To put it simply, glowing client testimonials are the bomb.
✨ They put a little pep in your step.
✨ They give you a sense of pride in what you do.
✨ AND they make GREAT Instagram posts!
It’s actually scientific how much of a game-changer client testimonials can be for your business.
A Nielson study on advertising and media showed that 92% of all consumers trust earned media, such as social or personal testimonials, above all other forms of advertising.
Another study discovered that over 90% of consumers stated that reviews always impact their buying decisions.
The fact of the matter is, clients trust testimonials WAY more than a business’ own website or social media page.
Who knew?
Thanks to the internet, it’s easier than ever before for a person to position themselves as an authority, a guru, or an expert.
But the market is maturing. Consumers are TIRED of marketing lingo and “salesy” tactics attacking them from all angles. 🙅🏽♀️
This is why social proof (aka testimonials) might be the ticket to helping you stand out in the online business crowd.
SO, this week, we’re talking all about how to collect client testimonials and use them LEGALLY in your marketing materials.
Let’s dive in.👇🏽
Tip #1: Get Client Consent
When you get that email, social media shoutout, or DM from a client absolutely RAVING about your work, you are probably gonna wanna rush to screenshot it and share it right away.
PAUSE — don’t get ahead of yourself, my friend.
There is a very important legal step to take before you share that client love.
First things first, you have to obtain client consent.
You need to maintain a digital paper trail that documents written consent from the writer of the review in order for you to publish their endorsement of your product or services.
And as always, it doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as an email saying: “Do you consent to us using your testimonial in our marketing materials?”
Or even more simply, you can include a clause on your website terms and conditions stating that: “Any user reviews submitted to our website can be used for marketing purposes.”
Now you’ve got clear consent from the writers of the reviews to use their words to promote your products or services and you’re in the clear to make that “client love” post. ✅
Tip #2: Remove Upon Request
Even once you’ve obtained that consent from a happy client, there’s always the chance you will get someone asking to have their testimonial removed.
Yes, this is a hard thing to do but TRY not to take this personally. 💛
Remember that people change, opinions evolve, and it’s never personal if someone decides to take down a review of your business.
But in this case, you absolutely MUST honor this request. Full stop.
If you DON’T take it down, there is a possibility that you’ll end up in a legal battle that you most likely will not win.
And think about it this way, even if you did win:
Would you even want that person’s endorsement anymore?
After that whole legal blunder?
Didn’t think so.
Just be the bigger person and take that review down.
It is simply NOT worth the fight or the bad blood just to keep that testimonial up there.
You’ve got a bomb AF biz, and you WILL get another glowing review to take its place. 💃🏽✨
Tip #3: Only Use Accurate Testimonials
When it comes to using testimonials in your marketing, they MUST be accurate.
This isn’t just a matter of honesty and integrity.
This is also a federal legal matter.
This is a rule enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which is the government agency that aims to protect consumers from deceptive business practices.
The FTC states that reviews, testimonials, and endorsements used in advertising must reflect the honest opinions, beliefs, or experiences of the author of the review.
This means that you cannot use reviews that claim impossible things about your products or services, nor can you pay someone to leave a positive testimonial.
The next tip we have for you is all about honesty and what to do if you do offer something in exchange for a review.👇🏽
Tip #4: If You Paid, Be Honest
No matter what, if you have given compensation to the person writing a review you MUST say so.
Whether you’ve paid them to promote your business, sent them a product for free, or discounted your services, you have to disclose this when sharing their testimonial.
The disclaimer can be as simple as: “This client received compensation/a free product for her honest review.”
But friends, this doesn’t just apply to you. It also applies to the client when they share their review.
Don’t assume that you have to incentivize clients or customers to provide you with a testimonial, though.
If your clients’ results are great, they’ll be more than happy to provide you the review with no expectations of compensation.
So keep focusing on delivering your fabulous products and services, and the reviews will come to you. 💃🏽✨
BUT if you give compensation, make sure you and your client are completely honest in your marketing.
In Conclusion
There’s no denying just how powerful client reviews can be.
It’s rare that anyone these days buys something without consulting reviews first.
This is why it’s so important to have the tools to use client testimonials in your marketing correctly — and most importantly — LEGALLY.
First of all, you’ve got to get the go-ahead from your client to share their kind words as long as they are accurate.
And remember, let your audience know if you gave them freebies in exchange for their reviews.
There’s no shame in it!
Just be honest.
And finally, if someone wants their testimonial removed, respect their wishes and take it down.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ve got what it takes to use your glowing reviews to market all the good things you’ve got going on. Plus, you’re well on your way to solidifying an excellent legal foundation for your biz.
If you’re looking for MORE ways to strengthen the legal side of your business, we invite you to check out our FREE course, The 3 Need-to-Haves in Your Client Coaching Contract.
In this 20-minute crash course, you will gain total clarity on exactly what you need to do to confidently protect your business — without all the legal overwhelm and expenses!
Access the contracts crash course here.
And if ever YOU want to leave US a review, don’t be shy! ✨
Check out our ready-to-use, lawyer-approved, plug-and-play legal contract templates! So you can upgrade your client contract while staying Profitable & Protected™✨
Not sure where to begin? We’ve got you. Grab our FREE Legally Launch Handbookto get the legal lowdown on everything in entrepreneurship, without the confusing mambo jumbo. We’re serving it up straight & to the point. (Heads up: It’ll forever transform the way you view your client relationships!) Grab your copy now.
*The information presented in this blog post is for educational & informational purposes only. This should not be a substitute for customized legal advice from a licensed professional in a private setting. If you need legal advice, please consult with an attorney. This is not a law firm.
