How to do Magic Tricks

Advice and Support for Magicians

Magicians Testimonials – Creating Fake Audience Feedback or Reviews

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Magicians testimonials - Reviews

We received this question about using actors in magicians testimonials:

 I have a question about video testimonials. I've been collecting some, but even when people are enthusiastic, some just don't come across very well. Do you think it would be acceptable to hire someone to record the same testimonial that was given by an actual person without saying that it's a paid testimonial (which would sort of defeat the purpose) ?

 

Don't fake customer testimonials.

People WILL spot that  something is fake. Remember how hard it is, even for professional actors to pretend to be members of the public. It always has a scripted feel, and you sense that the person is an actor or stooge. It's easy to spot fake enthusiasm. Faking testimonials that just use actor to deliver them can still ruin trust. An acted magicians audience testimonial may still be seen as 'fake' even when you keep the true feedback content unedited. The goal of testimonials is to create trust and 'social proof' about your services.

 

Raw and real customer testimonials.

The best testimonials look raw, real and unedited. They may not look professionally produced, but they meet the goal of the testimonial perfectly. Real  people, saying how awesome you are, or that they were fooled by your  magic tricks. A client is interested in real people's reactions, so even 'home made' quality footage appears authentic.

There's nothing to stop you asking a friend or even another spectator to film some feedback on your smartphone video camera. The venue is a live event, so it's even better when it looks like the place is buzzing, noisy, and full of energy.

 

Swearing.

Although you shouldn't edit a spectators feedback, it's fine to bleep out swearing, or blur out anything inappropriate in the footage. Even though you may be an adult entertainer, you should still be considerate of everyone what is viewing the footage.

 

If you really need to change the footage.

Sometimes the footage may be too poor quality to use. Perhaps the audio failed or the footage when totally out of focus. If the magicians testimonials are so good that you really want to include them, convert the testimonials to text and show a picture or screen grab of the person next to it.

Collecting magicians testimonials is one of the most effective forms of marketing a magician can use. There's no need to worry about low quality footage as long as it's genuine and represents your services well.

 

Magicians Testimonials – How to Ask for Feedback

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Testimonials for Magicians

What's the most effective way for magicians to get testimonials from people that hire them?

You did a great job performing magic at the show. The crowd loved you and you are finished for the night. Before you pack up your magic props and leave the venue, there is an inportant step to take: Set up your magicians testimonials!

Dominic Reyes recorded a short video for the blog whilst at a magic gig. He talks about how he gets feedback when people hire him to perform magic.

 

Before you leave your magic gig, make sure you speak to the client and ASK FOR FEEDBACK. It's fine to ask for a magicians testimonials because it shows that you care.

Follow up a week or so later. Send a letter, or ask your agent to contact the cleint and get feedback.

Ask for a copy of any photographs that were taken of you performing your magic.

Ask for a copy of the raw video footage of your magic performance. Ask the client as well as the videographer as that will greatly increase your chances of getting the footage. Video companies get very busy, so unless it's specified from the client, it can often be forgotten.

Send the client some business cards with your follow up letter. They may have been approached after the event and can send them on. It also gived client another reason to contact some of the guests at the event, which is valuable to them if the event was a networking exercise.

Remember to publish your magicians testimonials on your magicians website or in a performers blog. Don't just file them away, they are valuable content that gives social proof to your claims.

If you can, take a friend to a few gigs and ask them to record video testimonials from guests outside of the event or in the outer bar area.Ask permission for this, and it will usually be granted. Your video testimonials don't need to look perfect, they should look real, raw and unedited feedback from people that have just seen you perform.

Taking the time to get feedback is one of the most effective ways you can build up your marketing as a magician. Don't feel shy about asking. Most people love giving their opinion, and will be happy to help.

 

How to Find an Audience for Your Magic Tricks

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A Magicians Audience

Richard writes: 'I've been practicing magic for a few years, but only performing to my family. How do I find an audience for my magic tricks?'

Nice work Richard! You've been practicing your magic  over the long term, and that shows a real commitment to develop as a magician. Like many people, you have reached the point where you have  run out of new people to see your tricks. After all, magic needs fresh eyes because a magic trick is never as strong when it's repeated to the  same person. Lets look at some ways you can start performing to a wider  audience.

Dominic Reyes recorded a short video in which he talks about finding an audience for your magic tricks:

 

In a nutshell, it's all about reaching out to the community. You already have an audience that would love to see your magic. It doesn't have to be a commercial transaction as the real value for you initially is  experience. Start looking for an audience for your magic tricks amongst  the charity and support sector. Study the 'what's on' guide to look for events that might like to 'bolt on' some close up magic. Advertised  events may be at a stage where they have already arranged the entertainment, but that should not stop you. The goal is to make contact with the organisers and introduce yourself. When the best season of  events start to be planned, you can recontact and be at the front of their minds, when they are doing serious planning.

The secret is to MAKE CONTACT. The world will not come to you, all by itself.

Introduce yourself and become known in those circles. If you make an effort to put yourself out there as a possible entertainment choice, you will land some gigs sooner or later.

Remember to be active in the magic community. Join a local magic club and be INVOLVED. You will have fun, learn, and develop an understanding of your local areas market for magicians.