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/

 

 

Video Testimonials: Worth the Investment? (Spoiler Alert: YES!)

Increase sales with video testimonials.

Video Testimonials: Worth the Investment? (Spoiler Alert: YES!)​

Video Testimonials: Worth the Investment? (Spoiler Alert: YES!)

Social media. It’s changed the world. It’s changed how everyone advertises, sells, and buys just about everything. It’s changed the marketing and business development paradigm completely. It’s the new word-of-mouth.

 

The reason word-of-mouth was so effective was because a real human told you a real experience. And your willingness to participate, patronize, or make a purchase could be decided from just one story, good or bad.

 

Then came Yelp, which has been a great online source. But its relatively anonymous reviews, where someone can hide behind a keyboard and could be anyone – the business owner, a competitor, or even a personal rival – made it very difficult to know the trustworthiness and validity of reviews. Who is this person? IS IT a person, or a bot? 

 

The limitations of the online written reviews have prompted a better way. A more honest, real, true experience being shared because someone truly cares about sharing their experience. 

 

The video testimonial. A return to human experience sharing.

 

Dan Lievens, President and Co-Founder of Share.One has been at the forefront of the video testimonial movement, and his clients have shared with him the increase in business after using video testimonials as a part of their social media marketing, website content, event media, and broader applications.

“I named our company Share.One,” Lievens said, “because that’s exactly what we want people to do: share one experience. I have clients telling me what a game-changer it’s been for their business, which is so fulfilling. We love helping businesses grow by creating tailored, authentic, useful testimonials.”

 

Customer testimonials have an incredible amount of influence. Word-of-mouth advertising, known as “earned advertising” in the marketing world, is a great way to build your company’s reputation, attract new clients, and reward existing ones. It’s found that 9 out of 10 people say they trust what a customer says about a business more than what that business says about itself, and a whopping 79 percent of people prefer video testimonials to learn more about a company or product. Because of this, testimonials are frequently cited as the most effective form of advertising by marketers.

 

The Proof is in the Data

 

A study by Brightcove, a Boston, Massachusetts–based software company that produces an online video platform, found that video testimonials can increase conversion rates by up to 80% because they provide potential customers with a legitimate understanding of the benefits and value of your product or service.

According to another study, 72 percent of customers reported that positive testimonials improved their trust in a company.

 

Then, in October, 2021, a team of psychology professionals and professors which had set out to test the effectiveness of testimonials, published an article to share their findings on the persuasive effects of testimonials. They found that:

  • Exposure to testimonials was associated with higher usage intentions and more positive attitudes, and

  • Group differences in intentions were significantly higher after exposure to testimonials.

 

The conclusion of this study was that the acceptance (of a product, service, or program) can be substantially increased by providing a simple, context-sensitive testimonial.

 

Costs of Video Testimonials

 

The costs of producing video testimonials will vary depending upon what method you use: DIY software platforms where you do the work or ask your interviewee to self-conduct their testimony, or full-service video testimonial companies where questions are tailored, and interviews are conducted by trained professionals. The range can be a few hundred dollars per testimonial to tens of thousands. Pro tip: listen to what their clients are saying in their own testimonials! 

With the necessity of video testimonials as an integral component of your marketing efforts, one thing’s for sure: the bigger cost here is in not doing testimonials.

What are the best questions to ask during a video testimonial?

What are the best questions to ask during a video testimonial?

What are the best questions to ask during a video testimonial?

The first thing we must take into consideration when it comes to video testimonials is not to rely on your clients or patients to do it on their own.

The bottom line is that the likelihood of them doing it is close to zero. So someone on your team has to be present during this process and whoever is conducting the interview needs to understand that what they are about to create is one of the most powerful pieces of marketing available. So here is the opportunity to actually create a video that if done right can help your online conversion up to 60%!  This is where you have to understand that as an interviewer you get to control the narrative of the conversation.

When we collect video testimonials for our clients, we take the time to understand the entire sales journey of your business. Who are you trying to attract? What are the typical questions people ask you before they decide to hire you? What are your objections? What product or service do you want to sell more of? All these and more, allows us to collect video testimonials that do the selling for you.  So our interview directors already know what the end result of the video should look like prior to the interview. So during the interview they are continuously on the lookout for these exact sound bites. This should be no different for you, you need to take a director role when conducting these interviews and you have to put some thought into the questions you want to ask.

We have put together a worksheet for those who want to conduct their own video testimonials. It walks you through 8 exercises that you only have to do once for your business and it gives you the perfect questions to ask during an interview.  This resource is free and available below.

Once you have completed the interview, it is important to edit down the video to something short and concise. In the case of share.one, we cut out the questions and interviewer completely. We only leave in what the viewer really wants to see and hear. We take the juiciest part of the interview and place it in the first 9 seconds. Remember, people want to hear from your customers, not you!

When editing video testimonials, please be sure to add captions or subtitles. Most people that surf the web do not have earphones on.

As always, we believe that everyone should take advantage of video testimonials and for those who are too busy or don’t have the staff to do this properly, we are here for you. Share.one is a turnkey and affordable video testimonial collection company.

