Abstract:
A testimonial is an essential element to build reputation. It is used as an introduction to an institution or company and used to create context about a institutions services and relationships. Testimonials are tools that provide social proof. They are used to showcase work and its reputation.Today's competitive world demands endurance - the inner strength to withstand stress and perform your best in every condition.
Student testimonials provide a unique and authentic perspective on what it's like to attend your institution. They can provide prospective students insights into the challenges and successes that past students have experienced in your programs.
Keywords:
Testimonials, Institutions, Students, Corporate, Alumni, Employment, Reputation, Relationship
Learning Outcomes:
After undergoing this article you will be able to understand the following:
1. What's exactly a testimonial?
2. Why Are Testimonials Important in Higher Education?
3. What's the purpose testimonials for the institute given by its students?
4. What are the characteristics of testimonials?
5. What are elements of testimonials?
6. What are the types of testimonials?
7. How to write a testimonial?
8. Which kind of testimonials are better for your institution?
9. How to gather testimonials?
10. How to highlight testimonials and where?
11. Conclusions
12. FAQs
References
1. What's exactly a testimonial?
In promotion and advertising, a testimonial or show consists of a person's written or spoken statement extolling the virtue of a product. The term "testimonial" most commonly applies to the sales-pitches attributed to ordinary citizens, whereas the word "endorsement" usually applies to pitches by celebrities.
The testimonial is a written declaration certifying to a person's character, conduct, or qualifications, or to the value, excellence, etc., of a thing; a letter or written statement of recommendation. something given or done as an expression of esteem, admiration, or gratitude.
2. Why Are Testimonials Important in Higher Education?
Testimonials for higher education allow students to learn about current or past students’ experiences and get a more direct telling of the atmosphere, what to expect, and what campus life is like. More importantly, it allows graduate students to develop a deeper connection and build trust with faculty while getting more feedback on program expectations and outcomes.
3. What's the purpose testimonials for the institute given by its students?
By definition, a testimonial is a formal statement testifying to someone’s character or qualifications. This could pertain to either a product or service. And the formality of a customer testimonial is what makes it unique. It’s also what sets the bar higher than a quote or thumbs up or a review site.
Sure, a review on social media could lead to potential customers. But when a customer is willing to show their face, or lend their voice to their review.
Therefore, the primary goal of a testimonial is to positively influence a customer about your product, your service, and/or your business.
In an institution, while campus tours, program outlines, and interviews are important for equipping applicants with the information they need to make informed decisions, student testimonials help individuals forge a deeper understanding of what campus life is really like at your institution. It also signifies life after passing out.
4. What are the characteristics of testimonials?
Make sure that a testimonial should bestow characteristics like :
- Specific. “Priya is a great copywriter and always gets good results for us” doesn’t impress new prospects. Better? “Priya has a knack for figuring out who our ideal client is, connecting with them on a deeper emotional level, and getting them to take action.”
- Short. If a client gives you a testimonial, they usually think more is better. I recommend pulling out only the best parts of a long testimonial so it’s short and sweet.
- Addressing one common objection. Think about the four or five main reasons people don’t hire you as a copywriter, and try to get one testimonial that addresses each one of those objections.
- Truthful. That should go without saying, of course, but in this age of LinkedIn endorsements that don’t mean a whole lot, make sure you’re only posting testimonials from real clients who are being completely straightforward and honest in their assessment of you.
- Selling you in a unique way. Like I stated in #1 above, specific is better than general, and it also should be well written to position you in a special way.
So the characteristics of testimonies should be
- Clear, Concise, and Complete.
- Personal and Interesting. In order to be effective, a personal testimony must be, in fact, personal.
- Conclusive.
- Consistent and Credible.
- Impeccably Honest.
- A Privilege Granted.
5. What are elements of testimonials?
Your testimonial must be
credible,
current and
compelling.
When all three of these elements are present, the testimonial is most likely to convince prospective clients that you're in the real deal.
6. What are the types of testimonials?
The types of testimonials are many. The top testimonials, according to their formation, purpose and usage, are as follows :
Video testimonials
Audio testimonials
Written testimonials
Influencer testimonials
Students testimonials
Corporate testimonials
Customer testimonials
Service testimonials
Authority testimonials
Press review testimonials
Publication testimonials
Peer testimonials
Visitors testimonials
Success stories
Documentary series
Case studies
Quote testimonials
The types of testimonials are self explanatory by its name and usage.
7. How to write a testimonial?
The testimonies of a person place, thing or services are different.
The personal testimonials should present only one main thought. Prepare an interesting, attention‐getting opening statement and close with a good conclusion. Communicate relevant information in such a way that others feel associated with you in past and present experiences. Be honest and real.
While developing a write up of testimonial, you should
- Explain your specific situation.
- Provide specifics of the problem the product solved for you.
- Be specific about the benefit you received. ...
- Keep the purchasing cycle in mind.
- Explain how the product furthered your mission.
- Use the testimonial as an opportunity to stand out.
