When you purchase and enjoy and benefit a product, do you always give a testimonial to the seller? You know, testimonials are very important to sellers, and they are very important to you as a product creator. And they are also important to other potential buyers of products you may have purchased.
When you get good service at a restaurant, you give a tip (even sometimes when you don’t get great service). At the airport you tip the skycap for tagging your luggage. At the salon you tip your hairdresser. You tip the delivery person. Tips are provided as something “extra special” for services, but they are also a form of feedback – letting the person know you really appreciate the good job they’ve done for you. People who sell products online (including you, when/if you do create a product) want to know that their work is appreciated. Think about how much work can go into creating a product! I know people are touting create a product in a day – but the reality is, most people will pour their heart and soul into their creations.
Now imagine if you spent every day for the last two months working so hard on an ecourse and you had 100s of people buy it. You offered it at a ridiculously low price with the main goal of teaching people. You spent hours each day providing the content, managing the course, answering questions, giving advice, handling technical issue – and no one gave you any feedback. No one gave you a testimonial. Even after you asked – only a very few people out of 100s felt the so inclined to write a few words of gratitude. How would that make you feel?
You should always provide a testimonial, solicited or not, for the creator of a product you enjoyed. Even if it’s a simple email saying you really enjoyed the product and you are willing to give a testimonial. Think of it as a tip for them that doesn’t cost you any extra money. You benefit because the seller knows who you are – it could become a new connection- and you probably even get a spot on their website if you send in your photo with your testimonial (a good way to get promotion for yourself). Just keep in mind that you will be the seller one day and would love that feedback as well! Complaints are easy to get, accolades are difficult.
I’m in a workshop created by Kevin Riley, and he inspired this post tonight. I totally forgot to send in my testimonial, even after he asked, and he really reminded us about it too!! I mean he reaaaaallly reminded us good! 
Follow me on Twitter: melaniekissell
Gwen,
In no other industry are testimonials or feedback as important as in online marketing. When you tip a waiter or hairdresser, you are physically present to converse with the person and lend some verbal appreciation for their services.
Online, we are so distanced from our customers, clients, and subscribers and we want to know if we are doing a good job in meeting their needs and answering their questions.
I think testimonials, evaluations, and reviews are gestures of common courtesy — something I hope we’ve all learned a little of along the way!
It only takes a minute to say “thanks”.
Melanie
#blog30
Melanie Kissell´s last blog ..Why Single Moms Make Great Entrepreneurs
Follow me on Twitter: auntjanesattic
Gwen, this really hits home for me as I was the recipient of a glowing, personal, handwritten letter sent by a happy customer this week. I was so thrilled by someone taking the time to write me a note about their purchase! After receiving that letter, and then reading what you wrote here, I will start taking the time to send a testimonial for a product that has helped me because I know what a difference it makes!
BTW, thanks for this insightful post!
Jane´s last blog ..Top eBay Store Features – Mark Down Manager and Newsletters
Follow me on Twitter: thecartooncoach
Hey Gwen,
Another great article! Leaving testimonies can give us some serious exposure. I don’t want you to think I dropped out of the challenge. I am just gonna have to make 2 or 3 posts per day until I catch up…lol:)
J
Make Money Fast
Carstarphen´s last blog ..3 Simple Steps to Get to the First Page on Google
Follow me on Twitter: gwenatanner
In response to Carstarphen’s comment:
Hi Carstarphen,
I’m glad to see you are still around!! I know you can catch up and have some great content too. I have a lot to catch up with myself
Thanks for visiting,
Gwen
Follow me on Twitter: gwenatanner
In response to Jane’s comment:
Hi Jane,
That’s so great to hear. I know that made you happy as a seller. Your buyer went above and beyond by writing a letter! That’s so special!
Thanks for visiting,
Gwen
Follow me on Twitter: HarryHumorous
Hi Gwen,
I love the idea of the testimonial being like the tip you leave at a restaurant. I never thought of it that way but it is so true. I will be sure to leave a testimonial from now on. Thank you for the reminder.
All the best,
Kevin
Inspiring Speaker Kevin Thompson´s last blog ..What is Your Brand Identity