Testimonials matter

**I originally wrote this one pager as an action out of a Lions District PR training session - it was my collated information and thoughts to help other Lion Clubs. Presenting here as same gift idea. Hope it helps.

Testimonials are the easier form of PR for Lions Clubs and can be used across all forms of current communication channels.

Testimonials are used on websites to confirm content ie about membership, about meetings or about activities completed. They can be used on social media pages or as the basis for any media releases as quotes within the text, explaining what it is you are releasing information about.

Common types of testimonials

Data & Statistic testimonial: Quantitative, appealing to the mind with reason eg “99% on time” or “78% who took up the service were impressed” or “we saved the lives of over 30% of people who visited our service on the weekend”

Evidence testimonials: Qualitative and personal, appealing to the heart with emotion eg “Super fast delivery” or “I am so grateful for the opportunity to be screened”

Influencer testimonial: When key people speak or information about your group. It may be a local MP, Councillor, local identity or someone of standing.

Interview testimonial: Using the question-and-answer format on video or in print where you ask a person about their experience and capture their responses (great to use in media statements)

Peer testimonial: Paints a picture for someone similar to your future customers and usually includes a portrait eg “as a xx year old person, this was an easy task”

Quote testimonial: Using words directly from satisfied person eg “great experience”

Social testimonial: The best! An organic testimonial, where your customer offers to share their experience with your company on social media.

6 easy interview questions for testimonials

1. I approached [name] because …
2. I used the [service] because ...
3. [name] helped me by ….
4. I found the [xyz] experience ….
5. I would recommend [name] to people who need  ….
6. My thoughts about the Lions [name] group demonstrating their “We Serve” philosophy are…

Warning! If you write and post without the review and approval of the person you are attributing it to, it’s fake. It’s also not legal. But if you write a draft and then allow the person to make edits and give approval, it’s real and legitimate.

The main thing is to ASK.

LIONS GILLES PLAINS – Article example (reduced content)

Screening our community for skin cancers to save lives

On day one at the Lions Medical Research Foundation Skin Cancer Screening Clinic we potentially detected seven people within our community with potentially life threatening skin cancers.

Seven people detected in one day; all while every day, six Australians die from skin cancer.

In all, we saw approximately 130 people over the Saturday and Sunday; with many never screened before. Early diagnosis has a dramatic and critical impact on successful treatment because skin cancers can grow rapidly.

“I saw online that Lions were having free skin cancer checks so I booked myself and my 18 year old daughter in. We are both fair skinned so it was time, having never had a full check before. We arrived early and were greeted with smiling, welcoming faces who instantly made us feel at ease and well taken care of. A small bit of paperwork and into the trailer we went. I am a bit claustrophobic but felt fine in the surprisingly spacious trailer. A private room was provided for each of us where retired nurses who have undertaken further training searched our underwear-clad bodies for signs of trouble. It was quick, non-invasive and of course, free. A very positive experience over all. Thanks Lions!” Joanne

The Lions Skin Cancer Screening program has been operating in South Australia and the Northern Territory since 2011. The geographical area covered by C Districts is enormous, servicing some 135 clubs located throughout South Australia, the Northern Territory and parts of Western Victoria and New South Wales.