Many businesses like to use testimonials to raise their credibility. But because testimonials are easy to make up, they’re also difficult for some people to believe. Here’s what you should do to make your testimonials carry more weight with your visitors:

• Use the referrer’s full name.
  So if you were listing a testimonial from me, you’d use Nicky Jurd. Don’t use N.Jurd, or Nicky J, or NJ.
• Include a photo.
  People will recognise faces they’ve seen in the community, and it’s harder to fake a testimonial provided by someone who also is willing to show their face.
• Include a logo.
  When your testimonial is provided by someone within a company, with if that company will allow you to post their logo with the testimonial. Logos are instantly recognisable as a corporate symbol and will add considerable weight to the testimony.
• Link to their website.
  If the referrer has a website, include a link. They will then get some benefit from providing you with the testimonial, and visitors can review their website to check the credibility of that company.
• List the referrers position.
  This is particularly important with business testimonials. So if you were quoting myself you might use: Nicky Jurd, Partner, cityofcairns.com.

Have a look at these two testimonials and give me your thoughts on the one which appeals to you most:

Love your blog Nicky! I subscribe to your RSS feed and always gleefully read the snippets of website goodness you write every day. I encourage others to sign up for the RSS feed too. Keep up the good work.
B. Vere.

OR

Love your blog Nicky! I subscribe to your RSS feed and always gleefully read the snippets of website goodness you write every day.

I encourage others to sign up for the RSS feed too.

Keep up the good work.

Belinda Vere
Head Graphic Designer, cityofcairns.com.