Ask HN: Why do startups use fake client testimonials?

[justanewguy]

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.

[sharemywin]

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.

[UK-AL]

You know exactly why they do it, to boost credibility. But obviously they're not every good at it...

[sharemywin]

Do an A/B test and you'll have your answer.