Getting clients is a major priority for your business. How you go about getting those clients is important, too. Consider these important factors when you are trying to build up your client base and move your business forward. There is a significant value in having endorsements and testimonials, so asking for some feedback from your clients can seriously help you get some leverage, and may help your next potential client “tip in” and opt to go with your company over another they may be considering.

Get Testimonials

What builds your business the most is clients with results.  So first of all, be selective about you you work with.   Choosing the wrong clients who don’t get results can negatively affect your reputation.

Ask your satisfied clients if they would be willing to write a testimonial for you. Before using that testimonial, be sure that you have their explicit consent to do so, though. This is especially important if you are going to use any part of their name or business name, and their photo. Studies have shown  that the number one thing that people look for when choosing a consulting business is references, in the form of reviews and testimonials.

Don’t use initials or “anonymous” as those can be perceived as fictional, which impacts your credibility.

Get Social Proof

Make sure that you have a fan page on the social media networks, and ask your clients to “like” it or follow it. The more fans and followers that your company has, the more credibility it has you are showing potential clients that you have a strong customer base and that they are satisfied. A follow or a like on the social pages is a form of a testimonial.

Celebrity Endorsements

Do you have any celebrity clients? While you don’t necessarily need Brad Pitt to come out and say how great your company is, a locally known and respected business person can really give you some excellent exposure. People love to know who the successful people are working with, and will be checking out your company. If you are selling a product or service that is endorsed by a celebrity (think, “recommended by Dr. Oz”), then use some of their direct quotes when you can.

Media Exposure

When you have media exposure, whether print ads, billboards or even online advertisements, this makes your company look larger, more powerful and more successful. Get in on local media exposure. Buy spots in fundraiser pamphlets (think about a banner at the local ball field, or an ad in the graduation program for the local high school). While your exposure shouldn’t be entirely local, this is really easy to get, and you can build from there. Media exposure gives your company credibility.

Use Salespeople

When possible, use a third party salesperson to help promote your company. When people get an endorsement for an entrepreneur from another person, especially for coaching and consulting, it really can carry some weight.

Gaining credibility for your company takes some effort, but testimonials and endorsements are a great way to gain exposure and help present your company, yourself, your products and your services in a very positive light!

Take a look at the case studies we’ve created for clients I’ve worked with:
www.CherylHeppard.com/praise