The Writing of a Testimonial should focus on to
- Describe a Problem to Solve or Goal to Hit.
- Provide Background Information.
- Illustrate the Benefits of the Product or Service.
- Show How You Overcame Objections.
- Provide Specific Details and Data.
- Mention the Creator's Name.
- Include a Photograph or Video.
- Link to the Testimonial Creator's Website.
8. Which kind of testimonials are better for your institution?
Your testimonial should only be two or three paragraphs, at most. They should be written in your customer's tone so that your testimonial doesn't seem overly formal or technical.
Testimonials are accessible, easy to understand the content that connects with potential customers.
9. How to gather testimonials?
In an institution set up, You should consider gathering testimonials from:
1. Current Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Reaching out to both undergraduate and graduate students will not only help you target different audiences for potential interest, but you will get to see students at different academic levels:
2. Students in Different Faculties/Programs
If your school offers a range of different faculties or programs, then be sure to highlight students from every department.
3. Respected Alumni
It is always essential to have a strong alumni network for your school. Alumni testimonials provide potential students with great insight into their experiences, programs and possible career options after graduating.
4. Program Leaders
If your school offers programs or clubs in areas such as academics, leadership, arts, sports, etc., gather some testimonials from people who run those programs.
Program leader testimonials are an excellent opportunity to showcase more elements of your school and encourage current or future students to participate in more campus activities to better their experiences.
5. Faculty, Administration and Staff
Hearing from respected professors, admin, and staff members will not only provide more insight but will also set the tone for the environment at your institution.
These are a few tactics you can use to gather testimonials.
- Ask via email.
- Interview your client.
- Co-write the testimonial with the client.
- Find out what people are saying on social media.
- Send an SMS template to customers.
- Organise events and get endorsed
- Develop rapport
- Bring excellence in your service and products.
- Practice professionally
- Remember in important occasions
- Invite for guest lectures
- Extend hospitality, in case approached for.
- Share important accomplishments
10. How to highlight testimonials and where?
Social media marketing is such a powerful tool in today’s technological climate.
You can
# create conversations through social media,
# showcase your values,
# encourage engagement, and # effectively represent your institution
# You may incorporate call-to-actions directly back to your institution.
# You can display written and video testimonials across your website and social media platforms like
# Instagram,
# Facebook and
# LinkedIn.
This is a great way to spark conversation among students, alumni, and faculty.
Where to Display Testimonials on Your Website:
Homepage
Program pages
Campus/activity pages
Alumni page
Blog posts
Testimonial page
Apart from the above you may showcase testimonials in
Newsletters
Journals
Seminars
Brochures
Handbills
Leaflets
Training and Placement Brochures
Institution Innovation Council
Entrepreneurship Development Cell
11. Conclusions
Testimonials are a great tool to highlight the most important values of your institution and allow respected students, staff, and alumni to do some of the brand-building for you.
12. FAQs
Most of the time it is asked how a testimonial should be. So here are few samples given for your understanding
An internship allows you to explore different career fields and professional environments.
“The purpose of doing an internship is for a student to decide if this is truly the path they want (to be in) for their career and that is what my internship did for me. I have so much more knowledge after my placement here.”
An internship is a great way to gain valuable hands-on experience and make you more marketable to employers.
“This was a great internship that made me much more knowledgeable and marketable in the health care field, particularly in community mental health. I found that some knowledge from class work was applied. However, a majority of the knowledge I gained was through the hands-on experience of working in this agency.”
Internship Site: Alcohol and Drug Dependency Services
An internship gives you perspective on careers in Health and Human Services.
“I gained an overall perspective of what goes on on a daily basis in an intensive treatment center.”
An internship builds confidence in your skills, abilities and career decisions.
“This internship has been one of the most valuable and memorable experiences I have had during my undergraduate years. I have changed through the course of this internship in a positive way and for the first time am confident in where I am heading.”
An internship can help confirm a hunch about your true calling.
“The most important thing I gained from this internship was the affirmation of my choice to go into higher education and that my true passion lies in working on a college campus with the student population.”
An internship puts theory into practice.
“This opportunity has allowed me to gain the professionalism and skills I will use to one day become a successful lawyer.”
“My internship at Volunteer Lawyers Project has given me the opportunity to apply the knowledge that I have received at the University at Buffalo to real legal cases.”
“After participating in the activities that I have experienced, I have become more aware of what happens and what employees do to make the court function smoothly.”
“I am really glad that I had the opportunity to work with attorneys over the last semester. I am a firm believer in the idea that you won’t know if you like something until you try it. It isn’t enough to study for a career because eventually you have to stop studying it and you have to start practicing it.”
“I would like to thank the department for allowing students the opportunity to have community internships and get credit for them. Sometimes it is not just the reading and testing of materials in a classroom that really tells what a person is capable of accomplishing. It is the hands on experiences that can make a really big difference.”
References
1. Testimonials by Kelly Perutelli
2. Goodreads
3. Ideal Testimonial GUEST BOOK / Visitors Book
4. Google
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