How to Collect and Leverage Student Testimonials

Understanding Student Testimonials

Student testimonials, also known as student reviews, are first-hand narratives from students sharing their thoughts and experiences about an educational institution.

These testimonials can cover a wide range of topics, including the general learning environment, faculty engagement, campus life, and educational quality.

Student testimonials are valuable for several reasons:

• They provide a firsthand perspective about the institution, which can provide potential students with insights that they may not find in a brochure or on a website.
• Educational institutions can use testimonials to determine their areas of strength and growth based on input from students.
• They are credible sources of information for stakeholders such as parents, potential donors, and accreditation bodies.

For example, a student testimonial might say: "I loved studying at XYZ University. The faculty were supportive, and I had many opportunities to get involved on campus."

Another example might be: "The hands-on experience I got in my field at ABC College set me up for success in my career."

These examples highlight how student testimonials for institutes can give a genuine, relatable insight into student life and the value of the education provided.

How to ask for testimonials from students?

Collecting student testimonials is a crucial strategy to highlight your institute's strengths. It provides prospective students with real-life examples of the benefits and experiences they can expect. Here are some comprehensive ways to ask for student testimonials, along with examples for each method:

Methods of Collecting Student Testimonials:

1. Surveys and feedback forms

One of the most typical ways to acquire testimonials is through surveys or feedback forms. Consider sending out a survey or feedback form after a course or semester is completed to get information about students' experiences. This not only allows you to collect useful data, but it also helps in recognizing the areas for development.

For example, you might say, "We hope you enjoyed our English Literature course. We'd love to hear about your experience. Could you please spare a few minutes to fill out this feedback form?"

2. Email requests

Email queries provide a more customised method to gathering testimonials. Create a meaningful email that invites students to share their experiences and feedback.

This strategy generally results in more extensive testimonials since it allows students to reflect on their experiences. You could include a video link or a link to your 'Student's Wall of Love' to showcase student reviews.

For example, you could write, "Hi there! We hope you had a great time learning with us. We would appreciate it if you could reply to this email with your thoughts and experiences."

3. In-person interviews

For a more personal touch, conduct simple, pleasant interviews with students. This can result in deeper, more insightful testimonials.

For example, you might say, "Hi, we are gathering student testimonials for our website. Would you mind if we have a quick chat about your experience at our institute?"

4.Online reviews and social media

In today's digital era, online reviews and social media are effective methods for gathering testimonials. Encourage your students to write reviews on websites such as Google or to share their experiences on social media.

For example, you could say, "We greatly appreciate your feedback. Could you take a moment to review us on Google or share your experience on your social media?"

Effective Questions to Ask for Detailed and Meaningful Testimonials:

To gather detailed and meaningful student testimonials, consider asking the following questions:

1. "What was your favourite part of the course/institute?” This question can help identify the unique selling points of your institute or course.

2. "How has the course/institute benefitted you?" The answers to this question can generate testimonials highlighting the value and impact of your institute.

3. "Would you recommend the course/institute to others? Why?" The responses can serve as powerful endorsements for your institute.

4. "Can you share a specific experience that you enjoyed at the institute?" This can lead to memorable stories that resonate with prospective students.

When collecting student testimonials, looking at samples from other institutes might be a valuable inspiration. Remember to make the procedure easy and the tone casual so that more students may share their stories.

Student testimonials are a significant resource for educational institutions. They provide insights into the student experience and act as an effective marketing tool. The strategies and questions provided above should help you get successful testimonials from your students.

Examples of Student Testimonials

Here are a few examples of student testimonials:

Written Testimonials

1. My experience at MIT-WPU was wonderful indeed! I came to the city of Pune from the small city of Sangli. Naturally, I was nervous about fitting-in with the crowd. However, the warm attitude of professors and helpful peers eased me into the academic journey. I cannot stress enough about how well the lectures are conducted. The teachers supported me on every step and I made many good friends whom I cherish. And I have a feeling that everyone who came from the various corners of the country experienced the same support and friendship.

