Navigating FTC Compliance for Testimonials and Reviews: Insights from Peter Hoppenfeld

Navigating FTC Compliance for Testimonials and Reviews: Insights from Peter Hoppenfeld

Navigating FTC Compliance for Testimonials and Reviews: Insights from Peter Hoppenfeld

In a world where digital marketing reigns supreme, testimonials and reviews have become pivotal in shaping consumer trust and driving conversions. However, with great power comes great responsibility, particularly in staying compliant with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations. Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Peter Hoppenfeld, a seasoned attorney and advisor renowned for his expertise in direct marketing, internet marketing, and business operations. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation.

Understanding the FTC’s Role

The FTC acts as a regulatory body, protecting consumers from misleading marketing practices. Peter explained that the FTC’s main goal is to shield consumers from manipulative tactics that could lead them to make uninformed decisions. This includes cracking down on false or exaggerated claims in testimonials and reviews.

“Marketers tend to push buttons to get people to do things, to convert, and that conversion could be to click, look, or buy,” Peter said. “The FTC steps in and makes rules to protect people against their worst impulses to buy or to click.”

Common Pitfalls in Testimonials and Reviews

One significant issue is the misuse of testimonials. Marketers often cherry-pick the best reviews or even fabricate them to paint an overly rosy picture. This practice misleads consumers into believing the results are typical, which is rarely the case.

“People would take reviews from one product or service and use them again for the next new product or service, which has nothing to do with prior experience,” Peter noted.

Best Practices for Compliance

  1. Authenticity and Transparency**: Ensure that testimonials are genuine and represent real customer experiences. Avoid creating fake reviews or paying for reviews without disclosing this information.
  2. how Typical Results**: If you use testimonials that mention specific results (e.g., weight loss, income earned), you must also show what a typical consumer can expect. This can be done through surveys and regular data collection.
  3. Disclosures**: Clearly disclose if a reviewer has received any compensation, whether it’s money, free products, or other incentives. Use labels like “sponsored,” “paid endorser,” or “brand partner” to make this clear to the audience.
  4. Regular Updates**: Regularly update your testimonial support pages with the latest survey data to show ongoing typical results. This transparency helps build trust with your audience.

The Role of AI in Reviews

With the rise of AI-generated content, there’s an added layer of complexity. AI can create fake reviews, making it harder for consumers to trust what they read. However, Peter emphasized the importance of staying genuine.

“Ultimately being genuine will stand out among the same old flat AI,” he said.

Steps to Take for Compliance

  1. Survey Your Customers**: Regularly survey your customers to gather data on their experiences. Use this data to show typical results.
  2. Publish Transparent Reports**: Add a testimonial support page to your website where you disclose the results of your surveys.
  3. Stay Updated on Regulations**: Keep an eye on FTC guidelines and updates. The FTC regularly releases press statements and business resource guides that can help you stay compliant.

Conclusion

Staying compliant with FTC regulations for testimonials and reviews is not just about avoiding fines. It’s about building genuine trust with your audience. By being transparent and honest in your marketing practices, you not only stay on the right side of the law but also foster long-term customer loyalty.

For those interested in diving deeper, Peter has generously offered a white paper on the testimonial rule and sample survey questions. Additionally, links to FTC resources and business guides are available for those looking to ensure their marketing practices are both effective and compliant.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the complexities of FTC compliance can be challenging, but with experts like Peter Hoppenfeld offering guidance, businesses can confidently promote their products and services while maintaining consumer trust and regulatory compliance.

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To learn more about Peter Hoppenfeld please visit: https://peterhoppenfeld.com/

Stay tuned for more insights and expert advice on marketing and business strategies. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance with your compliance efforts.

Latest Resources

How to Choose THE Best Video Testimonial Service for Your Business

Video Testimonial Service

Table of Contents

In today’s digital world, potential clients are all about keeping it real and building trust. And there’s no better way to do that than through genuine, straight-from-the-heart video reviews. They don’t just tell the story; they show it, creating a feels-fest that written reviews just can’t touch.

