WordPress powers over 40% of the web, making it the go-to platform for creating highly customizable and scalable websites.
While design and functionality are crucial, testimonials are the secret ingredient to building trust and converting visitors into loyal customers.
In this guide, we’ll explore why testimonials are essential for WordPress websites, how to implement them effectively, and best practices for maximizing their impact.
Why Add Testimonials to WordPress?
Establish Credibility with Social Proof: Testimonials provide immediate social proof. Studies show that 88% of consumers trust online testimonials as much as personal recommendations. Adding them to your WordPress site instantly builds trust with potential customers.
Increase Conversions: Well-placed testimonials can boost conversion rates by up to 34%. By addressing customer hesitations and showcasing positive experiences, testimonials guide users toward making purchasing decisions.
Improve SEO: Testimonials enriched with customer-generated keywords enhance SEO. Structured data (schema markup) can also improve search engine visibility by enabling rich snippets.
Highlight Unique Selling Points (USPs): Real-world experiences shared through testimonials can underscore your business’s unique strengths, such as exceptional service, product quality, or reliability.
Create Emotional Connections: Testimonials humanize your brand by sharing customer stories that resonate emotionally with your audience.
Build trust & FOMO
Highlight real-time activities like reviews, sales & sign-ups.
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How to Add Testimonials to WordPress
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:
Using WordPress Plugins
1. Install a Testimonial Plugin
- Go to Plugins > Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
- Search for plugins like Strong Testimonials, WP Testimonials, or WiserNotify.
2. Activate and Configure
- After installation, activate the plugin.
- Configure settings such as layout, number of testimonials, and customization options.
3. Add Testimonials to Pages or Posts
- Use shortcodes provided by the plugin to embed testimonials anywhere on your site.
4. Customize Display
- Choose from grid, slider, or carousel layouts.
- Add customer photos, names, and logos for personalization.
Using WordPress Gutenberg Editor
Add a Testimonial Block
- In the WordPress Editor, click the “+” button and search for “Testimonial.”
- Drag the block to your desired location.
Enter Testimonial Content
- Input customer quotes, names, and any additional details like star ratings.
Style Your Block
- Use Gutenberg’s built-in tools to adjust fonts, colors, and alignment.
Using Page Builders (Elementor, Divi, etc.)
Select a Testimonial Widget
- In Elementor, Divi, or WPBakery, search for a testimonial widget.
- Drag it into your desired section.
Customize Content and Design
- Add customer feedback, images, and names.
- Style the widget to match your site’s theme.
Integrating WiserNotify Testimonials
1. Set Up WiserNotify
- Log in to WiserNotify and create a testimonial widget.
2. Copy the JavaScript Code
- Generate the JavaScript snippet for your widget.
3. Embed Code in WordPress
- Go to Appearance > Theme Editor or use a plugin like Insert Headers and Footers.
- Paste the code in the
<head>
section or a specific location.
Best Places to Show Testimonials on WordPress
Homepage
- Showcase impactful testimonials near the top of your homepage to establish credibility at first glance.
Product or Service Pages
- Feature product-specific testimonials to address buyer concerns and emphasize benefits.
Checkout Page
- Reduce cart abandonment by placing testimonials near the checkout area to reassure customers.
About Page
- Highlight testimonials that emphasize your mission, values, or customer-centric approach.
Dedicated Testimonial Page
- Create a standalone page titled “Customer Reviews” or “Success Stories” to display a comprehensive collection of testimonials.
Blog Posts
- Embed testimonials within blog posts to reinforce points and provide social proof for the solutions discussed.
Other Ways to Add Testimonials to WordPress
Video Testimonials
- Video testimonials are highly engaging and credible. Use the Video Block in Gutenberg or embed videos using YouTube/Vimeo links.
Social Proof Notifications
- Integrate WiserNotify to display real-time activities, such as recent purchases or reviews, adding an element of urgency and trust.
Dynamic Widgets
- Use testimonial widgets that dynamically update to show the most relevant reviews to your audience.
Testimonial Sliders
- Create interactive testimonial carousels with plugins or page builders for an engaging presentation.
3 Testimonial Optimization Tips for WordPress
Personalize Content: Include customer names, photos, and locations to make testimonials more relatable and authentic.
Align Design with Branding: Ensure testimonial sections match your site’s color palette, typography, and overall aesthetic.
Keep Testimonials Updated: Rotate and update testimonials regularly to showcase recent feedback and keep content fresh.
3 Testimonial Mistakes to Avoid on WordPress
Overloading Pages with Testimonials
- Avoid cluttering pages with too many testimonials. Focus on quality over quantity to maintain readability.
Neglecting Mobile Responsiveness
- Ensure testimonials are fully responsive. Use WordPress preview tools to check their appearance on mobile devices.
Using Generic Testimonials
- Avoid vague feedback like “Great service!” Feature detailed reviews that highlight specific benefits or outcomes.
Wrap-Up
Testimonials are a cornerstone of trust and conversion for any WordPress website. By leveraging WordPress’s vast ecosystem of plugins, tools, and integrations like WiserNotify, you can easily add and optimize testimonials to create a compelling user experience.
Start incorporating testimonials into your WordPress site today and let your satisfied customers drive trust and conversions.