The third in a series of blogs based on our awesome Geospatial Marketing Trading Cards.
The Power of Customer Testimonials in Geospatial Sales & Marketing
Let’s get real for a second. You can have the slickest geospatial tech, the smartest team and the most jaw-dropping GIS dashboards in the business.
But when it comes to winning new geospatial clients, nothing beats the words of someone who’s already walked in their shoes and come out grinning.
When was the last time you made a purchase without checking the reviews first?
That’s right: customer testimonials aren’t just “nice to have.” They’re your secret weapon for building trust, standing out from the competition
– and turning “maybe” into “where do I sign?”
Let’s break down why testimonials matter, how to collect them without feeling awkward and how to use them so they actually move the needle for your geospatial business.
Why Testimonials Are Your Geospatial Marketing Superpower
Forget the corporate fluff. Here’s why testimonials are worth their weight in gold:
Trust, on Tap
Prospective clients trust real people more than polished sales copy. A happy customer’s story is real proof that you’ll deliver.
Show, Don’t Tell
Testimonials are living, breathing case studies. They show your impact in the wild, with no jargon required.
Stand Out, Effortlessly
In a world full of “me too” geospatial firms and cookie-cutter AI content filling the web, a killer testimonial is the ultimate differentiator.
Boost Conversions
Social proof isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the nudge that turns fence-sitters into buyers.
Marketing Ammo
Use them everywhere. On your website, LinkedIn, proposals, exhibition banners, business cards, even your email signature.
How to Collect Testimonials (Without Feeling Like a Nuisance)
Step 1. Strike While the Iron’s Hot
Just wrapped a successful project? That’s your moment! Drop a quick email:
“Hey [Client], would you mind sharing a few words about how our GIS solution helped you?
It’d mean the world to us.”
Make it even easier for them by sharing examples of what other customers have said in the past.
Step 2: Make It Frictionless
Use Google Forms, Typeform or a simple survey. Ask questions like:
- What results have you seen?
- What challenge did you face before working with us?
- How did our solution help?
Step 3: Spot the Love on Social
Keep an eye on LinkedIn, Twitter, or even your inbox for unsolicited praise. If someone drops a kind word, ask if you can use it as a testimonial.
Step 4: Go Beyond Text – Think Video
Video testimonials pack a punch. Ask clients to record a quick video (Zoom or Loom works great) sharing their experience. Authenticity > polish.
Step 5: Deep Dives: Case Studies
For your biggest wins, go all in. Interview your client, dig into the before-and-after, get some great photos or video content, and turn it into a case study that tells a story.
Step 6: Leverage LinkedIn & Google Reviews
A LinkedIn recommendation or Google Review is public, credible, and super easy to share. Send clients a direct link and a thank you!
Formats That Actually Work (and Where to Use Them) for Geospatial Marketing
Written, video, case studies – each has its moment. Mix it up! Here’s how to get the most mileage from every bit of praise:
Short Quotes
Ideally structured as a before/after. Bonus points for including a statistic! Perfect for website banners, social posts, and proposals.
Detailed Written Testimonials
Add these to your testimonials page or case studies. These are great for cutting up or pulling out key phrases.
Video Testimonials
Feature these on your homepage, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn… or send to a prospective lead who’s on the fence. Nothing beats seeing a real person rave about you.
Case Studies
Tell the full story – challenge, solution, results. Great for blog posts, social media carousels, whitepapers or sales decks.
Social Media Shoutouts
When a client tags you in a win, reshare it! User-generated content is marketing gold.
Best Practice for Collecting Testimonials in the Geospatial Sector
1. Always get permission.
Some clients love the spotlight, others prefer to stay anonymous. Respect their wishes.
2. Don’t hide your testimonials on a dusty subpage.
Put them on your homepage, landing pages, and sales materials – front and centre.
3. Mix up your formats and content lengths.
Including the full testimonial is always tempting, but if the text is too long, it won’t get read.
4. Stay authentic & don’t over-edit.
A little roughness = more credibility
5. Keep things current
Regularly update your testimonials. Fresh wins show you’re still delivering.
The GMA Benchmark: What Good Looks Like
At the Geospatial Marketing Academy (GMA), we know our numbers. We track impressions, landing page visits, downloads, leads and sales.
But we also track stories, the real-world impact our clients experience.
Want to know how many testimonials you need to tip the scales? Start with two strong ones per service or product. Then build from there.
Final Thoughts: Ready to Let Your Clients Do the Talking?
Customer testimonials aren’t just a pat on the back, they’re your shortcut to trust, credibility and more sales. Make it easy for your clients to share their wins, and showcase those stories everywhere you can.
Start today:
- Reach out to your happiest clients
- Make it simple for them to share
- Put their words front and centre
And remember: in a world full of noise, nothing cuts through like a real success story.
P.S. Got a testimonial you’re proud of? Share it with us! We love celebrating your wins. 🤗
Don’t get left behind!
How does this sound to you: a steady stream of glowing testimonials, a pipeline full of qualified leads, and marketing that finally feels easy…
That’s what GMA members experience every month.
Unlock proven strategies, templates, self-paced learning modules, weekly group calls, and a supportive community that’s as passionate as you are.
Your future clients (and your bottom line) will thank you.