Testimonials Mode
Pro Feature — Requires BuddyPress Member Reviews Pro
What is Testimonials Mode?
Testimonials Mode transforms your review system into a text-focused feedback experience. Instead of star ratings, members share authentic stories and experiences in their own words.
Why Use Testimonials?
Star ratings feel transactional. They reduce complex human experiences to a number between 1 and 5. Testimonials let your community tell real stories.
What Changes:
- “Review” becomes “Testimonial” throughout the interface
- Star rating fields are completely hidden
- Aggregate rating displays disappear
- Focus shifts to written experiences and stories
Perfect For
Course Platforms
Students share learning journeys and outcomes:
“This course transformed how I approach web development. The instructor’s real-world examples made complex concepts click.”
Coaching & Consulting Sites
Clients describe their success stories:
“Working with Sarah helped me clarify my business vision. Three months later, I’ve doubled my client base.”
Membership Communities
Members highlight valuable connections and experiences:
“The community support here is incredible. I’ve found collaborators, mentors, and friends who truly understand my journey.”
How to Enable
Requirements: This feature requires the BuddyPress Member Reviews Pro addon.
- Go to WordPress Admin > Settings > Member Reviews
- Click the Pro tab
- Find Review Mode setting
- Select Testimonials
- Click Save Changes
The Testimonial Flow
- Visit a Member Profile — Click the “Write Testimonial” button
- Share Your Experience — Write about your interaction, results, or impact
- Submit — The testimonial appears on their profile after approval (if moderation is enabled)
Boost Credibility with Verified Badges
Combine Testimonials Mode with Verified Badges (also a Pro feature) to add trust signals. A verified testimonial carries more weight than an anonymous review.
Switching Modes Safely
Note: Mode switching requires the Pro addon and is not available in the free version.
Your data is safe when switching modes:
- From Ratings to Testimonials — Star ratings are hidden but preserved in the database
- Back to Ratings — All ratings reappear instantly
- No Data Loss — Switch as often as needed for testing
This flexibility lets you experiment with different modes to find what resonates with your community.
Featured Testimonials Shortcode
Showcase your best testimonials anywhere on your site using the [buprfeaturedtestimonials] shortcode.
[bupr_featured_testimonials]Parameters:
| Parameter | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
count | 5 | Number of featured testimonials |
columns | 3 | Grid columns (2, 3, or 4) |
orderby | date | Sort field |
order | DESC | Sort order |
Note: Only shows testimonials marked as “Featured” by admin.
Examples:
[bupr_featured_testimonials count="6" columns="3"]
[bupr_featured_testimonials count="4" columns="2" order="ASC"]Configuration Tips
Moderation: Enable review moderation to curate high-quality testimonials before they go live.
Email Notifications: Keep members engaged by notifying them when they receive new testimonials.
Front-End Submissions: Let members write testimonials directly on profile pages without visiting the WordPress admin area.
Next Steps
- Learn about Endorsements Mode for skill-based feedback
- Explore Verified Badges to add trust signals
- Configure Moderation Settings to manage testimonial quality