Collecting Testimonials Effectively
Learn the best strategies and techniques for collecting authentic customer testimonials
What You'll Learn
This guide covers all methods for collecting testimonials using Retold.me, from targeted outreach to organic submissions.
Overview
Collecting testimonials is crucial for building trust with potential customers. Retold.me offers multiple approaches to gather authentic testimonials from your customers, each suited for different scenarios and business needs.
Our platform supports both targeted collection (reaching out to specific customers) and organic collection (customers submitting voluntarily), giving you flexibility in your approach.
Collection Methods
Targeted Links
Create unique links with random public keys to send to specific customers. These links can be customized with expiration dates and are perfect for follow-up emails after successful transactions or support interactions.
Best for: Reaching out to specific customers after positive interactions, sending follow-up emails, or when you want to collect testimonials from known contacts.
Organic Submissions
Share your company's general submission link (e.g., retold.me/companies/your-slug/submit) for customers to submit testimonials voluntarily. This method works well when customers are motivated to share their experiences.
Best for: Companies with highly engaged customers, situations where customers initiate contact, or as a general feedback channel.
Email Campaigns
Integrate your testimonial links into your email marketing campaigns. Use targeted links in post-purchase emails, follow-up sequences, or dedicated testimonial request campaigns.
Best for: Post-purchase follow-ups, customer retention campaigns, or when you have a segmented email list of satisfied customers.
Creating Targeted Links
Targeted links are the most effective way to collect testimonials from specific customers. Here's how to create and use them effectively:
Step 1: Generate the Link
In your dashboard, navigate to the Links section and click "Create Link". You can set an optional expiration date and description for the link.
Step 2: Customize the Experience
Use the Form Builder to customize the submission form that your customer will see. Add specific questions relevant to their experience with your product or service.
Step 3: Deliver the Link
Send the link via email, SMS, or any other communication channel. Personalize your message to increase response rates.
Optimizing for Higher Response Rates
Timing
Request testimonials shortly after a positive interaction, when the experience is fresh in the customer's mind.
Personalization
Personalize your testimonial request with specific details about the customer's experience to increase engagement.
Incentivization
Consider offering small incentives for testimonials, but ensure they don't compromise the authenticity of the feedback.
Anti-Duplicate Measures
Retold.me implements smart anti-duplicate measures to ensure testimonial authenticity:
For Targeted Links
Each targeted link is tied to a unique request ID, preventing the same customer from submitting multiple times via the same link.
For Organic Submissions
Our system prevents duplicate submissions based on the combination of company ID and author name, reducing spam while allowing legitimate repeat customers to share new experiences.
Best Practices
Follow Up Strategically
Don't be afraid to send a gentle reminder after a few days if you haven't received a response, but avoid being pushy.
Make It Easy
Ensure your testimonial submission form is as simple as possible. The easier it is to submit, the more responses you'll receive.
Express Gratitude
Always thank customers for taking the time to provide testimonials, regardless of whether you ultimately publish them.