Are you a psychologist? What are the guidelines governed by the APA when it comes to collecting video testimonials?

Are you a psychologist? What are the guidelines governed by the APA when it comes to collecting video testimonials?

Are you a psychologist? What are the guidelines governed by the APA when it comes to collecting video testimonials?

What are the guidelines governed by the APA (American Psychological Associations) when it comes to collecting video testimonials?

Navigating the Ethical Guidelines Surrounding Testimonials for Psychologists and Psychology Practices

In this world of online reviews, video testimonials and social proof, most businesses can – and should – solicit customer experiences for their use in marketing and advertising their business. But, for mental health professionals, there are some restrictions and certain approaches can be  considered unethical and are not permissible.

So, how can a psychology practice garner testimonials to promote their business without violating the APA Ethics Code?

According to the American Psychological Associations (APA) Ethics Code, the answer falls under the section addressing Ethical Standards for Advertising and Other Public Statements.

APA guidelines are in place to protect patient confidentiality and ensure ethical standards are met by psychologists. §5.05 states that psychologists do not solicit testimonials from current therapy clients/patients or other persons who because of their particular circumstances are vulnerable to undue influence.

Before we explore what you can do to obtain testimonials, let’s visit the APA Ethics Code applicable to testimonials and public information to understand the formal guidelines and limitations.

  • 5.01 Avoidance of False or Deceptive Statements
    (a) Public statements include but are not limited to paid or unpaid advertising, product endorsements, grant applications, licensing applications, other credentialing applications, brochures, printed matter, directory listings, personal resumes or curricula vitae, or comments for use in media such as print or electronic transmission, statements in legal proceedings, lectures and public oral presentations, and published materials. Psychologists do not knowingly make public statements that are false, deceptive, or fraudulent concerning their research, practice, or other work activities or those of persons or organizations with which they are affiliated. (b) Psychologists do not make false, deceptive, or fraudulent statements concerning (1) their training, experience, or competence; (2) their academic degrees; (3) their credentials; (4) their institutional or association affiliations; (5) their services; (6) the scientific or clinical basis for, or results or degree of success of, their services; (7) their fees; or (8) their publications or research findings. (c) Psychologists claim degrees as credentials for their health services only if those degrees (1) were earned from a regionally accredited educational institution or (2) were the basis for psychology licensure by the state in which they practice.
  • 5.02 Statements by Others
    (a) Psychologists who engage others to create or place public statements that promote their professional practice, products, or activities retain professional responsibility for such statements. (b) Psychologists do not compensate employees of press, radio, television, or other communication media in return for publicity in a news item. (c) A paid advertisement relating to psychologists’ activities must be identified or clearly recognizable as such.
  • 5.05 Testimonials
    Psychologists do not solicit testimonials from current therapy clients/patients or other persons who because of their particular circumstances are vulnerable to undue influence.
  • 5.06 In-Person Solicitation
    Psychologists do not engage, directly or through agents, in uninvited in-person solicitation of business from actual or potential therapy clients/patients or other persons who because of their particular circumstances are vulnerable to undue influence. However, this prohibition does not preclude (1) attempting to implement appropriate collateral contacts for the purpose of benefiting an already engaged therapy client/patient or (2) providing disaster or community outreach services.

Further, the following represents parameters to follow in every case of patient/client protection and confidentiality:

  1. Informed Consent and Confidentiality: Testimonials in psychology must adhere to strict rules regarding informed consent and client confidentiality. Prior to collecting testimonials, psychologists must obtain informed consent from clients, explaining how their testimonials will be used and ensuring their confidentiality and privacy will be protected.

  2. Protection of Client Welfare: The well-being and welfare of clients must be a psychologist’s primary concern. Testimonials should not exploit or harm clients in any way. Psychologists should exercise caution and ensure that testimonials do not reveal sensitive or personally identifiable information without proper consent.

  3. Avoidance of Coercion or Pressure: Psychologists must avoid any form of solicitation, coercion, pressure, or undue influence when collecting testimonials. Clients should feel free to provide testimonials voluntarily and without feeling obligated to do so.

  4. Anonymous or Pseudonymous Testimonials: It is recommended to use anonymous or pseudonymous testimonials in psychology to protect client privacy. This helps ensure that clients’ identities are not disclosed without their explicit consent.

  5. Avoidance of Misleading Claims: Testimonials should not contain misleading or exaggerated claims regarding psychological treatment or outcomes. Psychologists must present testimonials in a way that accurately represents clients’ experiences without making unsupported or false claims.

  6. Ethical Use of Testimonials: Psychologists must use testimonials in an ethical manner. This includes avoiding testimonials that create unjustified expectations, misrepresent the effectiveness of treatment, or endorse unproven or questionable interventions.

  7. Professional Competence and Expertise: Psychologists must ensure that testimonials accurately reflect their professional competence and expertise. Testimonials should not make claims that go beyond the psychologist’s scope of practice or falsely imply credentials or qualifications that the psychologist does not possess.

