When you’re considering hiring someone that you’re going to bring into your home — like a housekeeper, plumber, or even a dog trainer — it can make you nervous. You’re letting someone into your home and personal life in the hopes that they will provide a solution to your problem. You want to make sure they’re trustworthy and the right fit for the job.
Why Do I Need Testimonials?
One of the first things people do nowadays when searching for a service is hop on Google or Facebook and check out the reviews.
Here are some tips on how to collect testimonials for your website and social media profiles. Trust me — your potential customers will be looking for them. The more (positive) reviews you have, the quicker someone will be convinced to hire you.
Ask Clients to Submit Video Testimonials
Nowadays, it’s a little too easy to “buy” followers and five-star reviews. There are people for hire who will create batches of bot accounts that you can then purchase to add to follower count or alter their average star rating.
One of the best methods for trust-building with future clients is to request that existing and former clients send in video testimonials. Most people — if they’re happy with the work you’ve done — will be eager to help out!
Be sure to give them a heads-up during your second to last in-person meeting and plan to shoot the video at the last session so they have time to put their thoughts together. If you spring a sudden video shoot on them, they may not be as comfortable with you recording them.
Ask Questions for Them to Answer
To get the best results from your video testimonials, plan on asking your client these two questions:
- What motivated you to hire me specifically as your dog trainer?
- What would you tell a friend that was considering hiring me?
By asking those questions, you guide them toward getting the best material for your video testimonial.
Brag About Your Accomplishments on Social Media
When a client has had a good experience with the results they hoped to achieve, brag about it! Share your client success stories on your website, Facebook, Instagram, and wherever else you’re active.
For example, right before your last lesson with a client you could say “I think we’ve made awesome progress and I’d love to feature your dog on my website (or social media profiles) with a review from you.”
The client will likely be just as excited to share their satisfaction with the solution you provided to their problem.
Send Out Emails
One of the easiest ways to get written testimonials is to send emails to your last 10 clients following this script:
“Hi! I’m looking to add some fresh material to my [website and/or social media]. I would love to feature [client’s dog]! Would you be able to send over a couple of sentences about what it was like to work with me and how our time together impacted you?”
Say your “thank yous” and “look forward to hearing back from yous” at the end, sign your name, and send it off! Once a month you can follow up with your latest clients and collect their testimonials.
It may feel odd in the beginning, but requesting testimonials is a big part of marketing your services! Don’t be afraid to show off your good reviews.
What if you knew exactly what to say, sell, and do, to work less,
earn more per client,get better results, have happier clients?
What if you knew exactly what to say, sell, and do, to work less, earn more per client, get better results, have happier clients?
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