Ask HN: Why do startups use fake client testimonials?
How come this trend is so widespread in the startup community. Do people not realise that it makes them look unprofessional when they clearly use a stock photo, and some fake reviews to boost their credibility. The ones I'm referring to are the small oval pictures, that service/product offering startups are so fond of using. There are usually a few client testimonials that are obviously fake.
Comments
A lot of times people just are trying to gauge demand initially. Why blow hundreds of hours or thousands of dollars trying to build a product that people aren't interested in buying.
You know exactly why they do it, to boost credibility. But obviously they're not every good at it...
Do an A/B test and you'll have your answer.