Ask HN: Do testimonials really work on SAAS homepages?

3 points by jscheel 13y ago ↗ HN

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?

3 comments

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fabiandesimone 13y ago ↗

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

See which one converts better.

http://www.optimizely.com

jscheel 13y ago ↗

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

webstartupper 13y 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).