Advantages of Testimonials for Artist Websites

Are you using testimonials on your artist website? Testimonials are typically short endorsements from people who have purchased from the artist, or who love the artist’s work. To sell anything online, you must first establish trust. People will rarely buy from you if they do not see you as a real person, and one who is respected by peers and clientele. Testimonials are social proof that the person behind the website can be trusted. People will tend to take you more seriously if they hear good things about you from many others – especially from buyers.

In this post, I share a few tips for using testimonials at your artist website, followed by some advice on where to find them.

Tips for using testimonials

1. Have a separate page to list several testimonials, and keep the best ones at the top, since many will only read one or two.
2. Consider showcasing one or two short outstanding testimonials on the main page of your website. I’ve seen some artists have one testimonial right at the top of the home page.
3. Focus mainly on testimonials from respected and influential people (gallery owners, art critics, art collectors, the media, etc.)
4. After the testimonial include the name of the person. If the person has a website, add this as well. A small picture of the person may also help give credence to the comment.
5. Another idea is to include the testimonials on your About page.
6. You can name the page “Testimonials” if you want. Some other suggestions are “What people are saying”, “Feedback”, Client Feedback” and “Appreciation”.

 

By David Munroe – Check out David’s feedback page at his website.

 

Where to Find Testimonials

1. Your customers
   Sometimes a buyer or client may voluntarily send you an amazing message of thanks and appreciation. Ask them if you could include that message on your website. You can also ask some of your frequent clients for an endorsement.
   
   
2. Social media
   Whether it be on your Facebook page, Google+ profile, Linkedin or other social networks, you probably have received positive feedback worthy of inclusion on your website. Look back over past posts and search for outstanding comments. Contact that person and ask them if they would mind if you included their comment on your website, along with their name. If that person is well known in the art community, consider including their website as well.
   
    
3. Ask for feedback
   Have a feedback form on your website and feature the best testimonials from the comments you receive. Make sure to mention that some comments may be published on your testimonials page.
   
   
4. Gallery owners
   Only contact the ones you have worked with in the past. Don’t contact gallery owners randomly and ask them to take a look at your work to give you an endorsement. You may be wasting their time and your own.
   
   
5. Celebrity Endorsements
   If you personally know a well known person in the media or entertainment industry (actor, musician, etc.), get them to send you a testimonial. Sometimes celebrity endorsements can be very powerful – and can help catapult an artist’s reputation.

 

By Shana Stern – Shana has a feedback page, found at her website here: Shana Stern Studio

 

What to Look for in a Good Testimonial

I’ve seen some testimonial pages only filled with compliments for the art and artwork. While its good to include some of these, try to have some variety. Include testimonials saying something about some of the following:

1. Punctuality – You deliver artworks on time.
2. Packaging – Artworks are packaged securely and safely.
3. Friendly and courteous – This will let people know that you are approachable for questions and inquiries.

 

Have you used testimonials on your own website? Has it helped?