BigCartel, a platform tailored for independent artists and small business owners, offers a straightforward way to create online stores and showcase unique products.
While its minimalist design allows for quick setups, building customer trust is critical to driving sales. Testimonials—genuine feedback from satisfied customers—serve as powerful social proof, bridging the gap between browsing and buying.
This guide will explain why testimonials are essential for BigCartel stores, how to integrate them effectively, and strategies to optimize their placement for maximum impact.
Why Add Testimonials to BigCartel?
Build Trust and Credibility: Testimonials show potential customers that your products deliver value. Research reveals that 88% of consumers trust testimonials as much as personal recommendations. For BigCartel sellers, testimonials provide reassurance and build confidence in the quality of your offerings.
Drive Conversions: Strategically placed testimonials reduce buyer hesitation, increasing the likelihood of completed purchases. A positive review can provide the final nudge a customer needs to click “Buy Now.”
Highlight Unique Selling Points (USPs): Let your customers emphasize what makes your brand or products special. For example, “The craftsmanship of these handmade earrings is incredible” highlights quality and uniqueness.
Encourage Repeat Purchases: Testimonials that highlight excellent customer service or product durability encourage loyalty, prompting customers to return for more.
Enhance SEO: Keyword-rich testimonials can improve your store’s search rankings, driving organic traffic and increasing visibility.
Build trust & FOMO
Highlight real-time activities like reviews, sales & sign-ups.
How to Add Testimonials to BigCartel
Alright, let’s dive into the main topic: adding testimonials to your website or platform.
It’s simple with WiserNotify. We’re a full-fledged social proof and FOMO tool that helps you build trust and credibility through reviews and testimonials.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to adding testimonials:
You can also showcase testimonials on a social wall featuring reviews from various platforms:
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Collect Testimonials
- Request feedback from satisfied customers via email, social media, or during follow-ups.
- Encourage detailed responses, focusing on specific benefits or experiences.
2. Access Your BigCartel Dashboard
- Log in to your BigCartel account and navigate to the “Customize Design” section of your store.
3. Add a Testimonial Section
- Use the editor to create a new page or section for testimonials.
- Alternatively, add testimonials directly to product pages or your homepage using custom HTML or text blocks.
4. Input Testimonial Content
- Include the customer’s name, photo, and their feedback. Add context, such as their location or the product purchased, for added authenticity.
5. Customize the Design
- Align the testimonial section with your store’s aesthetic by adjusting fonts, colors, and layouts.
6. Preview and Publish
- Review the layout on both desktop and mobile devices to ensure it’s responsive and visually appealing. Once satisfied, publish your updates.
3 Testimonial Optimization Tips
Incorporate Visuals: Add photos or videos of customers using your products to boost authenticity and engagement.
Feature Specific Results: Highlight measurable outcomes, such as “This tote bag is so durable, it’s lasted me three years” or “Sales at my pop-up booth doubled after using this display design.”
Update Regularly: Keep your testimonials fresh by showcasing recent customer feedback. This shows that your store is active and continuously delivering value.
Best Places to Show Testimonials on BigCartel
Homepage
- Feature a standout testimonial above the fold to immediately capture attention. For instance, “These hand-painted canvases transformed my living room” can hook visitors right away.
Product Pages
- Place testimonials directly on product pages to reinforce the quality or value of specific items. For example, include a quote like, “This candle’s scent is absolutely divine” alongside the product description.
About Page
- Incorporate testimonials into your “About” page to humanize your brand and emphasize customer satisfaction.
Checkout Page
- Reassure buyers with a testimonial near the checkout button. A statement like, “Shipping was so fast and everything arrived perfectly packaged” can ease last-minute doubts.
Footer Section
- Embed a scrolling carousel of testimonials in your footer to keep them visible across all pages of your store.
Other Ways to Add Testimonials to BigCartel
Email Campaigns
Incorporate testimonials into your email marketing campaigns. Share a glowing review in a product promotion email to build trust and drive sales.
Social Media Feeds
- Display embedded reviews from social media platforms, such as Instagram or Twitter, directly on your BigCartel store.
Pop-Ups and Banners
- Use pop-ups or banners to highlight testimonials dynamically. For instance, show a customer review when someone views a product for an extended period.
Blog Content
- Write blog posts that feature in-depth customer success stories or product use cases, and link them to your product pages.
Video Testimonials
- Host video testimonials on platforms like YouTube or Vimeo and embed them into your BigCartel pages for a more engaging experience.
3 Testimonial Mistakes on BigCartel
Using Generic Feedback
- Avoid vague statements like “Great product!”. Instead, focus on detailed testimonials that address specific benefits or unique experiences.
Overloading Pages
- Too many testimonials can overwhelm visitors. Prioritize quality over quantity and strategically place the most impactful reviews.
Ignoring Mobile Optimization
- Ensure testimonials are mobile-friendly. With many customers shopping on their phones, poorly formatted content can deter buyers.
Wrap Up
Testimonials are an invaluable tool for building trust, engaging visitors, and driving sales on your BigCartel store. By strategically placing authentic, impactful testimonials and regularly updating them, you can create a compelling shopping experience that turns visitors into loyal customers.
Ready to elevate your BigCartel store? Start collecting and showcasing testimonials today to grow your business and strengthen your brand!
