send a “Thank You"
Mail your customers a thank you card for doing business with you. In the card, ask if they would mind providing you with feedback via any method (mail, email, phone) that would be convenient for them.

4. Follow-up by telephone.
 If your client has not responded to your survey or thank you letters, attempt to contact them by telephone. Ask for a few minutes to discuss their satisfaction with your home remodeling services. Take note of positive comments and use these in your testimonials.

5. If all else fails—offer incentives
If the above methods do not produce results, try offering incentives to customers who provide feedback. Incentives could involve discounts off future services, gift cards, or other inexpensive items. Remember, this is an incentive for their time not as payment for inflated or unmerited praise.

6. Ask if you can use it
Once you get positive feedback from a client make sure to ask for permission to use it as a testimonial.

RemodelerPro makes getting testimonials easy. Our simple to use survey feature allows you to connect with each client after every remodeling job.