You can use our video testimonial production process to create your own videos.
Here is what you need.
- One or more customers or clients who are very pleased with what you have done for them or what they have bought from you.
- The willingness to persuade supporters and fans to give you a video testimonial.
- A Zoom or Teams account. The free versions are usually good enough. You can use any video conferencing service that records calls and allows you to download the recording.
- A list of questions that you would like your interviewees to answer. I'll offer some suggestions below.
- A video editing application.
- The ability to edit videos using the video editing application. Depending on your choice, it can be relatively straightforward.
- A place where you can share your edited video privately. This is for requesting approval from the interviewee.
How do you ask for a testimonial?
When we are asked to approach client customers, we reach out via email first and then, if needed, by telephone. We ask the candidate if they are willing to give a video testimonial and explain our process, emphasising that the video won't be used without their permission. We highlight the opportunities that participation presents, in that it will increase their visibility and provide free marketing. Those who are pleased with what they bought from the client, rarely decline the invitation to record a video testimonial.
Since the clients will use approved testimonials in their marketing, those providing the testimonials get free marketing. In the videos we produce, the candidates are invited to introduce themselves at the beginning and we include an information panel at the end.
Where does the interview take place?
We use Zoom, although all of the well-known video call services offer similar functionality. They facilitate video call recording and access to download what is recorded. An additional benefit is an AI summary of the call. For video testimonials, this makes it easier to identify the most valuable parts of the recordings.
What questions do you ask in the interviews?
To begin, we invite interviewees to introduce themselves and then ask:
a) "How did you come to be a client/customer of <the person or company commissioning the testimonial>?"
If needed, we ask additional steering or prompting questions to encourage the telling of their story. In the edited testimonial video, we edit out any extra prompts.
b) "What happened along the way?"
This allows the interviewee to expand on their story and explain how they have used what they bought.
c) "What were the results?"
Turning the focus on outcomes invites the interviewee to share the specific benefits gained as a result of their purchase. Again, if needed, we ask more questions to draw out to quantitative and qualitative advantages realised from their buying experience.
How do you edit the recording?
We use a professional-level video editing application; however, there are numerous perfectly usable video editing tools available that range in cost from free upwards. We edit out the interviewer and replace sections where the interviewer asks questions with a text panel. This reduces the distraction and focuses attention on the interviewee's responses. Depending on the responses, we usually edit the video down to about four minutes.
How do you seek approval from the interviewee?
We grant private access to the video on our OneDrive or via YouTube, asking the interviewee to view and approve the video for release to the sponsor for use in their marketing. The interviewee is invited to ask for adjustments if desired. Once approval is given, we make the video available to the sponsor.
If you are looking for ways to increase sales or conversion rates, we can help through consulting, coaching, sales enablement, and producing video testimonials. Telephone +44 (0)1392 851500, use the contact form here, send an email to jimm@salessense.co.uk, or schedule a call with Clive Miller.