Like an online business, which relies on customer feedback to build trust, authority, and credibility in the offline world, testimonials are powerful tools for trust-building representation of the true word from users in today’s digital society.
One of the best methods for gathering genuine feedback is with a testimonial form. You are all set up to create one for your WordPress site but are unsure how to go about it. This guide will take you through how to create a testimonial form from the ground up, even if you’ve never done it.
One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through testimonials. Testimonials provide potential customers with real-life evidence of your product’s or service’s value, often making the difference between a casual browser and a committed buyer.
But how do you gather these valuable pieces of feedback? Enter the testimonial form.
A. What is a Testimonial Form?
A testimonial form is a tool that businesses use to collect feedback from their customers.
This feedback can then be showcased on websites, social media, and marketing materials to illustrate the satisfaction and success of past clients.
According to a survey, 89% of marketers consider case studies and customer testimonials to be the most impactful content formats for influencing purchases.
A well-designed testimonial form not only makes it super easy for customers to share their experiences but also ensures that you receive structured, relevant, and useful information.
B. Why Do Testimonials Matter?
1. Build Trust: Prospective customers are more likely to trust the opinions of their peers than advertising messages from the company itself. Testimonials present social proof that your product or service delivers on its promises.
2. Enhance Credibility: Featuring testimonials from real customers adds authenticity and credibility to your brand. It shows that you have a track record of satisfying clients.
3. Improve Conversion Rates: Testimonials can significantly increase conversion rates. When potential customers see positive reviews, they are more likely to make a purchase or use your service.
4. Provide Insight: Testimonials often highlight what your customers value most about your product or service, giving you valuable details into your strengths and areas for improvement.
C. Elements of an Effective Testimonial Form
Creating an effective testimonial form involves more than just asking for feedback. Here are the key elements you should include:
1. Customer Information: Collect basic information such as the customer’s name, company (if applicable), and contact details. This adds authenticity to the testimonial.
2. Experience Details: Ask specific questions about the customer’s experience. For instance, “What problem were you trying to solve with our product/service?” or “What specific feature did you find most valuable?”
3. Rating System: Incorporate a rating system (e.g., star ratings) to quantify the customer’s overall satisfaction.
4. Permission to Publish: Include a checkbox where customers can give you permission to publish their testimonials along with their names and photos.
5. Photos/Videos: Allow customers to upload photos or videos. Visual testimonials can be more impactful than text alone.
6. Suggestions for Improvement: Encourage customers to provide constructive feedback. This shows that you value their opinion and are committed to continuous improvement.
D. Steps to Create a Testimonial Form
Step 1: Choose and Install a Testimonial Form Builder Plugin
Popular Choices:
– WPForms: Known for its ease of use and powerful features.
– Ninja Forms: Highly flexible with a wide range of add-ons.
– Contact Form 7: Free and highly customizable.
For this guide, we’ll use WPForms
Steps to Install WPForms:
- Go to your WordPress Dashboard
- Navigate to Plugins > Add New
- Search for WPForms in the search bar
- Click “Install Now” next to WPForms
- Activate the plugin by clicking “Activate” once the installation is complete
Step 2: Create a New Form
- Navigate to WPForms > Add New.
- Select the “Blank Form” template to start from scratch.
- Enter a name for your form, such as “Testimonial Form.”
Step 3: Add Fields to Your Form
Using WPForms’ drag-and-drop builder, you can add the necessary fields to your form.
- Name Field: Click on the “Single Line Text” field and drag it to the form. Label it “Name”.
- Email Field: Drag the “Email” field to the form to collect the customer’s email. This is optional but useful for follow-ups.
- Paragraph Text Field: Drag the “Paragraph Text” field to the form. Label it “Your Testimonial” to let customers share their experiences in detail.
- Rating Field (Optional): Use the “Dropdown” field or WPForms’ survey and polls add-on to add a star rating field.
- File Upload Field (Optional): Drag the “File Upload” field to allow customers to upload photos or videos. This can enhance the credibility of testimonials.
