How to Get Your Client’s Consent to a Video Testimonial
It’s often quite a challenging thing asking somebody if they wouldn’t mind appearing on camera. So straight up, there are three, in summary, three key things you can do to help.
3 Key Things
Firstly, ask in the moment. Once you’ve finished that project, that great result for your client, now is the time to ask. They’re much more likely to say yes. Secondly, prepare for their concerns. Listed below are actually nine concerns that we’ve come up with which they might have. If you can prepare and be ready to respond positively to those questions, then you’re more likely to get their consent. Finally, the most important one is to produce a video production schedule. Yes, I know this sounds like a thesis, but it’s really not. Please contact us if you would like a copy of our template!
A production schedule contains all the information, and you will produce this after you’ve had your conversation with the client. It includes information about the key contacts, the date, the times of the shoot, the instructions on what to wear and even the questions and the desired responses, i.e., the content, and it’s circulated amongst the team. This document normally helps our clients, especially in larger organisations, get the consent they need from their marketing and communications team.
The Detail
So that’s the summary. Now I will talk through the nine things. Yes. Sorry, nine! I know it’s going to be quiet long, but pretty important. Straight away then. Number one, prepare the questions and the desired responses in a document. That will assist them. We’ve discussed that. Don’t script it. The client will want the flexibility, and it will make for a much more genuine video if they do produce their own responses.
Number two, remind them that it’s a good joint marketing initiative. It really is. And give them the opportunity to tell the audience about themselves or their company depending on the topic just to help with getting this consent.
Number three, let them know that their ‘on set’ time will be reduced to an absolute minimum, even half an hour. You see, prepare by getting there in advance, setting up, choosing the room, etc. And then you can notify the client that you’re ready for them to come along, sit down and have the conversation, thereby minimising the disruption to their business.
Number four is ask them where and when is convenient? Don’t tell them that they should come to your studio or your office. Ask them, particularly, if it is preferential to go to their workspace, which it normally is. It adds context to the video and provides a better visual representation, especially when you’re gathering B roll, which is another thing you should ask them. So at their convenience, “What time would suit you and what date is convenient for you to shoot at your location?”
Okay. Number five, tell them that you will ask the questions. “Oh, so I don’t have to do one long take?” “No, not at all. It will be broken down into four or five questions, and I will ask them and prompt you.” That normally helps relax them. No one take wonders expected here!
Number six, state that you will comply with their brand guidelines. Normally, the marketing or the brand team have reservations about that. That might mean type of compositions, or even getting their logo placed appropriately in the video or using the correct font and brand colours.
Number seven, what to wear. Yes, that’s a key question. What do I wear? Tell them informal, casual or perhaps their work clothes. Make them feel comfortable.
Now if they still need convincing, there are two more tips to round off. Number eight, offer them the chance to review. “It’s okay. You can review the final publication, the final draught before it goes live.” That will often satisfy their communications or their internal communications team.
And lastly, number nine, tell them “Actually your screen time will be kept to a minimum. Because we’ll be incorporating other footage, B Roll, you’re actually going to appear for about 50% of the time. No big deal, eh?”
So all these things help get your client to agree to produce a video testimonial, which we all know are very powerful video production types for marketing and comms.
