Testimonials - video or written?

[Sir Movealot]

Hi all,

Just like to get your thoughts on testimonials for my website.

Example 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrT0oDvuhYg

Example 2 - Have just moved house and Sir Movealot were absolutely marvellous. Not one breakage. The guys were very friendly and did a great job. Everything was packed in blankets so stop any damage. Excellent job - well done & thanks heaps. Would highly recommend this company to anyone who wants goods moved. Aileen Kennard

I like the idea of video testimonials as I think they seem more authentic. I read some many testimonials on other removalists websites that just seem made up.

What do you guys think? Written or video? Or a mix of both?

Cheers

[Michael_R]

I just love video and the fact that people can see the person talking! Put a face to the testimonial!!

[yourvirtualboard]

Video is the way it's all going - also a certain authenticity from someone "real" doing an impromptu testimonial

[marketingweb]

Maybe it's just me (it probably is) but I am wary of video testimonials, although it would depend on the industry.

Reason being - Every scammer on the net has a video these days to make themselves more believable. Me - if I go to a website of a company who has anything to do with website development tools, seo etc (the sort of stuff i'm into) and they insist on showing me a video I run a mile.

That said I'm not saying i'm the main population or your target market, and the more authentic you can make it look no matter how you do it (text, text with photo, video), the better you will do. Give a sniff of it being faked, and it comes out even worse on video. Some (not yours) remind me of those "Blu Blockers" adverts from years ago or a bad infomercial.

Just my 2c worth (+gst)

Matt

[Hugh Thyer]

Both.

People respond to different media different ways.

[Gordon Akman]

You are going to be a big success, Sir Movealot. I remember your ad ideas in a previous thread and they were very good. Video on your site is an excellent idea. Someone in your ad thread suggested you write an e-book. With all due respect if I was looking to hire someone to move something for me I wouldn't be reading any articles or e-books about it. A clever light hearted and genuine video on the other hand I would definitely view.

In addition to your video testimonials I would actually put short videos of you working. Showing people who you are and how you work would give them all the information they would need to decide whether you could do the job they require.

[YoungNomad]

The more USP's you have the better! Video is awesome - it will definitely differentiate you from the competition (most I assume don't have decent websites etc).

Also, it doesn't cost anything, so the ROI coudl be great.

[Trish HBB]

I think a mix of both is great.

At my BNI meeting this week one member wrote a testimonial to another on letterhead instead of doing a verbal one. It's a great keepsake for the provider and it can also be put on your website.

Cheers,

Trish.