Innovative ways to use your customer testimonials

In the last issue we talked about how you can be successful at creating customer testimonials. So now that you've got them, how do you use them? Here are some innovative ways to implement the customer testimonials into your marketing strategies.

1. Do you have a professionally-recorded message that callers hear when they are on hold? If so, incorporate one or more customer testimonials (in their own voice whenever possible).

2. Maybe this one isn't innovative, but it's worth mentioning - Create a section on your web site for customer testimonials and strategically include testimonials in your marketing materials.

3. Include a testimonial on your invoices.

4. Ask your customer if they are willing to tell their story on audio or videotape. You can then include that everywhere you market your business on-line.

5. Throw a party or host an event. Invite all your customers and ask each one to bring along an ideal prospect. Make the focus of the event about getting to know each guest. If you've been successful at creating a loyal customer-base, they will likely give testimonials for your product or service without being asked.

Anne Lazo is owner of Eagle Soars Marketing. They are a full-service marketing and training company that has been serving small business owners for almost a decade.