98% of consumers read online reviews to learn about local businesses. That's a huge percentage of potential customers that positive reviews and testimonials about your janitorial business could sway.
If you are not adding testimonials and positive reviews to your marketing strategy, you miss out on getting new clients and making more profit for your business.
The Benefits of Social Proof
Word-of-mouth is one of the strongest forms of marketing. When a satisfied customer speaks highly of your business, it carries more weight than any advertisement or promotion you could create.
We are more likely to try a product or service when someone tells us they had a positive experience.
Interestingly, this is true even when we don't know them. 90% of customers will choose a product that comes with a person's recommendation over one lacking an endorsement.
Providing social proof to your customers gives your company credibility and helps you build trust. This is especially important in the janitorial business, where clients trust you to enter their personal spaces–like homes or property.
How to Collect Testimonials
The first step in including testimonials and positive reviews in your marketing strategy is to collect them from satisfied customers.
Here are some tips on how to gather this valuable information:
- Encourage customers to leave reviews on your social media pages or business listings. Offer a discount or free service for those who take the time to write a review.
- Send out surveys after completing a job, asking for feedback and permission to use their comments as testimonials.
- Ask satisfied customers if they would be willing to provide a video testimonial that you can share on your website or social media.
- Keep track of positive comments and compliments from customers and ask them if you can use their words as testimonials.
- Develop a system that automatically sends out a request for review.
Remember to always get permission before using any customer's name or words in your marketing materials.
How to Use Testimonials
Once you have gathered a few testimonials, it's time to put them to use. Here are some ways you can showcase your positive reviews:
Put Testimonials on Your Site
The most obvious place to put testimonials is on your website. This is where potential customers will go to learn more about your business and services.
Ensure the testimonials are accessible and placed prominently on your site. Most businesses use a carousel or section of their homepage to simultaneously display several reviews or testimonials. You can also dedicate a page of your site to longer reviews for potential customers to read.
Widgets and plugins can automatically pull reviews from popular review sites like Google. Make it easy for people to see the great things your customers have said about your business.
Use Testimonials in Marketing Materials
You can also include testimonials in your marketing materials, such as flyers, brochures, or business cards. Choose a few powerful quotes to highlight on these materials to catch the attention of potential clients.
If you can get permission from local businesses, display your available services on flyers and place them on community boards. Include several of your best testimonials.
Use Quotes as Part of Social Media and Email Marketing
Sharing customer testimonials on social media, email marketing campaigns, and other digital platforms is an effective way to reach potential customers.
Make sure to tag and thank the customer who provided the testimonial for their kind words (if allowed). This will show your gratitude and encourage them to share your business with others.
Share Stories on Your Blog
If you have a blog for your janitorial business, consider writing about some of your best customer experiences.
Share stories and quotes from satisfied customers to help paint a picture of what it's like to work with your company. This can be an effective way to show potential clients the benefits of hiring your services.
Update Regularly
Remember to update your testimonials and reviews regularly. This will show potential customers that you consistently provide high-quality services and keep your marketing materials fresh and relevant.
Conclusion
Including testimonials and positive reviews in your janitorial business's marketing strategy is crucial for building trust and credibility and attracting new clients. With a strong collection of testimonials, you can confidently market your janitorial business and stand out from the competition