Home Staging Training Tips: Secrets to getting incredible testimonials regularly
I've often heard from home stagers that they have a difficult time getting testimonials from their clients - even when the client has loved what they've done. I find it ironic because in over 4 years of monthly newsletters I have not missed inserting a client testimonial yet. While admittadly some of it is because we do more volume in my company than many, giving us more opportunities for testimonials, I think the real reason we always manage to get them is our approach.
First of all, you are doing a monthly newsletter, right? If you've read my posts for the past few years by now you know that this is the single biggest marketing strategy we employ. If you need more info on this, let me know and I'll make it another tip... Anyway, back to the subject. If you are sending out a monthly newsletter, it should contain a testimonial from either a homeowner or an agent. This way you can advertise how wonderful your work is without having to say it yourself. Remember, most people won't believe (or care) what comes from you, but from when someone else says it, it carries weight.
Let your clients know that you are sending out the newsletter and when it goes out and that you area 'always looking for client testimonials'.... advise them that you would be happy to 'feature' their listing if they would provide some information about how they felt about your services, if they were happy with your work. If your newsletter has a large audience - let them know how large and who that audience is.
You see, an agent never wants to miss out on an opportunity to have their listings presented to other agents or potential buyers. They want to be recognized and in full view. By giving you a testimonial - only if they are happy with your work - then they have that opportunity.
Try this strategy and see if you still have any problems getting testimonials - I bet you won't!
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Melissa Marro, a published artist, now turned staging advocate and national speaker speaks her mind about real estate and the home staging industry. In her 'no holds barred' approach, audience members find real answers to the industries pitfalls and learn how to overcome them with tried and true information and guidance. With marketing as her passion, she turned a small home based business into one of the nation's largest home staging and training facilities. Selling her successful home staging company in January 2012, Marro is now a full time speaker and instructor for Staging And Resign and Real Estate Staging Association (RESA)'s trade events.
For more information on having Marro speak at one of your real estate functions, please contact her at 843.619.1593 or email at marro.melissa@gmail.com
Melisa,
Testimonials are very powerful. I like publishing a few in my monthly newsletters and also listing them on my website so others can see.
Melissa, thanks for the tip ;).
Hi Melissa,
Thanks for the post. Have a great day.
Great advice, Melissa. I recently read in a book by a PR guru than not using testimonials is the biggest mistake most small business owners make in their marketing plan.
I agree. The client that I was just at this afternoon wanted references but then when he saw the testimonials on my website that was all he needed. Do you use a newsletter service? I was doing my own for awhile but it got so cumbersome!
Great post! Excellent information's and tips! Testimonials are great for business!
Thanks for sharing,
Adam
Hi Melissa, Testimonials are key and so important to our business. We have implemented it as part of our Sales Processes. Thank you for sharing
That's a great tip Melissa. I often get testimonials months after the fact, so getting them sooner would be great. I'll try your tip in my next newsletter.
Right on Melissa!
I used to be shy about asking my clients for them - but no more. Testimonials are a powerful and effective way to increase referrals and I am implementing them as part of my marketing materials. I love the way you approach your clients - super smart and without being pushy.
Thank you for all the tips, you are a savvy business woman and I always learn tons from you. Have a great weekend!
~Claudia
Hi Melissa,
As a new stager I am constantly trying to stay on top of my clients to give me testimonals, thanks for the info. your a great teacher!
Melissa,
Thanks for the great tip. I too wonder if you use a service to do your newsletter or do it yourself? You always have great advise!