Website testimonials: What do you think?

[sarahsrays]

Do you use testimonials on your website or do you think they're a bit naff?

I'm wondering what to do about my site Freelancing: The testimonials debate :: Freelance UK and would love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks
Sarah

[Rizzo]

I do think they work. Seth Godin was talking about word of mouth being quite a commitment by those that recommend you, especially where they recommend you to a colleague or friend - what if you foul up he says? It looks worse on the person recommending than on the person that fouls up.

To some degree (named) testimonials put their credibility on the line as well. Especially those that say "I think this person's great, if you want to speak to me about this in more detail email me here ..."

So if you're new to a client I think they'll help you, especially if you can't show something in your folio similar to what they may be after.

Obviously made up ones are a bit different though!