Prathamesh Khadilkar SY

• Career Advancement
  It was a great honor to work under Prof. S. K. Saha, Prof. Sangeeta Kohli and Prof M.R Ravi who always encouraged, motivated, and helped me and have been very patient in explaining everything to me. I would also like to thank the staff at RuTAG who have been very supportive and have always inspired me.

Fazil Qazi, Intern RuTAG IIT Delhi.

• Academic Support
  "My journey in IIT Delhi has been incredible. Opportunities such as meeting Bill Gates and having a Marketing and Strategy Professor who is one of the best in India have been truly enriching."

IIT Delhi Student.

Remember, student testimonials can come in different formats - they can be written, or they can be recorded as videos. No matter the format, they're an invaluable resource for sharing authentic student experiences and promoting the institute.

Video Testimonials

• https://youtu.be/Ct599cv4FoY
• https://youtu.be/QUL2IhAyobc.

Leveraging Student Testimonials

The power of student testimonials in showcasing what your institute has to offer can't be underestimated.

They provide real-life examples of student testimonials, encapsulating what your students experience and achieve, and they are incredibly effective in attracting prospective students.

You may even use a testimonial template to guide your students in writing their reviews.

Here are some ways you can add them:

Website

Your institute's website is an excellent platform for showcasing student testimonials. Here's how you can do it:

• Embedding student testimonials on your website’s homepage where they're immediately visible.
• Dedicate a separate page for testimonials. Here, you can display a variety of examples of student testimonials that reflect the diverse experiences of your student body.
• Integrate testimonials in related content across your website. This subtly reinforces the positive experiences of your students to site visitors.

Marketing Materials

Your marketing materials can also benefit from student testimonial examples. Here's how:

• Sprinkle testimonials in brochures and flyers. Incorporating student testimonials in your brochures and flyers adds a personal touch and makes your print materials more engaging. You can include a QR code that leads viewers to a webpage of student testimonial examples.
• Incorporate testimonials in your emails. This adds a personal touch and offers proof of the experiences you promise. Make it easy for students to leave their student testimonials by adding a 'Feedback' button on your website.
• This could be a testimonial template in the form of a text form or a video feed form, providing options for students to share their experiences.

Social Media

Student testimonials for institutes can be shared effectively on social media. Here's how:

• Create image quotes or videos of your students sharing their experiences. This can be visually engaging
• Use testimonials as social media post captions. This provides a personal touch and enhances the impact of the post
• Share testimonials across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to reach a wider audience

Remember, the best student testimonials tell a story. Encourage your students to share their experiences and achievements in a way that resonates with prospective students.

Best Practices for Using Student Testimonials

It's pretty rad how student testimonials can help institutes shine, right? But using them the right way is super important.

1. Ensure authenticity and honesty: It's essential that each testimonial reflects the real experiences and views of the student. No made-up stuff, please!

2. Gain permission: Always, always, remember to get permission from your students before you use their testimonials. It's about respect, folks!

3. Keep it fresh: Update and rotate your testimonials regularly. This keeps your content feeling new and exciting.

4. Show, don't just tell: Include examples of student testimonials. This helps to demonstrate what good testimonials look like, and can inspire your students to create their own.

Remember, student testimonials are a powerful tool for institutes, so make sure you're using them effectively!

Conclusion

So, from understanding what they are to nailing down how to ask for them, and then some great examples of student testimonials to inspire you. Remember, student testimonials are more than just a nice-to-have. They're real-life stories from your students that can seriously boost your institute's reputation. Plus, they give prospective students a glimpse into what life at your institution is really like.

So, don't wait, start collecting those student testimonials now. Whether it's through surveys, emails, or in-person chats, get those testimonials flowing. So, start collecting those student reviews now, and once you've got 'em, flaunt 'em! On your website, in your marketing materials, and all over your social media. With some solid student testimonial examples to show off, you're all set to make your institute shine.

So, go forth and collect those testimonials.