When it comes to building trust in your brand, nothing works quite as effectively as a glowing testimonial. A heartfelt endorsement from a satisfied customer brings your product or service to life, offering reassurance and relatability to potential clients. But here’s the thing: it’s not enough to simply have a testimonial. The way it’s presented matters.
If you must leave a strong impression, professionally recorded customer testimonials are the way to go. Regardless of whether you are displaying them on your website, on social media, or as a part of a sales pitch, good-quality testimonials tell a lot about your company. From beginning to end, this guide shows you all the steps to creating professional, polished testimonials that reflect well on your company.
Pre-Production Planning
Quality testimonials start with planning. Charging ahead without a plan means you end up with disorganized shoots and reduced-quality finished pieces. This is how to set up.
Define Your Objectives
Start by setting what you want to achieve through the video. Are you promoting a particular product or emphasizing customer loyalty? Personalize the testimonial so it addresses a particular purpose so you can instantly express its value.
Script the Basics
While testimonials are best when they appear spontaneous and extemporaneous, a loose script can be a lifesaver. Have a list of open-ended questions (more on these below) prepared so that your interviewee knows what to expect. Avoid over-rehearsed lines, which have a tendency to sound robotic and fake.
Schedule Strategically
Choose a date and time convenient for all parties concerned, whether it is the customer, employees, or cameraman. Remind them and set expectations before the shoot date.
Choosing the Right Location and Setup
The setting of your testimonial video says as much about your company as the words.
Make It Relevant
The background has to suit your message. If you are selling exercise gear, for example, filming in a crowded gym is the way to go. Office enterprises would likely utilize an office setting to convey their message. Whatever space you choose, ensure that it carries your brand’s personality.
Keep the Background Simple
A clean, uncluttered background focuses the eye on your subject. Disturbing environments can shift the audience away from the testimonial and diminish its impact. A minimalist, corporate background is best.
Stage the Scene
Employ subtle yet impactful features to bestow the setting with an aesthetically pleasing look. Branded props, flowers, or soft furniture assist in raising the setting without stealing the limelight.
Perfecting Lighting and Sound
Good images and sound are crucial. Flat lighting or poor sound totally undermines the credibility of your video.
Lighting Tips
Even lighting across your subject’s face creates a professional appearance.
Natural Light: Wherever it is possible, use soft natural light. Position your subject in front of a window but avoid having them be backlit.
Artificial Lighting: For indoor or low-lighting situations, invest in a basic three-point lighting rig (key light, fill light, and backlight) to avoid harsh shadows.
Sound Matters Too
Clean sound is just as important as high-definition images. Record your subject’s voice without any surrounding noise using a lapel mic or shotgun mic. Always monitor sound levels before starting the shoot, and avoid noisy places.
Interview Styles to Get Real Testimonials
To make sure customers relax and appear to be themselves in front of the camera is the most significant challenge of recording testimonials.
Establish Rapport
Start with a friendly chat to try to desensitize and remove tension. A relaxed subject will give more real answers and the video will feel more realistic.
Use Open-Ended Questions
Open-ended questions encourage storytelling and emotional responses. These are a few examples:
- “What problem were you trying to solve when you heard about our product/service?”
- “How has engagement with us changed your life/business?”
- “Is there a specific moment when you realized our solution was worth it for you?”
Avoid yes-or-no questions, as these limit the range of responses.
Encourage Natural Phrasing
If the subject pauses or struggles to put something into words, prompt them without coercing them to articulate the scripted line. Suggestive phrases like “Take your time” or “Feel free to put it in your own words” will suffice.
Post-Production Editing
Having amassed all the footage, it is now time to edit it into a professional, captivating video.
Trim for Impact
Trim the video hours to summarize only the most important parts that make the testimonial useful and easy to grasp. The running time should be 1–3 minutes long to engage viewers.
Add Visual Enhancements
Include captions for accessibility and branding options like your logo, name animations, or your contact information. Visual overlays like product photos or before-and-afters can provide additional context.
Review for Quality
Before finalized delivery, review the video for consistency, sound sync issues, and typos in text overlays. A polished, error-free video will enhance your brand’s credibility further.
Understanding Legal Considerations
Before hitting publish, make sure you’ve covered your legal bases.
Obtain Release Forms
Always obtain written permission from the people who appear in your videos. Release forms put everyone on the same page as to how and where the footage will be utilized.
Respect Privacy
Leave personal information, such as sensitive data, out of your videos unless specifically agreed upon by the participant. Transparency builds confidence not just with your subjects but also with your viewers.
Start Filming Testimonials That Win Trust
Well-crafted testimonials can influence potential customers at critical moments in their decision-making process. By planning meticulously, creating a comfortable environment, and delivering polished visuals, you’ll be well on your way to producing testimonial videos that inspire trust and action.
Need professional assistance in producing high-quality videos or other content for your business? Get in touch with us today and let’s create something together that will reveal the world why customers adore you.
