{"id":358,"date":"2016-10-03T18:14:15","date_gmt":"2016-10-03T22:14:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/52.90.43.4\/?p=358"},"modified":"2021-02-25T14:01:11","modified_gmt":"2021-02-25T19:01:11","slug":"how-to-put-your-customers-on-camera","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sproutvideo.com\/blog\/how-to-put-your-customers-on-camera.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Get Great Customer Testimonials on Camera"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fact: your customers are more persuasive than you. When it comes to telling others how great your organization is, a testimonial from a customer is hugely compelling. A video testimonial featuring happy customers is something that every business should produce.<\/p>\n

But, not all video testimonials are created equal. With this guide, you can make your video stand out from the crowd. And, we\u2019ll share some tips on working efficiently and empathetically\u00a0with your customers to produce engaging, authentic testimonials.<\/p>\n

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How to find a subject<\/h3>\n

The hardest part might be identifying and convincing a good interview subject to participate in this video.<\/p>\n

Think about your most loyal, longest-standing, highest purchasing clients. They are likely your best bet since they’ve demonstrated high levels of engagement with your brand or product, and can speak from experience.<\/p>\n

If you have a brand new business, you might not actually have that type of customer yet. People who just made a purchase are usually\u00a0very\u00a0engaged with it, so reach out shortly after a sale. They might be loving the experience, and happy to talk about it.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0exposure the person or their company gains by participating in this video interview might be enough for them to jump onboard. Incentives like a free month of service, or\u00a0special access to new products or features, are also\u00a0nice ways to say thanks.<\/p>\n

Work around their schedule<\/h3>\n

Make it as easy as possible for them to participate. Early or late shoots are a no-no, as is\u00a0asking them to travel large\u00a0distances.<\/p>\n

Ideally, bring your camera crew (even if it’s just you<\/a>) and do the shoot in their offices, or a similar location where they feel comfortable. If that doesn’t work, scout a local coffeeshop, or check if a nearby co-working space might let you rent a conference room for a couple hours. Alternatively, a professional studio space is always a great option if it’s within your budget.<\/p>\n

Strike a balance between polished and authentic<\/b><\/h3>\n

A video testimonial absolutely must be authentic.<\/p>\n

If you use\u00a0a script, it might sound polished and professional, but you will lost that all-important authenticity. Your audience might not even believe that the person on camera is a real customer – they could assume he or she is an actor.<\/p>\n

Before going anywhere near a camera, get together with the interviewee for an informal discussion. Get to know them, learn about their experience with\u00a0your organization, and their impressions of the industry in general. In addition to fact-finding, it will help put them at ease.<\/p>\n

Be prepared with some questions. These will ultimately drive the video testimonial. As a starting point, we suggest asking:<\/p>\n