Why Do We Even Care About Testimonials?
Let’s be honest—most of us don’t buy anything these days without reading at least a handful of reviews. Whether it’s a new restaurant, a tech gadget, or even a pair of socks (yes, sock reviews are a thing), we trust the opinions of fellow buyers. In fact, 92% of consumers trust peer reviews more than brand messaging. So, if you’re running a website on Squarespace and not leveraging testimonials, you’re missing out on a major credibility boost.
But slapping a few customer reviews onto your site isn’t enough. The design, placement, and presentation of these testimonials can make or break their effectiveness. If they look out of place, boring, or untrustworthy, visitors will ignore them—just like they ignore those too-good-to-be-true, five-star Amazon reviews that sound suspiciously like a bot wrote them.
So, how do you design testimonials on Squarespace in a way that actually builds trust, engages visitors, and drives conversions? Let’s dive in.
Why Are Customer Reviews on Websites So Powerful?
Before we get into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Why do testimonials and customer reviews hold such power over our decision-making?
The Science Behind Social Proof
Social proof is a psychological phenomenon where people assume the actions of others reflect the correct behavior. Dr. Robert Cialdini, in his book Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, explains that social proof is one of the most effective ways to influence decision-making.
Translation? If people see others raving about your product or service, they’re more likely to trust you—even if they’ve never heard of your brand before.
Numbers Don’t Lie (Unless They Do, But Let’s Assume They Don’t)
Here are some cold, hard facts:
- 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
- Websites with testimonials see a 45% increase in conversions compared to those without.
- 72% of customers say positive testimonials increase their trust in a business.
They Address Common Objections
A well-placed testimonial can eliminate doubts before they even arise. Customers might wonder:
- “Is this worth the money?”
- “Is the quality really as good as they claim?”
- “Will it actually work for me?”
When they see a glowing review from someone with similar concerns, they’re much more likely to make a purchase.
Now that we’ve established why testimonials matter, let’s talk about how to showcase them effectively on Squarespace.
How to Add Testimonials to Squarespace: The Right Way
Squarespace makes it relatively easy to add testimonials, but ease of use doesn’t mean you should just throw them anywhere. A poorly designed testimonial section can look amateurish, forced, or downright fake.
Choosing the Right Layout
Squarespace provides several options for displaying testimonials:
| Layout Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quote Blocks | Simple text-based testimonials | Clean, minimalist look | Can feel basic if not well-designed |
| Slideshow/Carousel | Rotating customer reviews | Engaging and dynamic | Users might miss some testimonials |
| Grid/Wall of Love | Multiple testimonials at once | Great for social proof | Can look cluttered if overdone |
| Video Testimonials | High-impact customer stories | Builds strong emotional connections | Requires more effort to produce |
Placement: Where Should Testimonials Go?
Testimonials shouldn’t just be an afterthought. They should be strategically placed where they can have the most impact.
Best Locations for Testimonials on a Squarespace Website
- Homepage – First impressions matter. Place a compelling review right below the hero section.
- Product/Service Pages – Show reviews that highlight specific features or benefits.
- Checkout Pages – Reduce last-minute hesitation with reassuring testimonials.
- About Page – Let real customer voices add credibility to your brand story.
Design Tips for High-Impact Testimonials
A dull, text-only review might not capture attention. Here’s how to make testimonials visually appealing:
Use Faces for Authenticity
People trust reviews more when they can see a real person behind them. Add customer photos or use their social media avatars to make testimonials feel more credible.
Highlight Key Quotes
Make important phrases stand out using bold text or pull quotes. Example:
“This service completely transformed my business!”
becomes
“This service completely transformed my business!”
Incorporate Star Ratings
Humans love visual cues. Adding a simple ★★★★★ rating can make testimonials more eye-catching.
Keep It Short & Sweet
Long testimonials can be great, but most visitors won’t read a wall of text. Highlight one or two key sentences to keep it impactful.
Use Contrast and White Space
A messy, cramped testimonial section is counterproductive. Use enough white space and contrast to make reviews stand out without overwhelming the page.
Examples of Great Testimonial Designs on Squarespace
Now, let’s look at some real-world examples of businesses that have nailed their testimonial sections on Squarespace.
Minimalist & Elegant
A simple quote block with a high-quality image beside it. This works well for high-end brands or personal coaches.
Interactive Slideshow
A carousel with three or four rotating testimonials works well for tech startups and service-based businesses.
“Wall of Love” Grid
A collection of customer tweets, social media shoutouts, and direct reviews in a visually appealing grid—perfect for eCommerce brands.
FAQs
Can I add testimonials to Squarespace for free?
Yes! Squarespace provides built-in tools to add testimonials without needing extra plugins.
Should I use real names in testimonials?
Absolutely. It adds credibility. Just make sure to get the customer’s permission first.
What’s better: text or video testimonials?
Both work well, but video testimonials tend to be more persuasive if done correctly.
How many testimonials should I add?
Quality over quantity! Around 3-5 high-impact reviews are better than a dozen generic ones.
Can I feature social media reviews on Squarespace?
Yes! You can embed tweets, Instagram comments, or Facebook recommendations directly onto your site.
What if I don’t have testimonials yet?
Start by asking past customers for reviews, offer incentives, or showcase case studies.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Well-Designed Testimonial
Adding customer testimonials to your Squarespace site isn’t just about filling space—it’s about building trust, boosting conversions, and enhancing user experience. The way you design and place these testimonials can make or break their effectiveness.
So, what’s the next step? Test different designs, experiment with placement, and track conversions. Don’t just add testimonials—make them work for you.
