Ask HN: Do testimonials really work on SAAS homepages?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4868029

by jscheel • 14 years ago

3 3 14 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

You often see any number of testimonials on SAAS homepages. Sometimes just the logos are enough (when the customers are big). Other times, there are glowing quotes from people no-one has ever heard of. What's your opinion? Do they work, or are they a turn-off? Is anyone willing to share what has worked for their company?

fabiandesimone• 14 years ago

Implement Optimizely.com and have two variations: one with and one without.

See which one converts better.

http://www.optimizely.com

jscheel• 14 years ago

Definitely important to do AB testing. I'm wondering, on a broader scale, was it worth it to most people?

webstartupper• 14 years ago

Definitely worth AB testing this - But I believe that testimonials work on the human herd-instinct-purchasing thought process - e.g - I don't want to be the first (and maybe only) person to have bought X. Seeing a list of people having purchased X before me is rather comforting. Due to this, testimonials with pictures of real people have the most impact in the decision making process - especially if (i) the SAAS website is relatively unknown and (ii) its a SAAS for consumers (i.e. customers are consumers and not businesses).

Ask HN: Do testimonials really work on SAAS homepages?

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