​In an age where word of mouth from a friend, or a Yelp review, can make or break a business, testimonials can be the key to a company's success. For the YMCA, whose majority of life-changing programs depend on the donations of the community, breaking out of the image of being just a "gym and swim" is dependent on the stories by those whose lives were positively impacted by the Y.

Testimonial Impact Wall

I worked with Y staff to collect and curate testimonials for a number of marketing projects, but most notably the design of a testimonial wall, testimonial videos, and ongoing social media campaign.

The Testimonial Impact wall was placed in a high traffic area of the facility and aimed to raise awareness of the Y's impact on the community. The testimonials chosen displayed a range of ages, backgrounds and abilities, which fell in line with the organization's Diversity and Inclusion principles and how the Y serves all. 

Testimonial Videos

I have to say that video projects for the the Y were some of my absolute favorite projects, because each story I listened to seemed more powerful than the last and I was humbled to be able to share it with the world. I would be involved in the entire process: from story boarding, to interviewing, to production and post production. 

The post production process taught me how to be decisive in determining what sections of a video would make the final cut and which wouldn't. I learned the importance of how to blend a testimonial with the appropriate music and tempo. Being able to choose the music in the creative video editing process was exhilarating, because it ultimately sets the tone and the takeaway message of a given story. The testimonial videos were used not only on social media and Youtube, but were used during events, board meetings, email newsletters and more to inform others about the Y's mission and cause.

Testimonial Quotes for Social Media

In the collection of testimonials for the Y, there were inevitably some folks that were camera shy. (To be honest, I myself am too!) But to ensure that every story got a chance to be heard, I used these testimonials and reduced them to single tile social media posts to be shared every other week on the Summit Area YMCA's Facebook.

For more information about the Summit Area YMCA, visit their website at www.theSAY.org

With over 10 years of experience working with clients from the East Coast to the West, I am happy to help realize your art and design needs. From print materials like business cards, menus, brochures, facility signs or posters; to rebranding design and digital ad design, I'm here to help bring your ideas to life. Learn more about me.