Even the most amazing client testimonial will lose its impact if lost in a poor design.
As a website developer, you already know that clients love putting testimonials all over their website - those glowing reviews that supposedly turn casual browsers into loyal customers.
But let’s be honest: if the layout looks like it was thrown together by a toddler with a glue stick, no one’s sticking around to read them.
Testimonials need more than great content - they need design finesse. In this post, we’ll dive into the art of making testimonial sections look as impressive as the reviews themselves, without breaking the user experience (or your patience).
Plus, I’ll share with you my favorite source of testimonial design inspiration, but first let's look through a checklist of the basics…
Testimonial Layout and Design Tips
When designing testimonials and the sections to put them in, it's important to keep a balance between aesthetics and functionality. The following tips will help you create a testimonial layout that is visually appealing and optimized for user engagement across all devices.
Prioritize Visual Hierarchy
Make sure your testimonials stand out without overwhelming the rest of the page. Use design elements like borders, shadow or background color to draw attention while maintaining balance with other site content.
Use Clear Headings and Pull Quotes
Having bold headings or pull quotes helps highlight the most impactful parts of the testimonial and ensures key messages aren’t overlooked.
Match Testimonial Design to Your Branding
The design of your testimonial section should of course align with the overall website branding. Consistent colors, fonts, and style ensure a cohesive look that enhances trust and professionalism.
Ensure Proper Spacing for Readability
Check that there’s enough whitespace around your testimonials to avoid clutter and make it easier to scan read. A good amount of spacing makes the content more digestible and visually appealing - as with spacing, I believe that more is better.
Add a Call to Action
When suitable, include a CTA that reinforces the testimonial’s message and encourages visitors to take action. This subtle addition can guide users toward the next step, like signing up or making a purchase.
Optimize for Mobile and Desktop
Ensure your testimonial layout is fully responsive across all devices. A mobile-friendly design is crucial for reaching a broader audience and providing a seamless experience.
Keep Page Load Times in Mind
Fast load times are essential for keeping users engaged. Optimize images and layout elements to ensure your testimonial section doesn’t slow down your website’s performance.
Types of Testimonial Layouts That Work Best
Grid Layout: These are multiple testimonials shown at once in a clean, organized way.
Carousel Slider: Rotating testimonials for larger amounts without taking up a lot of space on the page.
Quote Highlight: Pull a compelling quote from a testimonial and display it prominently in a nice bold font.
Embedded Videos: Of course, the best type of testimonial is a direct-to-camera client/customer review so this usually goes in a featured section.
Where to Find Testimonial Layout Design Inspiration
If you’re looking for a variety of testimonial design layout examples then explore this Pinterest board of testimonial designs. Other sources of inspiration include sites like Behance and Dribble.
Designing Website Testimonials
Whichever design layout you use on the page, always keep in mind that the testimonial section plays a crucial role in shaping visitor perceptions and driving conversions for the website.
It’s worth taking the time to evaluate the current testimonial designs on your website and client websites and make any changes needed to align with best practices.
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