Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Web Design and Content : Fake testimonials?

[luxx]

Do people use fake testimonials when starting out? Is it considered wrong to use fake or untrue ones?

[qadir5000]

I think people do use FAKE testimonials.
And YES its wrong to do that as in other words your are telling lie's to your visitors.
Regards

[Volt.Networks]

It is pretty hard to prove whether anyone uses a fake testimonial or not, unless they admit it.
It is wrong to use fake testimonials since like gadir5000 said, you are lying to your visitors.
If you don't have any good testimonials, don't post up any until you do.

[kin0013]

It is wrong and something you wouldn't want to get caught out on!
I would just ask a customer to right one for you.
Chris

[Curry]

How about customers, do you prefer that they use real or imaginary credit card numbers when they are getting started in buying and don't have a big budget yet? :-) Obviously, the real thing is usually better!
People providing a service will eventually get testimonials and reviews, although it may take some time for unsolicited ones.

[Chuck Hamrick]

"Do people use fake testimonials when starting out? Is it considered wrong to use fake or untrue ones?"
Yes, it is unethical. Once your customers find out you lied to them they will leave and take any referrals with them!

[TowerOfPower]

Most people can see right through fake testimonials. It's a great way to kill the sale.

[larwilliams]

Indeed. Most fake testimonials often heaps tons of praise on the company, even though the domain was only registered a few months ago

[TailoredVPS]

I have never used a fake testimonial on my hosting site, I started out with no testimonials and added some from my clients when they gave me them.

[daveredfern]

i have never used fake testimonials for either web design or hsoting. i think that is just wrong and if clients ever found out what you had done it would cause all sorts of trust issues and ultimately would probably loose you their business.
to be honest i don't use them generally just for this reason that i think many of them are made up and i don't think that new clients take much notice of them. Especially in hosting. they are far more likely to google your name or visit places like these for reviews.

[freeze15]

I had work done from another poster here and I would have to say his had to be fake as I was not satisfied. Live and learn I guess.

its totally unethical to post fake testimonials , if they lie about it they can lie about anything else then

[Gears]

How about customers, do you prefer that they use real or imaginary credit card numbers when they are getting started in buying and don't have a big budget yet? :-) Obviously, the real thing is usually better!
People providing a service will eventually get testimonials and reviews, although it may take some time for unsolicited ones.
Good point
I agree with everyone. Displaying forged testimonials is very unethical. Unfortunately it can be difficult to detect one. I would first start off by asking a current client for some feedback. Then display the feedback on your site, and be sure to ask for permission to display their name and company.
Eventually testimonials or even small "thank you's" will start coming in, depending on the quality of your product/service.

[N|Kitmitto]

When starting out, just don't post any testimonials at all, don't make mention of it. As your business grows you will get customers who say "Great business, and I love the plans and pricing!" Thats a good testimonial, you have your first one. Save it and edit your website to integrate testimonial or wait until you get 3 testimonials then post them.
But don't start our making fake testimonials. You're reputation will be ruined if you do.

[Atarim]

I would fix major errors, much the same that your newspaper can edit letters to the editor.
On the one hand, the customer's words are theirs, and you should respect that.
On the other hand, glaring errors will do you no good. The testimonial writer should understand that.
A balanced approach, then, is the right one: fix the errors and leave the message unchanged.