You’ll uncover why investing in a video testimonial service can be a game-changer for your biz. From beefing up your credibility to making your SEO pop, we’ll dive into the countless benefits and hook you up with tips to make your testimonials shine. Ready to level up your brand’s trust factor? Let’s do this! 

Key Takeaways:

– Video testimonials serve up the real deal when it comes to customer experiences, leaving written reviews in the dust. They’re a major trust booster for potential clients.

– Credibility Booster: High-quality video reviews are solid tool of modern marketing. They’ve got the power to sway client decisions, especially in cutthroat industries like healthcare, real estate, and finance.

– Key Features: A killer video testimonial service needs top-notch video recording, pro-level editing skills, and easy sharing and integration tools.

– Picking a Provider: When you’re on the hunt for a video testimonial service, prioritize video quality, slick editing, seamless integration, and solid client support to get the most bang for your buck.

– Video reviews don’t just pump up trust; they also make your brand identity pop. They showcase your dedication to keeping customers happy and help your brand make a bigger splash.

Understanding Video Testimonial Services

What Are Video Testimonials?

Video testimonials star your clients or customers sharing their awesome experiences with your service. They mix visuals and sound to create a message that really hits home. These videos showcase the real deal when it comes to feedback, adding a personal touch that helps build mad trust.  Ultimately video reviews can paint a picture of specific experiences, showing how your services have made clients’ lives better.

Why They Matter in Modern Marketing

With all the AI marketing tools available, video testimonials are a pillar of modern marketing. They bring the realness that written reviews might be missing. Potential clients often want to see legit experiences and success stories before they make a move with your business. Video reviews deliver that credibility, making a bigger impact on potential clients.

Plus, video content gets way more engagement than plain text. Search engines about videos, giving your SEO another boost. When you use video testimonials right, it can help you drive traffic, crank up your search rankings, and turn leads into customers. In dog-eat-dog industries like healthcare, real estate, and finance, maximizing your visibility and credibility is a must, and video reviews get the job done like a pro.

Must-Have Features of an Epic Video Testimonial Service 

High-Quality Video Recording  

High-quality video recording is the foundation of any legit video testimonial service. We’re talking pro-grade cameras and audio gear to make sure everything is crystal clear. For example, in healthcare, patients sharing their stories need to be seen and heard loud and clear, with no distractions or low-quality visuals mucking things up. Real estate agents score big with sharp, well-lit recordings showing off happy clients, while finance pros need crisp visuals and sound for reviews that really hit home.

Professional Editing Skills

Professional editing skills take raw footage and turn it into a compelling story. Expert editors chop out the fluff, make things pop visually, and keep the message on point. For example, In healthcare, editing can zero in on the key moments of patient recoveries. Another example Real estate testimonials can spotlight client satisfaction and success stories. Finance reviews need tight editing to keep clients engaged and trusting. Keeping the editing style consistent reinforces your brand identity and shows you mean business.

Easy Sharing and Integration Tools  

Easy sharing and integration tools make spreading your video reviews a total breeze. These tools let you use videos on your website, blast them on social media, and weave them into email campaigns. Healthcare businesses can quickly upload patient testimonials to their sites. Real estate pros can share client experiences on social media for maximum reach. Finance firms can toss video reviews into email newsletters to crank up client trust and engagement. Smooth integration ensures your testimonials get in front of your target audience like a boss.

Picking the Right Video Testimonial Service

What to Look for in a Service Provider

When you’re on the hunt for a video testimonial service, there are a few key things to keep in mind to make sure you’re getting the good stuff. First up, video quality is king. Make sure the provider uses top-notch recording gear and techniques to create vids that are clear and professional. Shoddy video quality can make your brand look bad, and nobody wants that.

Next, scope out their editing chops. The ability to edit videos like a pro, with clean graphics, music, and other bells and whistles, is what makes your testimonials really pop. Look at their portfolio to get a feel for their range of editing styles and skills.

Ease of integration is another biggie. Go with a service that offers different formats for different platforms. This means formats that work with with websites, social media, and email marketing platforms. Seamless integration means your reviews get in front of more eyeballs and make a bigger impact.

