Both build trust. But they work differently, live in different places, and serve different purposes. Here's exactly when to use each — and how to collect both.
A rating and comment left unprompted by a customer on a third-party platform like Google, Yelp, or Trustpilot. You don't control it. That's partly what makes it powerful.
A statement collected by you from a happy customer, displayed on your own website or marketing. You request it, you curate it, you control it.
Best strategy: collect both. Reviews build third-party credibility and help you rank on Google. Testimonials give you owned, high-quality social proof you control completely.
Share your Elocent collector link. Customers submit video, photo, or written testimonials in 60 seconds. You approve and they appear on your website widget automatically.
In the same email or QR code that requests a testimonial, include a secondary link to your Google Business profile or Yelp page. Give customers a choice — some prefer third-party platforms.