How To Get Testimonials (Hint: With Bribes)

Why can't you trust most testimonials?

Because most of them are directly or indirectly bribed. They are solicited; the opposite of the type of testimonial that is the best and actually believable--the unsolicited testimonial. Most testimonials are bribed--even by the legit companies. Apparently this is considered "O.K." Folks giving the testimonials do so voluntarily, but with the understanding that they will be getting something in return. Something like 50% or more off the product they're gushing about.

But the best thing that a person stands to get from giving a testimonial is exposure. Because by submitting one, your name and website is now going to be exposed to many other aspiring internet marketers, giving you free publicity and thus, traffic to your own website. As a matter of fact, in my inbox is another request for a testimonial for a product that I've never even used yet!

I'm requested to email my JPEG portrait photo and record my testimonial on his 1-800 line. In return for this, I stand to get "a tremendous amount of exposure to targeted traffic..." (due to my signature block and link back to my site.) Now, I happen to know that the guy who is promoting this product is squared away. And I've bought and used a couple of other things he's promoted...

But it's still a bribed testimonial. Because giving my testimonial with my photo and signature block is like free advertising for me! (And I haven't even tried the product.) This is part of the reason why Internet Marketing can be described as a "self-licking ice cream cone." (Which happens to be the title of another article I wrote on honestysellsbest.com;)

A blind man could see the conflict of interest here!

Nevertheless, lots of testimonials for a product is generally a good sign. You gotta figure if the product or service is truly crappy, not even bribes would suffice for normal people. (Even if we are all a bit greedy;) However, lots of testimonials--I'm talking ones with photos and audio and maybe even video--still don't guarantee that the product they're promoting is as great as they're making it out to be.

Take another real-world example I've had personal experience with recently:

I recently bought a high-ticket item--a comprehensive software for managing affiliates and partners and all sorts of transactions with one centralized script. The sales page was full of audio/video/photo testimonials. These people spoke of this product as if it actually made them younger, stronger, and better-looking. I'm not kidding, I've never read and heard people gush over any product so enthusiastically before...

I was sucked in like a starry-eyed groupie at a rock concert. But here's when I knew those testimonials were bribed: After having a helluva time getting through the technical details of how to use the script, I finally went to the forum set up just for this product. The forum was a decent size for one product. But most posts were questions and answers about how to install and use the script--even though that was not the sole intention of creating the forum.

But here's the kicker: There was one section entitled, "Testimonials." Just this very moment I returned from that forum to see if this section has changed in the last 3 months...it hasn't: there are still "0" ZERO testimonials for this product. There IS one post in the "testimonials" section: It's from the script's author and site owner--requesting that will someone please write a testimonial!

Of course, the best, most believable testimonial is the "unsolicited testimonial." This is a whole 'nother level of testimonial; in a league all its own. You can be sure that if someone has lots of unsolicited testimonials, that they and their product or service is above reproach. By the way, a few popular internet marketers who get unsolicited testimonials regularly are Dave Vallieres, Dr. Ken Evoy, Mark Hendricks, and Mark Joyner (although Mark Joyner is technically NOT an "internet marketer" but a public speaker now.)

The most ethical way to solicit testimonials is not to bribe them, but to simply ask for them. Which means asking for them with wording that makes it clear that you only want testimonials from folks who've actually tried your product/read your e-book and like it. Also make it clear that you won't allow "live" hyperlinks that could take visitors away from your website if clicked. This way, you get most of the advantages "bribed" testimonials without the disadvantages.

Of course, getting totally unsolicited testimonials would be great, however, you have no control over that. In the meantime, ask for them using the above simple method and continue to strive for great products and great customer service. This way, it will only be a matter of time until you do receive UNsolicited testimonials!

Savvy Newbies and NetPreneurs rejoice! Finally, an unbiased review site of the best 'net marketing products that's NOT an affiliate link farm. You will nod in agreement at multiple articles that are rants on internet marketing--and leave your own rants! Can you take the sobering truth without being offended? Want to have fun while you learn? Stop wasting time. Take these real, doable steps to actually making a living from your computer. Check out http://www.HonestySellsBest.com (It's different;)