Finally, don’t sleep on client support and communication. Solid communication ensures your project needs are met on time, every time. Ironically take a look at their reviews and testimonials (our case studies) to see what folks are saying about their responsiveness and deliverability.

Perks of Using Video Testimonials 

Customer Trust

In business, trust is everything. Video reviews take this to the next level by showcasing genuine client experiences. Visuals and sound give off that authentic vibe, making potential clients feel way more confident in your services. According to BrightLocal, 91% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recs, making video testimonials a total powerhouse.

Making Your Brand Identity Stand Out  

Video reviews don’t just boost your brand identity; they make it shine by showing off your commitment to keeping customers happy. Each review reflects your brand’s values, spotlighting real experiences that line up with your mission. G2 says video content gets shared 1,200% more than text and images combined, so it’s a strong way to get your brand out there and make it stick.

Wrapping it Up

Choosing the right video testimonial service can be a game-changer for your brand’s credibility and reach. By showing off real client experiences, you’re not just boosting customer trust; you’re also building your brand identity. Investing in high-quality video reviews is a powerful way to connect with your audience on a deeper level and score some engagement that drives SEO perks. 

Picking the right service ensures your video testimonials are straight fire – high-quality, engaging, and seamlessly woven into your marketing efforts. It’s all about cranking up credibility and building that client trust.

The 30 second formula that will change your business​

30 second formula

The 30 second formula that will change your business​

The 30 second formula that will change your business

When I go to masterminds or am geeking out around my entrepreneurial friends, the first question is always:

“What’s working for you these days?”

What we mean by that question is:  What have you wasted your money on that hasn’t worked and what little piece of gold have you found in all your experimentation that is getting you new clients?

Facebook ROAS strategies (Return On Ad Spend), Webinar conversions, Quality of leads, YouTube ads and the plethora of variables in an attempt to get new clients.

The worst part of all this is what worked yesterday may tank tomorrow. However I’d like to share with you a trend that we are noticing that IS working!

Some of you may have heard of the term UGC. User Generated Content. I’m sure you have come across a video on your feed of someone opening a box or an influencer pointing a camera at themselves using a product or eating something that they are endorsing. A UGC is basically a video that a consumer is shooting of themselves.

Wouldn’t it be great if all of our clients decided to pick up their cell phone cameras and shoot a video of themselves showing off your product or service? Not likely to happen BUT when given the opportunity and the coaching, it’s not that hard to collect!

 

Take a look at these 4 samples that we recorded recently:

The 30 second formula:


Hello, my name is Dan Lievens. I am shooting this video because 6 months ago, I was struggling with my energy levels in the afternoon, but then I found COMPANY and today, my energy levels are like a 19 year with a red bull infusion!

The key here is “My name is” and “I am shooting this video because”.

Insert the problem that you solve, insert your solution and insert your transformation!

At Share One, we have begun to summarize all of our video testimonial interviews by coaching our interviewee’s to say this and it has been a game changer!

Add that footage to your social media content calendar. Include it in your webinars. Its the best social proof you can get.

It’s a short cut to the part of the brain that says: “If I buy this product, my problems will be solved”

If you think that having a handful of people endorse your business in this way can help, then take a look at our new Video Testimonial Collection service here: www.share.one/start

Latest Resources

Why Content Outranks Quality: How Small Video Testimonials are making a big impact

recording video quality discussion

Why Content Outranks Quality: How small video testimonials are making a big impact

Why Content Outranks Quality: How Small Video Testimonials are making a big impact

In today’s digital age, video testimonials have become an invaluable tool for businesses looking to build trust and credibility with their audience. These video endorsements provide a platform for satisfied customers to share their experiences and rave about a product or service. While many might argue that the quality of a video testimonial is paramount, we’re here to make the case that content should be the primary focus. In this blog, we will explore why the substance of a video testimonial outweighs its production quality.

 

Authenticity Over Aesthetics

One of the primary reasons why content trumps quality in video testimonials is authenticity. Audiences have become increasingly discerning, and they can spot a scripted or overly polished testimonial from a mile away. When a testimonial focuses on content, it tends to come across as more genuine and relatable. People connect with real stories and real emotions, even if the video’s production quality is not top-notch. Authenticity resonates far more than slick visuals.

