How do you get your customers to post a review about their service without actually asking them too, since it's against the rules of WHT?

-Nick

Provide exceptional service that would entice them to want to spread the word.

I do, and they tell me wow! fast support and great and what not blah blah blah... but they don't spread the word:P

That's how it works though. An unhappy client is 1000 times more likely to post about their unhappiness than a happy client is to post about their happiness.

You could put a link to WHT on your homepage/client area saying that this place provides reviews, news and help for people using and running web hosting companies. It's not asking them to post a review but it might well encourage them to look up this place and post something positive about your company.

Mike

That's how it works though. An unhappy client is 1000 times more likely to post about their unhappiness than a happy client is to post about their happiness.

Very true. Most people spread the word about bad service rather than good.

A lot of clients don't hang out at wht and that's why many do not provide reviews here. Most of us are in some aspect of the industry and that's why were here. Our clients may only get here once or twice when they're searching for reviews but never think to return to post one themselves.

A lot of clients don't hang out at wht and that's why many do not provide reviews here. Most of us are in some aspect of the industry and that's why were here. Our clients may only get here once or twice when they're searching for reviews but never think to return to post one themselves.
Yes I agree with that. Even if they often participate in WHT does not mean they will post a review about you.

One of the best ways to get a 'testimonial' is to ask for one.
Often it can take an offer something of value, as an encouragement, to get a response, but that doesn't have to cost anything, just be seen as valuable by the client.

"If you like our service, send us a tesimonial that we can use both to put on our site, and also help to promote your business".

You can also:-
-make it part of a regular communication strategy with your clients;
-include it as a requirement to access any special offers.
-make it it parts of your terms & conditons (not good for all businesses)
- offer a price or value inducement for completion.

Just thought I should clarify.

I was talking about testimonials on your own site, from your existing customers, where you have already provided good service.

re posting testimonials here, it could pay to simply let customers know that this service is available (how many do not)

A word of warning, though. If your service isn't good, you might be 'sending them to your competitors'. ;)

Just make sure you keep your clients happy, i am sure that some will eventually post something somewhere.

The hardest part is getting some of our clients to actually use forums. As part of an SEO strategy for them, we encourage them to post in forums and blogs relevant to their industry.

You might be surprised how much business that brings them (and us).
We spell out the implications and the cost/benefits (time) and it works wonders.