You’ve probably seen these.

“Great product!”

“Awesome service, highly recommend.”

“Five stars.”

These are generic reviews — and while they may feel positive, they rarely convert. Why? Because they don’t tell a story, solve a problem, or build trust. They’re empty calories in your marketing diet.

In 2025, buyers are skeptical. They want real stories, specific results, and relatable experiences. So if your testimonials aren’t doing the heavy lifting… it’s time to upgrade how you collect them.

Let’s break down why generic reviews fail, and how AI-enhanced testimonial forms (like the ones inside Testifolio) can fix it.

Problem 1: They Lack Specifics

A vague testimonial like “Loved it!” doesn’t say what was loved, why, or how it helped.

Buyers need:

• The problem the customer had
• How your product or service solved it
• What the outcome or transformation was

Without specifics, it doesn’t create connection or proof.

Problem 2: They All Sound the Same

Scroll through a review page filled with generic praise and you'll notice: it blurs together. There’s no voice, no personality, no unique insight. And when everyone says the same thing, nobody stands out — not even your brand.

This is especially dangerous when you're:

• A SaaS founder trying to convert skeptical trial users
• A coach or freelancer who relies on trust
• A brand competing with 100 similar offers