Want to persuade your prospects to purchase? Leverage video testimonials

Business owners frequently ask: how can I convert more prospects to paying clients?

While there's usually a bit of investigating that needs to take place before this question can be answered - are they focused on an ideal client or trying to be everything to everybody, are they targeting the right niche market, are they offering unique value to their market, have they mapped out their sales process, etc - for this post... we'll assume all of the above is being done correctly.

Social proof can be a powerful influencing force in persuading qualified prospects to take action and purchase your products and services. When people see other people doing something, there's a bit of persuasion that takes place.

Furthermore, video is a powerful medium that can create interest and engagement with it's viewers. Video is easy to generate using a simple digital video camera like a flip mino hd, and with basic editing using Video Studio Editing, out pops an engaging piece of content that captures the attention of its viewers.

But how can business owners combine the powers of social proof and video to help convert prospect to paying clients?

Many business owners, especially small business owners, and to their disadvantage, immediately ignore the idea of using video testimonials on their website to influence their prospects. They immediately assume creating a video testimonial involves a production crew, expensive video equipment, a green screen, and an elaborate plan --- FALSE.

You can create a series of influential video testimonials for under $500. Pick up a digital video camera and some basic video editing software.

But what is the special sauce to creating a great video testimonial?

1. Pan for Gold - Identify 3-5 of your favorite and happiest customers of all time, and ask them if they'd be willing to hop on camera for a brief moment to be featured in a testimonial. Explain to them that you value their business, and think of them as one of your best customers, and that you selected them out of a large pool of customers. Offer them a special discount or gift certificate to their favorite restaurant for helping you out. Have them sign a release form verifying permission for you to use the testimonial at your discretion.

2. Simple Preparation - Tell those who accept your offer that you will be asking them 3 simple questions: 1. What was life life before they used your product or service? 2. What was life during when they were using your product or service. 3 What will life be like in the future as they continue to benefit from your product or service? The key is to get them to elaborate on how your product or service has helped improve their life.

3. Start Filming - Using your digital camera, film your happy customers answering the above 3 questions. These testimonials don't have to be long, if your product or service is really valuable and they keep talking, let them! You can edit later.

4. Post to your Website - Create a special page on your website called "Success Stories." Post your video testimonials to your website. In your sales conversations, drive customers to your testimonials page for them to view the success stories of happy clients. If you are running a special promotion or sale that requires a separate landing page, place your video testimonials in between your persuasive sales copy.

Watch your sales conversion rates increase!