Testimonial Examples and Best Practices

Collection and filming tips for testimonials

Student testimonials showcase student voices, connect prospective and current students, and bring stories to life on your campus from faculty and staff.

According to a 2021 RNL report, "The marketing adage “show, don’t tell” has never been truer than in social media during a pandemic. Give prospective students the sense they’re seeing the authentic college experience by asking existing students to share their favorite parts of campus and the fun, quirky parts of the student experience."

Collect testimonials to:

Highlight frequently-visited places on your campus

Talk through real experiences

Demonstrate what life could be like on campus for your visitors (especially the ones taking a virtual tour!)
Showcase diverse voices on your campus

Keep scrolling to learn how to collect testimonials, recording best practices, and client shining star examples.

1. Collect testimonials with provided content card

Use the templated testimonial content card to collect videos. To share the card, use the provided community link which can be shared anywhere: emails, social media groups, flyers, social media stories, etc.

Collection tips:

All videos should be sent to you, and will then need to be published to YouTube as unlisted or public
Align testimonial collection with a social media campaign. If you have a centralized social media account run by marketing, student services, or student life to reach current students, this is best
Send the link to key student groups on campus:
- Student tour guides - they are familiar with most stops on your tour
- Student Ambassadors - Student life and academics
- Student Government - Community spaces
- Resident Assistants/Residence Hall Associations - Residence life spaces
- Student workers - Academic buildings
Incentivize testimonial submissions by offering a gift per submission or qualification for a prize
- Example: Arizona State University-Mountain Home enters students who submit a testimonial into a drawing to win an ASUMH hammock
Incorporate testimonial submissions as a project for current students or faculty planning

2. Recording tips

⏳ Record for no longer than 90 seconds
🚫 No inappropriate language
🎬 Relate video to popular themes, but also unique topics to the institution
- Students like to hear about dining plans and housing across all campuses, but students also love to hear about traditions! What makes your tradition stand out?
🤩 Use an engaging and casual tone (these are videos for their peers!). Include friends in the video too!
🔠 Avoid acronyms
👋 Recorder should introduce themselves. Information like name, hometown, major and graduation year are all helpful

From RNL's 2021 Expectations Trend Report:

"Keep video content focused and concise. Avoid long speeches from administrators. Prospective students want to know what their experience will be like by seeing what college is like from the perspective of current students. Use current students in the creation and filming of video and keep them under three minutes long."

3. Testimonial Examples

Watch testimonial examples and learn what we love about each video.

Advising at Washington University in St. Louis

Down to earth tone
Easy to relate to!
Selfie video format
Topic is a common stressor for many first-time and transfer students

Clubs and Organizations at Washington University in St. Louis

Interactive recording from Snapchat
- Emojis and stickers placed for increased engagement
Inclusivity of student organizations and clubs
Short and sweet
Selfie video format

Jewish Life at Princeton University

Introduce themselves, year and majors
Topic relates to specific content heading to bring it to life
Representation of the community

Residence Hall at Cabrini University

Real view inside of a residence hall
Covers multiple parts of campus life
Relaxed interview
Overview of residence hall

Business Office at Hawaii Community College

Most students will have questions about financial aid - it's great to have a first-hand account!

Admissions Welcome at Vanderbilt University

Full introduction of name, major and graduation year
Warm and welcoming tone to kick off tour and includes University slogan
Discusses a wide variety of campus opportunities including studying abroad, clubs and resources

Flower Sundays at Wellesley University

Inclusion of pronouns in introduction
Topic evokes tradition and unique event for University that promotes community
Casual, clear and concise

A Day in the Life Montage from California College of the Arts

Created with TikTok to add in transitions and effects
Relatable, authentic and genuine
First-hand glimpse into classes as an Interior Design student
Meal plan and food recommendations

Faculty Insight at California College of the Arts

Inspiration provided by the faculty member
Great graphics

Residence Halls at Maryville University

Quick tour of each residence hall included on tour
Informal, but professional and informative detailing amenities such as common room, gym, and free laundry
Student highlight to show off their residence hall room and perks
End of video includes social media handles

International Student Welcome from Maryville University

Authentic greeting to specific student population
Resources made available to connect with the Director and social media channels

Lecture Hall Views at Davis and Elkins College

Insight into class sizes and classroom views
Especially relatable to prospective students looking to major in Criminology and Psychology

Have a 360 video you'd like to incorporate? Upload the video to YouTube, mark as unlisted or public and use the video link in the platform.

The University of South Carolina highlights their housing using an interactive 360 tour.