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---- Testimonials .

Liane - 11:04 pm on Mar 25, 2006 (gmt 0)


It has been suggested a few times that I include testimonials on my website from past guests who have used our services. From time to time, I even get clients requesting this sort of thing. (Boggles the mind ... but OK)

I have always been of the opinion that this sort of self serving aggrandizement is annoying, often unbelievable and far too easy to "fake". In fact, I laugh at those one paragraph "testimonials" that read like:

"We had a wonderful time! The boat was great and performed well. We loved the country and particularly enjoyed yada yada. We will definitely be back and next time we will bring a few more friends so we can get a bigger boat!"
Joan & Jon - Gary, Indiana

Jeeze ... who buys that cr@p? I sure don't!

Having said that, I have almost been convinced to go ahead and do it. However, if I am going to do it, it must be done in such a way as to be believable.

I have a few ideas such as using photos of happy clients (at the dock), interviews, rating systems, etc. but I would like to hear from you what your general feelings are on this topic and specifically:

  • Do you use testimonials?

  • Have you ever faked them? Come on, be honest!

  • Do you think they have any true value?

  • If you do use testimonials, do you do anything different than that which I have written above and find laughable? (Sorry if I insulted you by the way)

  • If buying a vacation somewhere, do you look for testimonials or read them even if they are available?

  • If you are like me and don't believe most internet testimonials hold much water, what might convince you that any testimonial was valid ... short of giving the client's address, e:mail address or phone number?

    Do you have any suggestions as to how to provide a truly believable testimonial that even the most cynical amongst us might buy?

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