 

Relatable Narratives

A video testimonial is not just about showcasing a product; it’s about telling a story. Whether it’s a heartfelt journey of transformation or a simple recounting of a positive experience, the content should aim to engage the viewer emotionally. A well-told story can captivate an audience, making them forget about any technical imperfections in the video. When viewers can relate to the narrative, they are more likely to be persuaded by the message.

 

Cost-Effective Production

Investing heavily in high-quality video production can be expensive. It often involves hiring professionals, renting expensive equipment, and spending significant time on post-production. While this may result in visually stunning testimonials, the return on investment may not always justify the expense. By focusing on content over quality, businesses can save resources and still create compelling video testimonials that resonate with their target audience.

 

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Not everyone has access to top-of-the-line video equipment or the skills to produce high-quality videos. Prioritizing content allows a broader range of people to participate in video testimonials, including those with limited resources or technical know-how. This inclusivity ensures a diverse range of voices and experiences are represented, making your testimonials more relatable to a wider audience.

 

SEO and Discoverability

Search engines like Google prioritize content over video quality when ranking search results. This means that a testimonial with excellent content but average production quality may still rank well and be more discoverable by potential customers. Great content can drive organic traffic and lead to more conversions, making it a crucial factor in the success of your video testimonials.

 

While it’s true that high-quality video production can enhance the overall appeal of a video testimonial, it’s important to remember that content should always take precedence. Authenticity, relatability, cost-effectiveness, inclusivity, and SEO considerations all favor content as the driving force behind a successful video testimonial.

Ultimately, viewers are looking for genuine experiences and valuable insights when watching video testimonials. If your content is compelling, informative, and emotionally resonant, it will captivate your audience and leave a lasting impression, regardless of the video’s production quality. So, the next time you create a video testimonial, remember that content is king.

Latest Resources

Faking Your Customer Reviews is Going to Cost You…BIG TIME

FTC Federal Trade Commission of the United States of America

Faking Your Customer Reviews is Going to Cost You…BIG TIME

Faking Your Customer Reviews is Going to Cost You…BIG TIME

We’ve all seen it: a business gets a 1-star review on an online site and feels they need to combat it. It’s why 84% of consumers find online written reviews suspicious.

 

Many businesses follow ethical guidelines and simply reply to the poster, hoping to improve the situation and mitigate negative response from readers. Others, however, have turned to a shadier path, creating their own 5-star reviews to bring their scores higher and lure customers back. And some businesses have gone even farther by hiring companies who will generate fake reviews and testimonials via AI and other methods.

You can see Kay Dean call out some of these offenders on her YouTube channel, with plenty of data and support behind her exposing businesses for having fake reviews.

If you or your business have generated any fake reviews, you’re going to want to remedy that, and fast.

 

The Federal Trade Commission has been working for some time now on laws surrounding fake reviews and testimonials. In a press release from the Federal Trade Commission dated June 30, 2023, new regulations and compliance guidelines are set forth to ensure fair advertising.

While these have not been formalized and set into motion, businesses can expect this will pass and you will pay fines in excess of $50,120 per offense.

The Federal Trade Commission has proposed a new rule to stop marketers from using illicit review and endorsement practices such as using fake reviews, suppressing honest negative reviews, and paying for positive reviews, which deceive consumers looking for real feedback on a product or service and undercut honest businesses.

“Our proposed rule on fake reviews shows that we’re using all available means to attack deceptive advertising in the digital age,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.  “The rule would trigger civil penalties for violators and should help level the playing field for honest companies.”

In its notice of proposed rulemaking, the Commission cited examples of clearly deceptive practices involving consumer reviews and testimonials from its past cases, and noted the widespread emergence of generative AI, which is likely to make it easier for bad actors to write fake reviews.