- Consent Checkbox: Drag the “Checkbox” field to get permission to publish the testimonial. Label it “I give permission to publish this testimonial on the website”.
Example Form Layout:
Step 4: Configure Form Settings
Go to the Settings tab in the form builder.
- Form Name: Ensure the form name is appropriate, such as “Testimonial Form”.
- Form Description: Optionally, provide a brief description.
- Submit Button Text: Customize the text if needed, e.g., “Submit Testimonial”.
- Admin Notification: Set up email notifications to alert you when a new testimonial is submitted. Type your email address in the “Send To Email Address” field.
- Confirmation Message: Customize the message that users will see after they submit the form, such as “Thank you for your testimonial!”.
- Redirect to a Page: Optionally, redirect users to a thank you page.
- You can even protect your testimonials by enabling types of anti-spam protection offered by the plugin.
Step 5: Add Your Form to a Page or Post
- Create a new testimonial post or page or edit an existing one by clicking on the ‘Embed’ button on the right side of the page.
- It will direct you to a new page or the existing one, depending on the option you choose.
- Scroll down to enable general settings like SERP preview, page title, meta description, etc.
- Publish or update the page or post.
Step 6: Display Testimonials on Your Site
Once you start collecting testimonials, you’ll want to display them prominently on your site.
- Install a Testimonial Plugin: Consider plugins like Strong Testimonials or WP Testimonials.
- Create a Testimonial Page: Use the plugin to create a dedicated testimonials page. Many plugins allow you to display testimonials using a shortcode.
- Widgets and Shortcodes: Use widgets to display testimonials in sidebars or footers. Shortcodes can be used to insert testimonials in posts or pages.
E. Best Practices for Gathering Testimonials
1. Timing: Request testimonials shortly after a positive interaction or milestone, such as the successful completion of a project or a significant purchase.
2. Incentives: Offer incentives for providing testimonials, such as freebies, discounts, or entry into a prize draw.
3. Ease of Use: Ensure that your testimonial form is easy to access and complete. Avoid lengthy or complicated forms that might discourage participation.
4. Follow-up: Send a thank-you note or follow-up message after receiving a testimonial. This shows appreciation and encourages future engagement.
5. Leverage Technology: Use tools and platforms that streamline the testimonial collection process, such as online form builders, email marketing services, and CRM systems.
By following these detailed steps, you can create an effective testimonial form in WordPress using WPForms, helping you gather valuable customer feedback and build trust with potential clients.
F. Summarizing How to Create a Testimonial Form in WordPress
Incorporating testimonial forms into your customer feedback strategy is a valuable tactic to build trust, boost credibility, and drive conversions.
By making it simpler for satisfied customers to share their positive experiences, you can create a reservoir of authentic, compelling testimonials that speak volumes about your brand.
Remember, the voice of your customer is one of your most valuable assets—harness it wisely!
In a world where trust and authenticity are paramount, testimonial forms are not just nice to have; they are a necessity.
Start creating and utilizing testimonial forms today, and watch your business’s credibility and success soar.
Suggested read: Boost Conversions with a Powerful Testimonial Landing Page
G. Common FAQs on How to Create a Testimonial Form in WordPress
How can I ensure the security of submitted testimonials?
To ensure the security of submitted testimonials, choose a reputable form plugin that prioritizes data protection and implements security measures like encryption and anti-spam protection. Additionally, regularly update your WordPress installation and plugins to patch any security vulnerabilities.
Can I integrate my testimonial form with email marketing services?
Yes, many form plugins offer integrations with popular email marketing services like AWeber, Mailchimp, or Constant Contact. This allows you to automatically add respondents to your email list or trigger follow-up emails based on their testimonial submissions.
What should I do if I receive negative testimonials?
Negative testimonials provide valuable feedback that can help you improve your products, services, or content. Instead of ignoring or deleting negative testimonials, use them as an opportunity to address issues, demonstrate transparency, and showcase your commitment to your customers.
