Ever asked for a video testimonial? This may seem like a big ask. It may also seem like a lot of effort for both you and your client. I felt the same way. But… you need to start asking for video testimonials.

Here’s why-

In the last 24hrs, we’ve closed 2 new deals because of 1 video testimonial. It was recorded yesterday and posted last night. That is how powerful these things are and they are easier to produce than you’d think.

By the end of this article, you will know exactly how and when to ask for video testimonials. You will also know the tools you need to produce them for next to nothing (hint: you probably have one of them in your pocket right now).

The #1 reason that you do not have video testimonials right now, is because you think it needs to be perfect which requires a lot of time, money and effort. Guess what?

Done is better than Perfect.

The same video testimonial that closed 2 clients in the last 24hrs, was captured on iPhone. The lighting wasn’t great. The audio was worse. But, the message was clear.

“Bryce really is amazing at not just getting to know your industry and understanding your needs, but he really knows his stuff and I highly recommend him.” – Ada K, CEO

The CEO of ADA Collection (#1 High-Fashion Belt Retailer in the US) then goes into more detail about how I’ve helped them grow.

Was the video perfect? No.

(click the play button see what I mean →)

Is it good enough and generating business? YES.

(I saw an immediate ROI on my reluctant request for this video testimonial)

Do you have a video camera on you at all times? YES.

Is there any legitimate reason for you and I not to have more video testimonials? NO.

You don’t need a Hollywood grade camera, a lighting crew and a sound mixer because guess what…

The minimum effective dose is our goal. And as proven, an testimonial shot on your iPhone is good enough. That is our minimum effective dose.

Want better sound quality? Not a bad idea. Buy this $19.99 Sony iPhone microphone. Send it directly to your client if you can’t meet up in person and tell them they can keep it as an extra incentive.

High-end (perfect) vids are time-intensive, expensive and intimidating. For these reasons, they hardly ever get (done).

So stop waiting for the timing and the equipment to be perfect. And start getting shit done.

Here is why video testimonials work:

  1. Trust Factor– 78% of people say they trust online reviews just as much as recommendations from acquaintances. It is the closest you can get to a word-of-mouth referral.
  2. Better Than Text– Anyone can fake a written testimonial. I could put on a blonde wig and raise my voice a couple of octaves, but my busy brown eyebrows would give me away every time.
  3. Can’t Fake Emotion– “Gripping. Could not put the book down.” – James Patterson. Authors and many professionals will give a favorable peer-review in exchange for the recipient providing a favorable the next time they launch a book. Most times, they’ve peer-reviews come from people who have never even read the book. However, they would probably not agree to do a fake video testimonial because you’d have to blatantly lie and fake emotion. Most people are not willing to do that which makes videos testimonials much more credible than written testimonials.

 Chase Cleckner, VIEO

But how do you get video testimonials?

Here are a few ways to get a video testimonial from your customers:

  1. Do a great job for them and don’t ask unhappy customers for anything other than a chance to make things right.
  2. Next time they ask you for a favor or something extra say, “Sure. I would be happy to do that. Can I ask a small favor of you?”
  3. If they never ask you for anything extra, wait for the next time they compliment you or initiate a conversation about your service or product, “Hi Client, seems like you were pretty happy about us delivering 74% more webinar attendees than our original goal. Would you mind recording a quick iPhone video about the campaign in your words?”
  4. Ask them if they would like a loose script or to just ad-lib, tell them that they do not have to do multiple takes. The longer the video the better. You will do all of the editing and not to worry about bloopers (messing up), just keep rolling.

That’s it.

Hope this article helps you get new clients and grow your business.