The proposed rule would prohibit:

  • Selling or Obtaining Fake Consumer Reviews and Testimonials: The proposed rule would prohibit businesses from writing or selling consumer reviews or testimonials by someone who does not exist, who did not have experience with the product or service, or who misrepresented their experiences. It also would prohibit businesses from procuring such reviews or disseminating such testimonials if the businesses knew or should have known that they were fake or false.
  • Review Hijacking: Businesses would be prohibited from using or repurposing a consumer review written for one product so that it appears to have been written for a substantially different product.
  • Buying Positive or Negative Reviews: Businesses would be prohibited from providing compensation or other incentives conditioned on the writing of consumer reviews expressing a particular sentiment, either positive or negative.
  • Insider Reviews and Consumer Testimonials: The proposed rule would prohibit a company’s officers and managers from writing reviews or testimonials of its products or services, without clearly disclosing their relationships. It also would prohibit businesses from disseminating testimonials by insiders without clear disclosures of their relationships, and it would prohibit certain solicitations by officers or managers of reviews from company employees or their relatives, depending on whether the businesses knew or should have known of these relationships.
  • Company Controlled Review Websites: Businesses would be prohibited from creating or controlling a website that claims to provide independent opinions about a category of products or services that includes its own products or services.
  • Illegal Review Suppression: Businesses would be prohibited from using unjustified legal threats, other intimidation, or false accusations to prevent or remove a negative consumer review. The proposed rule also would bar a business from misrepresenting that the reviews on its website represent all reviews submitted when negative reviews have been suppressed.
  • Selling Fake Social Media Indicators: Businesses would be prohibited from selling false indicators of social media influence, like fake followers or views. The proposed rule also would bar anyone from buying such indicators to misrepresent their importance for a commercial purpose.

We can help you.

At Share.One, we are reputation experts. Our mission is to provide high-quality video testimonials for your business in the most ethical, professional and cost-effective way possible.

Meet with our team to discuss how Share.One’s approach delivers authentic, real experiences given by real customers.

Let us help you recover your reputation and deliver REAL social proof for your social media, marketing and ad campaigns.

 

Latest Resources

The Dos and Don’ts for Facebook Content on Weight Loss, Cosmetic Procedures and Wellness

Facebook regulations on video testimonials

The Dos and Don’ts for Facebook Content on Weight Loss, Cosmetic Procedures and Wellness.

The Dos and Don’ts for Facebook Content on Weight Loss, Cosmetic Procedures and Wellness.

Today’s social media platforms are keenly aware of their impact on people’s emotions, behaviors and self-esteem. This is especially true when it comes to those under the age of 18.

Facebook has created rules and regulations surrounding what is and is not acceptable in claims posted revolving around health and wellness, cosmetic procedures and weight loss. If you’re posting on social media, you’ll need to know what can and cannot be said. Beyond wanting to be compliant, you should always act in the best interests of the readers when it comes to claims and conversations surrounding issues that may affect self-perception.

Here is a list of Facebook guidelines you need to be aware of and follow:

Advertisers can run ads that promote cosmetic procedures or wellness products and services as long as they only target people 18 years or older.

When targeting people 18 years or older, advertisers can run ads that promote:

  • Weight loss products and services
  • Dietary, health or herbal supplements, such as vitamins and other ingestible dietary products
  • Cosmetic surgeries and procedures, such as:
  • Breast augmentation, breast reduction, abdominoplasty, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, rhytidectomy, labiaplasty, hair restoration surgery, dermal fillers, skin rejuvenation treatments, injectable treatments, chemical peels, micro-needling, non-ablative laser treatments, laser or light treatments, or micropigmentation
  • Gender reassignment services and procedures

The targeting restrictions above don’t apply to ads that promote or sell:

  • Products and services marketed for general wellbeing
  • General food products
  • Cosmetic products such as creams, makeup and hair products

Regarding weight loss statements specifically, ad content must not imply or attempt to generate negative self-perception in order to promote diet, weight loss, or other health-related products.

Advertisers can’t run ads for health or appearance-related products that imply or attempt to generate negative self-perception.

At Meta, we want people in our community to feel comfortable, confident and safe to be exactly who they are while expressing themselves freely.

