Decision fatigue is debilitating.

(Okay, maybe it’s only actually debilitating if you have ADHD like me. But it’s still a real struggle even if your brain functions like it’s supposed to!)

Nowadays, we’ve all got SO MANY options for SO MANY THINGS that deciding which one is right for us can be an extremely difficult task.

This is why, as a service-based business owner, making sure you stand out from the crowd is vital to your success.

Normally, I’d be over here preaching about how your website copy — namely, website copy infused with perspective and personality — is the #1 thing you need to focus on to differentiate yourself from your competition and make yourself appear to be the right choice for your clients and customers.

But today, I want to have a different conversation.

What happens when someone is looking at your website, next to another website, next to another website… and before they know it, they have 17 tabs open, and ALL of those websites have fire design, bomb copy, sexy offers, and competitive pricing?

Then what the frick happens? How will they ever choose? What’s going to motivate them to take action on YOUR website?

They’ll look at your social proof, of course.

What is social proof?

Social proof is a psychological phenomenon where people assume the actions of others in an attempt to reflect correct behavior in a given situation. It’s a fundamental aspect of human behavior, and in the context of marketing, it serves as a potent tool for building trust and credibility with your audience.

One of the most effective ways to harness the power of social proof is by displaying reviews and testimonials on your website.

Why is having social proof (like reviews and testimonials) so important?

Positive reviews from your clients and customers can make all the difference in the success of your brand.

With 88% of consumers putting as much trust in user reviews as they do in personal recommendations, a glowing testimonial can greatly impact how your business is viewed.

As a website copywriter, I know how important the element of social proof is — which is why I want to help you get the best possible reviews you can!

8 reasons why you need to show off your social proof on your website:

#1 — Trust building. Your leads are looking for signals of trustworthiness. Reviews and testimonials from REAL clients and customers provide authenticity and credibility, reassuring visitors that they are making the right choice.

#2 — Reduced risk. Humans often fear making the wrong decision. Positive reviews and testimonials demonstrate that other real people have tried your product or service, and have had a positive experience. This reduces the perceived risk of investing in you.

#3 — Decision validation. You get it. Don’t act like you’ve never sought out validation before. You want to feel good about the choices you’re making. So, when you see that others have successfully made similar decisions, it reinforces your own choice, making you more likely to take action.

#4 — Objective information. Reviews and testimonials offer an objective viewpoint, separate from your own marketing claims. This transparency helps potential clients make informed decisions (and it builds a sense of honesty and integrity in your brand!).

#5 — Increased conversions. When your readers see positive reviews and testimonials on your website, they are more likely to TAKE ACTION (aka convert into paying customers or clients).

This is especially true when the reviews are relatable and highlight real-world benefits — which is why it’s so important to have bomb testimonials that you strategically display to address any potential objections of investing in you / working with you / buying your thing.

>> Click here to download my FREE testimonial guide! These 10 surefire questions have been used by hundreds and hundreds of people to get the BEST reviews from their clients (that effortlessly address those website viewers that hover over the “inquire” button for a little too long).

#6 — Enhanced credibility. Displaying reviews on your website can improve your brand’s credibility, because having that collection of authentic reviews acts as a stamp of approval from your satisfied clients, making your business more trustworthy.

#7 — Competitive advantage. (!!!) In a crowded marketplace — aka on the Internet, where they’ve got those 17 other tabs open — customer and client reviews can set you apart from your peers and your competition. Having that wealth of positive feedback showcases your strengths and unique selling points.

#8 — Stronger client and customer relationships. When leads see that you value their feedback and are willing to showcase it on your website, it can foster stronger relationships. They’ll appreciate your transparency and feel like an integral part of your business’s success.

Here’s how you can get your clients to give you their feedback:

The best time to ask for client feedback is either directly after your project is finished, or a few weeks after you’ve sent your final deliverables, depending on your industry.

Sending them an email wishing them well, kindly offering them your support should they need anything else from you, and asking graciously for them to fill out a brief survey is the method I’ve had the most success with in gathering feedback.

Telling your clients that you’d like to feature them across your social channels or website is also a great way to garner interest in your feedback form, because people often don’t turn down a feature.

Here’s a sample email you can send to request feedback from your clients:

Your feedback request email can be as simple as something like this:

“Hey, So-And-So,

[Personal sentence about your project goes here.] I’m so excited about how everything turned out. [Another personal sentence goes here, maybe prompting them to let you know if there’s anything else they need from you, or sharing your support, or congratulating them on a launch, etc.]

I’m also reaching out to ask, if you have a few spare minutes, for you to share feedback about your experience working with me via this quick survey, or, if you’d rather, via Google Review. 

I so loved working with you and I wish you lots of success!

[Signature]”

The key is personalizing it and making your clients feel like they’re your priority (and not just another recipient of the same email every other client gets).

By adding a simple personal touch at the beginning or end (or both!) of your email, you’re more likely to get their feedback, because they appreciate your attention to detail and your candor.

And here’s what to ask to get the best reviews:

Download my FREE Glowing Testimonial Guide!

This testimonial survey — designed for you to 100% steal and use for yourself — is made up of my go-to questions for helping your clients provide the most accurate and helpful reviews.

I also encourage you to add questions specific to YOUR services / deliverables, too. Specificity is key, because it’ll prompt them to give real, thoughtful answers as opposed to easy one-word responses.

The form is short and sweet, but it packs a punch – it’s sure to get you the best reviews and testimonials to proudly and prominently display on your website.