Tell Me About It: Testimonials as PR – Part I for MTN News, published by CoryWest Media and written by Barbara Rozgonyi
Tonight Harris Fellman is interviewing me about my success with his Codename Catalyst program. He’s a smart guy. Six of us will be on the phone with him giving live testimonials about his teaching styles and his products to 500 people around the world.
Another smart marketer, Armand Morin, posted video testimonials on his Big Seminar 9, site. When you visit Armand’s site you’ll see the variety and you can watch me – I’m in position one.
Whenever I think my experience can help someone make a better decision, learn something new or contract with an industry leader, I often email a quick testimonial, send off a video or step out in front of a video camera to give them a snapshot of my story they can use in their marketing.
Every day you come in contact with someone who can promote your business – for free. All you have to do is tell them a story about your experience with their product or service and they’ll be happy to relay it to others as a testimonial. Remember, it works both ways. When you give a testimonial, you may be asked back to talk about your experience and your results must match your testimonial.
Step One: Short and Sweet Review
All you need to do is write up a short and sweet review. Keep it quick and stick to one main point summarized in a few sentences. Mention your expertise in a quote like this:
“As a __________, I found your suggestion about __________ to be a key piece of information I needed to _____________________.”
Step Two: Record it
Video or audio testimonials leave a longer lasting impression than written words. Offer to record your testimonial or just hand it over.
Step Three: Power Signature
Whenever you send a testimonial, include a power signature. Go beyond your name and include any relevant information that supports your connection to the audience: your company name, appropriate title [for some you may be president, others a speaker or a consultant] and your website. Sending your photo along connects your name with your face.
Step Four: Send it
Sending the testimonial on your letterhead with a signature is the most formal approach and is the best when your letter will be displayed. Follow up with an email that includes an audio or video attachment. Give them approval to use your testimonial, image and media in their press releases, on their site, at their business and in any of their marketing materials.
Step Five: Take Action
Now that you know how to write and package testimonials, here are a few ways to take action today.
Send a follow up email to a speaker after a presentation summarizing your top takeaways.
Look in your inbox and find an ezine you like, choose to respond to an article with a comment and testimonial on how much you enjoy each issue.
Pick out a few products you enjoy using, look up the company’s contact information and let them know how their products make your life better.
Offer to be a spokesperson – either paid or unpaid.
Track the links from online mentions to your site[s] and blog[s] to measure your success.
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7 thoughts on “Tell Me About It: Testimonials as PR | MTN Ezine Article”
“As an author and blogger I find your the ongoing suggestions, tools and tips found on your blog to be exactly the kind of information I need to raise my level of New Media awarness AND attract more readers and customers to my work. Thank you Barbara!”
I’ll put this on a video as soon as I get back to my home studio and send it to you!
B.L.Lindstrom
Systems Janitor and Author in Muliple Media
http://SoIWroteThisBook.com
B.L.Lindstrom’s last blog post..Seeing De Light