Ads can’t:

  • Declare or imply there is a perfect body type or appearance one should aspire to
  • Promote or reinforce negative or unhealthy body images
  • Exploit insecurities to conform to certain beauty standards
  • Contain distasteful messaging that could make people feel negatively about the way they look
  • Promote an unhealthy relationship with food or exercise
  • Show close-up imagery on the health condition of a person
  • Feature body shaming of any type

The younger generations are not only influenced by what they see, hear and read on social media…who they are becoming is affected. We all want to raise well-adjusted, physically and emotionally healthy people. It starts with where they spent the most amount of their time: social media.

Latest Resources

Do your videos need to be ADA Compliant?

ADA compliance and video testimonials

ADA compliance and video testimonials

ADA compliance and video testimonials

Recently, Share One was alerted about a case where a business was served with an unlimited lawsuit for posting a video not in ADA compliance. The company did not have closed captioning on the video for the hearing impaired.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is in place to make the world accessible to individuals with disabilities. A recent study revealed that a whopping 91% of businesses use videos as part of their marketing campaigns in 2023 so it’s vital that ADA compliance guidelines are followed.

Under ADA Title III, businesses and organizations considered “public accommodations” must make their services and products accessible to people with disabilities. This covers every business selling anything online and extends to websites and online domains.

Most content creators aren’t thinking about the ADA when creating online content and videos, but Title II of the Act specifies guidelines surrounding recording and editing publicly available videos so that people with disabilities can access the information.

In order for videos and video testimonials to be compliant, and less likely to draw an ADA disability lawsuit, you need to incorporate several components.

  • Videos should have closed captions for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences. The term “closed caption” refers to captions which cannot be turned off from the viewer’s side. Videos produced with subtitles are closed captioned. An estimated 11.5 million Americans have some form of hearing loss, and almost 12 million Americans aged 40 and older have some form of vision impairment.
  • Captions should be complete and accurate, timed with the video and speech as closely as possible. If sound effects are relevant to the content and intent of the video, they also need to have captions inside brackets, for example, [doorbell rings] or [car revving engine].
  • Captions must be easily readable and appear on the screen long enough for viewers to read them.
  • Captions should contain no more than three (3) lines of text on-screen at one time.
  • Editors should caption all words regardless of dialect or language.
  • Audio/voice transcription is necessary for blind viewers.
  • Accessible Video Player: you want to make sure your media player has keyboard-operable controls for people who cannot use a mouse. Use an accessible video player that enables keyboard support and allows people to control features like volume, enabling closed captions, or fast-forwarding.
  • Transcripts : making transcripts available is another component to ADA compliance. This is a text version of the audio track of a video. You can post the transcript or provide a URL for downloading it. Audio transcriptions are a requirement of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). While nothing is codified into law, U.S. courts frequently reference the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as the standards websites should meet to be considered ADA-compliant.

The company AccessiBe has put together an ADA compliance checklist here.

Legal Implications

If your video isn’t accessible to everyone, it’s considered discrimination. In the realm of ADA, it’s discrimination against the disability community, impeding their access to the same information non-impaired people have access to. It creates a digital barrier.

Legal action can result, as seen in our example at the beginning of this blog., which can be as simple as a demand letter for ADA website compliance or could escalate to a compliance lawsuit.

Outside of legal implications, your brand could be damaged, especially given the world of social media and testimonials. Beyond the legalities, we believe that doing what’s right and inclusion is always the best rule to follow.

Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes and is not intended as legal or ethical advice. All practitioners and advisors are responsible for understanding the legal and ethical guidelines of the governing bodies for their industry and which apply to their situation.

Latest Resources

How Video Testimonials Can Elevate Your Speaker Reel and Supercharge Your Speaking Career

Video testimonials inside a documentary

How Video Testimonials Can Elevate Your Speaker Reel and Supercharge Your Speaking Career

How Video Testimonials Can Elevate Your Speaker Reel and Supercharge Your Speaking Career

Using video testimonials as part of a speaker’s reel, which is a compilation of clips and content showcasing a speaker’s expertise and abilities, can be highly beneficial. Below is a sample that we created for Harry Massey, as you can see, the testimonials take this speaker reel to a whole other level.

Play Video

10 reasons on why Video Testimonials Can Elevate Your Speaker Reel

1. Third-Party Validation: Video testimonials provide third-party validation of your speaking skills and expertise. When others vouch for your capabilities, it enhances your credibility and demonstrates that your expertise is recognized by others in your field.

