Spreading The Word
Posted by Seran Glanfield on January 15, 2015 in Quick Tips, Tutorials
There is nothing more compelling to new clients than seeing and hearing the benefits of your services from other clients. This is why word of mouth marketing is so effective – when people tell their story they usually include how wonderful they find their class with anecdotes of why they keep coming back. This sounds like: “I feel great after and the teacher is excellent,” “I really see the changes,” “I’m stronger than ever.”
Testimonials help establish your credibility because they are real life examples of the experience you give your clients and the results that they get. They help to remove the concerns or doubts that stand in the way of taking that first session with you. Getting testimonials and sharing them is a simple but really effective way to spread the word about your business. If you can do one thing today for your business: get some testimonials!
How to get Testimonials
Getting good testimonials is all about asking in the right way. It’s important that your clients tell you specifically how they feel before and after a session, what they enjoy most, what concerns they had before their first visit. Be as specific as possible about your questions so that your client can be specific about their answers. “Pam is great” is not what we are going for here. We are looking for something more like: “Weekly sessions with Pam have helped to alleviate my back pain that I have suffered for the past 3 years. I used to take pain medication regularly but I haven’t needed it in months.”
THE DIFFERENCE IS IN THE DETAILS! Be sure to ask permission to use their name alongside their testimonial in your marketing materials—this is really important! Adding a picture of your client will also make testimonials more personal. Finally, don’t forget to share shout-outs on social media and re-post/re-tweet/re-instagram to your friends and followers. Putting some of these quotes on your website is a great way to convey your brand and services in a way that really connects with your clients.
Good Luck!
Seran
Seran Glanfield, founder of Spring Three (www.springthree.com), is a small business strategist who works exclusively with boutique fitness studio owners and instructors. Using tried-and-tested methods and tools, she helps her clients get clear about their business, stand out from the crowd, and set the foundations for strong and sustainable growth.
Originally from Wales (UK), Seran worked in finance before obtaining her certification under Romana’s Pilates at True Pilates in New York city in 2009. In addition to pilates, Seran enjoys running and paddle boarding. She lives in south Florida with her husband and two young children.
About Seran Glanfield
Seran Glanfield is a business strategist and MINDBODY Certified business consultant who works exclusively with boutique fitness studio owners and instructors. With over 15 years of experience in finance and marketing, Seran understands first hand the nuances of building and operating a successful business and shares her insight with a dynamic and encouraging approach. Her company, Spring Three (
) offers professional business development programs that provide training and guidance to help uncover opportunities, create momentum, and set the foundations for strong and sustainable growth.
Seran holds a BSc from the London School of Economics and serves on the board of the Pilates Method Alliance. She is also a Romana’s Pilates trained Certified Pilates Teacher and has taught at studios in New York, London, and Florida.