Want More Business? Do This!

thumbnail-weightsOne of the greatest changes in my life came occurred because of a testimonial.  A friend posted how much she loved a workout class in our area. As a result, I signed up, started kickboxing and have gained huge strides in every aspect of my being.

Her informal testimonial led to increased sales for the kickboxing business. It alleviated many of my fears by describing that the class was friendly to all fitness levels.  It told me that the class works (because who wants to waste time and money on workouts that don’t work).

There were a few key factors that made her testimonial so successful.

    1. It used her real name.  Yes, I was friends with her on Facebook, but I knew she was indeed a real person.  The testimonial giver wasn’t a made up persona to generate more sales.
    2. It was specific.  The testimonial told me how much weight the user lost, and the non-tangible things she gained.  Instead of saying, “I love kickboxing.”, her testimonial showed me that it worked and that it was a welcoming environment.
    3. She used photos. Over a series of Facebook posts, this same person has also posted before and after pictures of her body’s transformation.  This is a great selling point for those of us wishing to lose weight!
    4. It overcame my objections. Like most people, I felt a bit afraid when starting to work out.  Would I know how to use the equipment?  Would I look like a complete idiot?  Would I pass out?  Would I start working out and eventually lose motivation?

So, what was her testimonial exactly?  To be honest, I can’t remember the exact words.  But, I do remember it caused me to take a risk and sign up and I haven’t looked back.  I do remember that it did the four things outlined above: it used her real name (I knew it was a legit testimony), it was specific, it used photos and it overcame my objections.  A simple post not only drove sales, but helped others.

Why not take a few minutes and gather some feedback from your supporters?  Testimonials are an inexpensive form of advertising and often, you are providing a service to your customers.  Any time you can help them know that you are offering a quality product and/or service, you are helping them.  Consumers are smart and don’t want to be sold to, they want to be served.  It’s a pretty cool thing when you get to make money helping others.

 

 

 

Sources

SEARCH ENGINE LAND: http://searchengineland.com/88-consumers-trust-online-reviews-much-personal-recommendations-195803

COPY BLOGGER: http://www.copyblogger.com/testimonials-part-1/  and  http://www.copyblogger.com/testimonials-part-2/

 

Client Spotlight: Empowering Fitness

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Over the course of the next few weeks, we are going to be highlighting some of our clients and the amazing work they do.  We feel pretty blessed because we get to work with some of the best people and we wanted to share who these people are and what they have to offer with you.

Our first client spotlight is Empowering Fitness.  Empowering Fitness has filled an important need in the Parkersburg, Iowa area and done so successfully.  Previously, there weren’t many opportunities for group fitness, but thanks to Empowering Fitness, that has changed. EF offers kickboxing classes for men and women of all fitness levels.  These classes are encouraging, uplifting and FUN!  At Empowering Fitness, it doesn’t matter if you’ve worked out for years, or you are just starting out.  The instructors are patient, motivating and take the time to show you how to properly do the exercises and how to maximize your workout for the best results.

However, as a participant, I have found the benefits of attending to be so much more than just physical.  I’ve gained a confidence that has been buried for years.  I find myself thinking, “If I could do 25 burpees last night, I can do this today!”.  It’s amazing how physical and mental strength go hand in hand.  If you want to take your business to the next level, I highly recommend you take the time to take care of your body.  Entrepreneurship, like many things in life, can be all consuming.  I have come to crave my workouts and I have found my work to be stronger, better and sharper since working out.

In addition to the mental and physical benefits, there are amazing social benefits to attending Empowering Fitness. I have found a community of like minded women who encourage and lift each other up.  When you think you want to quit, there is someone there to help you keep going.  In a world of me first, EF has been a breath of fresh air.

Empowering Fitness has a round of classes starting on Monday, October 10th in their new location!  Check out their website (designed by us!) for more details.  Learn more about Empowering Fitness at www.empoweringfitness.org.