2. Trust and Relatability: Testimonials add a human element to your speaker reel. Viewers can see and hear real people who have benefited from your speaking engagements. This can create a sense of trust and relatability as potential clients or event organizers can connect with the experiences and opinions of the individuals in the testimonials.

3. Social Proof: Video testimonials serve as a form of social proof. They show that you’ve successfully delivered value to previous audiences and that others have been satisfied with your presentations. This can sway event organizers to book you as a speaker or potential clients to hire your services.

4. Emotional Impact: Video testimonials capture the emotions and enthusiasm of those who have experienced your speaking engagements. This emotional impact can be more powerful than written testimonials as viewers can see and hear the genuine excitement and appreciation of your past clients or audience members.

5. Diverse Perspectives: A well-rounded set of video testimonials can showcase diverse perspectives and experiences from different types of audiences or clients. This diversity can demonstrate your versatility and the broad appeal of your speaking topics.

6. Engagement: Variety of video content tends to be more engaging. Incorporating video testimonials into your speaker reel can captivate the viewer’s attention and keep them engaged throughout the reel.

7. Storytelling: Testimonials often include personal stories of transformation or success attributed to your speaking. These stories can be compelling and help to illustrate the impact of your message in a way that text alone cannot.

8. Professional Presentation: A speaker reel that includes high-quality video testimonials demonstrates professionalism and a commitment to showcasing your abilities in the best possible light.

9. Differentiation: In a competitive field, video testimonials can set you apart from other speakers by highlighting the unique value you bring to your presentations.

10. Content Variety: A speaker reel can benefit from a mix of content types, including your own speaking clips, audience reactions, and testimonials. This variety keeps the viewer engaged and provides a comprehensive view of your capabilities.

When incorporating video testimonials into your speaker reel, it’s important to ensure that the testimonials are well-produced, authentic, and relevant to your target audience. They should align with the message and image you want to convey as a speaker. Additionally, regularly update your speaker reel with fresh testimonials to reflect your most recent successes and experiences. When collecting video testimonials for our clients at share.one, we look at the overall strategy of where testimonials can be used and we reverse engineer the questions that we ask during the interviews so that we can capture the perfect sound bite for the perfect speaker reel. Please feel free to schedule a complimentary strategy call with us if you’d like to see how this approach can skyrocket your speaking career!

Latest Resources

How do I get my clients to say yes to doing a video testimonial?

Saying yes to a video testimonial

How do I get my clients to say yes to doing a video testimonial?

How do I get my clients to say yes to doing a video testimonial?

Being on video can be intimidating to some people. Especially when there isn’t a strong enough reason to do so. Collecting video testimonials can therefore be challenging. We get a lot of clients saying to us “the hardest part for muse is getting our clients to say yes”. 

At share.one, one of our biggest priorities is to get your clients to say yes to a video testimonial interview and in this article, I’m going to share with you some of our strategies. 

 

1) Put yourself in their shoes.

This is where you can make the biggest difference. It’s all in the invitation. Feel the difference between these two different invitations:

“Dear Mary, would you be so kind to give us a video testimonial?”

“Dear Mary, I have a client who is experiencing severe acid reflux and is scared to get off of her Zantac. I know that you went through something similar at the beginning of our program. Do you think that my team could record a testimonial video of your experience so that I can share it with her and so many more out there that are living in fear and at the mercy of medication that doesn’t address the root cause?”

The idea is to make your clients feel that their input is valuable and can actually help someone. How can you position the invitation to make them the hero? It is in all of us to feel good about ourselves when we can help someone else. That’s the position you have to take. 

For some clients, we create an entire campaign around collecting video testimonials. For example if you have a coaching program you are trying out, invite you beta users and tell them as part of the experience there will be a recorded video exit interview. Or if you are a supplement company, create a 30 day “study” where your clients get to experience your product, they can document their findings and the results are collected at the end through a video interview. 

For some clients, we go to the extent of creating a social movement and nominate past clients as ambassadors for that movement. This is an intricate process so please check out our book that we published on movement marketing. 

