testimonials

[esben]

After thinking and discarding quite a few muse ideas, an great idea appeared in my head, and I want to test it On the test page I will use recent studies on the subject, and testimonials.

So here is the problem: I have the studies and research material, but no testimonials. I can't find willing subjects who will love my product before it has been created, and I can't create it before testing positively .... what do you people normally do? Thanks in advance.

[Grayman]

Well, this might not be the most moral reply you're going to get but how about either making them up or getting testimonials from your friends and family (who are guaranteed to give you great testimonials).

I realize that testimonials are part of the standard sales page arsenal but I never put too much stock into them. There's no guarantee that they're real and credible anyways.

Just my thoughts, people will be along with more honorable suggestions soon I am sure.

[esben]

I see ... thanks! No wonder those sometimes sound made up.

I was wondering about two more things related to testimonials:

1) Morals aside it may be illegal in some countries to make up testimonials. Anyone know about this? It is probably legal in the US but I live in Denmark

2) What about the testimonial pictures - If you look at Tim's example muse page www.pxmethod.com, theres a few pictures of brainy students. I suppose he found the pics on www.flickr.com or www.gettyimages.com?

[FrozenCanuck]

I suggest that in the case of a test, you simply make up the testimonials. Your purpose is to verify that people would be interested in giving you money for the product/service. You are not actually taking any money at all in the test, so you have no reason to feel that you are doing something unethical.

This is only a marketing test. There is no risk to the consumer that you are introducing with the fake testimonial.

If the test flies, and you launch the product, then get REAL testimonials of course.

[webgal]

Using stock is sticky. People use stock houses and might recognize a photo. Use some of friends for the test.

[dking]

Actually its illegal to make up testimonials in the USA. Its called "False Advertising" and its heavily regulated by the government. If you are doing it, you will find that it is not economically advantageous.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_advertising

[FrozenCanuck]

dking - I do not think you can consider it to be "advertising" in the first place, since you have nothing to sell.

If it is not advertising, then it is not false.

When it BECOMES advertising (ie, when you have a real product and not just a muse to test), then you worry about it.

[esben]

Thanks for the advice. I've made the site now using "fictitious" (yet accurate) testimonials and waiting for some critics (friends/family) to review, then I'll improve it and test.

[dking]

Originally Posted by FrozenCanuck

dking - I do not think you can consider it to be "advertising" in the first place, since you have nothing to sell.

If it is not advertising, then it is not false.

When it BECOMES advertising (ie, when you have a real product and not just a muse to test), then you worry about it.

Its still lying.

[FrozenCanuck]

Yes it is. And so is muse testing when you offer a product you do not have.