Want to launch your first online course but facing a major obstacle: the absence of customer testimonials? While this situation might seem paralyzing, it shouldn't prevent you from moving forward. Let's discover effective strategies to sell your course even without testimonials.
1. Understanding the Relative Importance of Testimonials
The Chicken-and-Egg Problem
Every course, even the most famous ones today, started without testimonials. It's an unavoidable fact: you have to start somewhere. While testimonials are valuable, they're not a prerequisite for making your first sales.
The True Role of Social Proof
Testimonials are one element of social proof, but they're not the only way to build trust. Even sales pages overflowing with glowing testimonials don't guarantee success if the rest of your proposition isn't convincing.
2. Alternatives to Customer Testimonials
Highlighting Your Audience Statistics
An effective way to demonstrate your credibility is to showcase your audience numbers:
- Social media followers
- Monthly content reach
- Total views across all platforms
For example, mentioning "Followed by 10,000 people on LinkedIn" can be a significant credibility indicator.
Using Your Personal Story
Your personal journey can be your best selling point. If you're teaching a method you've successfully applied yourself, your story becomes living proof of its effectiveness. "Before/after" photos or concrete results you've achieved often speak louder than dozens of testimonials.
Leveraging Authority Markers
Several elements can strengthen your authority in your field:
- Media appearances (TV, press, podcasts)
- Published books
- Degrees and certifications
- Collaborations with recognized companies
- Institutional affiliations
Building on Scientific Foundations
Scientific validation of your method can be a powerful argument. Cite relevant studies that support your approach, but be sure to:
- Verify source reliability
- Deeply understand cited studies
- Clearly explain the connection to your method
Presenting External Case Studies
You can use external success stories that follow principles similar to your method. These cases demonstrate the validity of your approach, even if they haven't directly used your course.
3. Launch Strategies Without Testimonials
The Individual Coaching Approach
Individual coaching serves as an excellent entry point to:
- Quickly validate your method
- Adjust your approach in real-time
- Get direct feedback
- Generate your first testimonials
By the way, with SchoolMaker, you can:
- Sell coaching sessions individually, in bundles, or as bonuses to your courses.
- Automatically trigger a testimonial request right after your user achieves an excellent result.
The Beta-Testers Method
Build a group of beta-testers by:
- Offering preferential pricing
- Being transparent about the experimental nature
- Actively seeking their feedback
- Creating privileged relationships
4. Building Credibility Progressively
Authenticity as an Asset
Don't try to appear more advanced than you are. Authenticity can become your strength by:
- Embracing your beginner status
- Openly sharing your learning process
- Creating genuine connections with your audience
Organic Growth
Favor progressive and natural growth:
- Start modestly
- Test and refine your method
- Collect proof of results
- Develop your offering based on feedback
Conclusion
Selling a course without testimonials is not only possible but can become an opportunity to stand out through authenticity and transparency. By using the proposed alternatives and adopting a progressive approach, you can build a credible and attractive offering that will naturally generate its first successes and, consequently, its first testimonials.
FAQ
Q1: Can I create fake testimonials to start?
A: Absolutely not. Fake testimonials are not only unethical but also illegal. Focus instead on building authentic credibility.
Q2: How long does it take to get first testimonials?
A: It depends on your course duration and effectiveness. With a beta-tester approach, you can obtain your first testimonials in 1-3 months.
Q3: Are customers really reluctant to buy without testimonials?
A: Not necessarily. If your value proposition is clear and you use other forms of social proof, the absence of testimonials isn't an insurmountable obstacle.
Q4: What's the best alternative to testimonials when starting?
A: Personal story and results you've achieved yourself often constitute the most convincing proof when starting.
Q5: How should I request my first testimonials?
A: Start with a beta-tester group and provide close support.
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