2) Out of sight, out of mind.

Most people ask their clients if they could record a testimonial.  The answer may be a yes but then there is no follow up. At share.one, we treat this like going on a date. We honor your clients, we excite your clients, we prepare your clients and we give them a great experience! For those that don’t book, we kindly offer gentle reminders until they finalize their booking. When working with share.one, getting your clients to book their interview is our job and we take our job seriously. 

3) Well oiled machine. 

The process of collecting a testimonial has to be seamless and smooth. The last thing you want is to fumble around with equipment or try and sync up your busy calendar or have to reschedule. Clients should feel like they are going on a smooth ride and that it’s a well established and easy process. If there are challenges or bumps along the road, then people usually back out. 

4) Get a commitment when it’s hot. 

When clients just experienced the transformation that you provide, they are much more likely to say yes.  This is when you should get them to book their video testimonial recording. If you have a setup in your office or are virtual, then be prepared to do it right there and then. With our clients, we provide a dedicated booking page and QR code for easy booking at all times. 

5) Outsource

Finally, we recommend that you leave it to the professionals. You are amazing at what you do and collecting video testimonials was not a course you took in school.  When it is outsourced your clients feel the importance of a professional experience. How would you feel if you knew that a film crew would be arriving in your living room next Wednesday? I bet you would feel honored and excited!  Outsourcing ensures that the job will get done because at share.one, you only pay for actual interviews collected. It is our job to get your clients to say yes. 

 

 

We have many success stories videos on this page and you will see that the repeating theme is using share.one is easy, the testimonials are better then they could have done themselves, and the best part is that we take the awkwardness of chasing your clients away!

 

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10 important distinctions between video and written testimonials.

Video versus written testimonials.

10 important distinctions between video and written testimonials.

10 important distinctions between video and written testimonials.

In our years of experience collecting video testimonials, a few common questions always come up. Consent, privacy, regulations and claims. I’ll address each of these in this short video.

Video testimonials are more impactful and persuasive than written ones for several very important reasons:

1. Conversion Rates: According to a study by Wistia, videos embedded on websites can increase conversion rates by up to 80%. This suggests that video content, including video testimonials, can have a substantial impact on influencing purchase decisions.

 

2. Retention and Understanding: According to a report by Forrester Research, viewers retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video, compared to only 10% when reading it in text.  This can make video testimonials more memorable and likely to influence decision-making.

 

3. Emotional Connection: Video testimonials allow viewers to see and hear the genuine emotions and expressions of the person giving the testimonial. This can create a stronger emotional connection between the viewer and the testimonial, making it more relatable and trustworthy.

 

4. Trust and Credibility: The Web Video Marketing Council found that 57% of consumers said that videos gave them more confidence to purchase online. This indicates that video testimonials can contribute to building trust and credibility in the minds of potential customers.

 

5. Non-Verbal Cues: In a video, you can observe non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. These cues can convey sincerity, enthusiasm, and authenticity, which are harder to capture in written testimonials.

 

6. Personalization: Video testimonials provide a personal touch, as the person giving the testimonial becomes a real person rather than just text on a page. This human element can resonate better with potential customers or viewers.

 

7. Engagement: Videos tend to capture attention more effectively than text. People are more likely to watch a video than read a lengthy written testimonial, increasing the chances of your message being heard.

 

8. Social Sharing: Videos are highly shareable on social media platforms, which can help your testimonials reach a wider audience and potentially go viral.

 

9. Email Effectiveness: Including the word “video” in an email subject line can increase open rates and reduce unsubscribes, as suggested by research from Syndacast.

 

10. Search Engine Visibility: Google’s algorithms tend to favor websites that incorporate videos, potentially improving the overall search engine visibility of your content, including video testimonials.

 

It’s important to know that video testimonials are one of the most powerful marketing opportunities and having a trained interviewer can pull out the best sound bites for your business. At share.one, we take special care in understanding your business and your customer buying journey and we craft unique story formulas for your needs. To learn more how our program works, please visit our “How it works page”  www.share.one/how-does-it-work/

 

 

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