Oh boy, video testimonials — those things can be more nerve-wracking than a tight tiebreaker, am I right? You’ve got these tennis folks who are absolute beasts on the court, but shove a camera in their face and suddenly it’s like they forgot how to tie their shoes. Doesn’t make much sense, but there you have it. Anyway, if you’re a tennis coach or run an academy, you probably get that word of mouth is your secret weapon. And video testimonials? That’s like having Novak Djokovic tell everyone you’re the best coach ever. Priceless.
But here’s the catch. Not everyone is camera-ready. And by that, I mean people tend to freeze up, sweat more than usual — okay, maybe not more than usual for a tennis player, but you get the picture. But no worries, I’ve got a seven-part plan to turn even the shyest person into a testimonial wizard. Ready? Let’s dive in.
Step One, we’ve got “Understand the Fear Factor.” Look, people are scared they’ll come across awkward, forget their lines — the whole nine yards. I mean, who doesn’t relate though? Your job here is to make it feel like a chill conversation after a match, not some red carpet event with cameras flashing everywhere.
Moving on to Step Two: “Create a Comfortable Environment.” Seriously, skip the fancy backdrops — unless you’re into that staged vibe, which, in my mind, kinda screams ‘fake’. Keep it real. Have them film on the court, at the club, maybe even at home if that’s their comfort zone. Let ’em wear their usual sweaty gear — nothing more honest than that post-practice glow.
Now, Step Three: “Start with a Chat.” Before you whip out the camera, just talk. Ask them what’s improved in their game since working with you or why they dig the academy vibe. When the camera eventually rolls, it’s like you’re just continuing the chat. Not rocket science, right?
Okay, Step Four: “Offer Prompts, Not a Script.” This one’s key. Scripts are for actors, and let’s face it, most of us would win a Golden Raspberry before an Oscar. Give them prompts. Like, “Hi, I’m [Name], been training at [Academy] for [X months].” Sounds natural, doesn’t it?
Step Five shines a spotlight on reassurance. Most people hate how they look or sound on camera. I get it; listening to a recording of my voice once was enough to never make that mistake again. Let them know they’re not aiming for perfection — just highlights. Like, the ‘SportsCenter’ of testimonials or something.
Now, Step Six: “Show Examples.” This one’s about setting them at ease. Show them clips of others who’ve done it. Oddly enough, seeing others survive the ordeal makes people think, “I could maybe, probably do this too. Maybe.”
Finally, Step Seven: “Offer Incentives, If Needed.” Sometimes a little bribe — oops, I mean, incentive — helps. Free racket restring, maybe some cool gear? Works wonders, especially if you’re dealing with young players or parents juggling a million things.
Why put in all this effort? Well, because future clients want the real deal. They want genuine stories, not polished ads. Whether it’s a kid finally mastering a killer backhand, or a coach who found your tennis balls to be the best thing since sliced bread, those stories? Pure gold. Plus, you can slap these testimonials on social media, in newsletters, wherever. They’re versatile little nuggets.
If you’re looking to nail your video strategy or want some easy templates, Resourcely Marketing’s got your back. Seriously, don’t sweat it. You got this. If you need help figuring out where to start, just give us a shout. 🏓