  8. Advertising Standards and Guidelines: Testimonials in psychology should comply with relevant advertising standards and guidelines. Psychologists should review and adhere to the APA’s guidelines on advertising and ensure that testimonials do not violate any ethical or legal standards.

Psychologists are encouraged to consult the APA’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct for detailed guidance on the appropriate collection and use of testimonials. It is crucial to work within these limitations to maintain professional ethics, protect client well-being, and promote trust and credibility within the field of psychology.

What can you do to procure and use testimonials?

Given that psychologists and psychology practices cannot solicit testimonials, here’s what you can do:

Ask for testimonials from people other than your patients/clients. Begin with your colleagues who understand your practice and can speak responsibly to your approach, vouching for your expertise without compromising patient/client confidentiality.

Collect and post your own testimonials. You are already being graded on other sites such as Yelp, HealthGrades.com, wellness.com and other professional sources. Site the source, date, and links to the original review.

Attach your social media business accounts to your professional website for professional connections to leave reviews.

Inspire an unsolicited review. Providing exceptional service will often produce unsolicited reviews. People want to share their positive experiences with others.

Gather feedback from workshops. In a workshop setting, you can gather feedback attributed to a group, instead of any individual. This group can be comprised of patients/clients, colleagues, friends, students, so the patient confidentiality issue is removed.

Collect clippings from the media (including print, video, and online sources) that include impressions of your work.

Ambiguities and What They Mean for You

The rules and guidelines of the APA Ethics Code are clear. But, almost as important as what’s in the Ethics Code is what isn’t. What if a patient/client wants to give a review? Are there ways to garner testimonials while operating within the guidelines?

We see several circumstances under which testimonials can be derived because the Ethics Code does not speak to instances where:

  1. A psychologist who has received express approval by a patient/client without solicitation for speaking about case studies, treatments, therapies, experiences of a patient/client
  2. An unsolicited patient who learns about a testimonial opportunity through means other than their psychologist who might choose to participate in giving a testimonial, and to what extent they can comment on their own treatment/therapy
  3. An unsolicited opportunity for a patient to give their testimony, experience, or recommendation for a psychologist’s practice

We draw the conclusion that the absence of guidelines in these circumstances translates to their being no restrictions or guidelines.

If a patient/client learns of a channel to provide feedback, reviews and video testimonials, there seems to be no preclusion for them to do so. In the abovementioned suggestions, there’s nothing to stop your patients/clients from also giving a review where it might read “Colleague reviews” with a QR code or link to a video testimonial company you’ve retained.

When working with SHARE.ONE, we provide consent forms, obtain verbal consent on the video itself, and include language such as “giving this testimonial of my free will…” and should consider using language that the interviewee is under no duress, pressure, or influence to give such testimonial.

Asking former patients/clients for testimonials

According to The Practice Institute, behavioral health consultants, in a piece written in 20212, provide this view of asking former clients in the behavioral health sect:

The ethics codes of counselors specifically states that former clients should not be asked for testimonials for two years after termination of services.

The ethics codes of psychologists, social workers and MFTs do not specifically prohibit asking for testimonials from former clients, but they do note that professionals need to avoid exploiting anyone who may be vulnerable to undue influence.

Consider that sometimes clients return after 5, 10 or more years. Asking former clients to give testimonials can contaminate the therapeutic relationship that you established with them. Thus, it is best to assume that “once a client, always a client” and to never to ask former clients for testimonials.

We’re in an age of social proof. There are ways that psychologists’ practices can obtain this while still operating within the APA Ethics Code. But strict adherence to the Ethics Code is strongly recommended.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes and is not intended as legal or ethical advice. All practitioners are responsible for understanding the legal and ethical guidelines that apply to their situation.

Relevant Mental Health Professionals’ Ethics Codes

APA
5.05 Testimonials
Psychologists do not solicit testimonials from cur-rent therapy clients/patients or other persons who because of their particular circumstances are vulnerable to undue influence.

NASW
4.07 Solicitations
(b) Social workers should not engage in solicitation of testimonial endorsements (including solicitation of consent to use a client’s prior statement as a testimonial endorsement) from current clients or from other people who, because of their particular circumstances, are vulnerable to undue influence

ACA
C.3.b. Testimonials
Counselors who use testimonials do not solicit them from current clients, former clients, or any other persons who may be vulnerable to undue influence. Counselors discuss with clients the implications of and obtain permission for the use of any testimonial.

NBCC
62.NCCs shall not solicit testimonials from current clients or their families and close friends. Recognizing the possibility of future requests for services, NCCs shall not solicit testimonials from former clients within two years from the date of service termination.

AAMFT
3.8 Exploitation.
Marriage and family therapists do not engage in the exploitation of clients, students, trainees, supervisees, employees, colleagues, or research subjects.

Resources:

https://thepracticeinstitute.com/asking-for-testimonials-ethics-and-implications/#:~:text=The%20ethics%20codes%20of%20psychologists,be%20vulnerable%20to%20undue%20influence.

https://jacksonllp.com/soliciting-reviews-from-patients/

https://www.simplepractice.com/blog/testimonials-market-practice/

https://simplifiedseoconsulting.com/ways-to-ethically-source-reviews-as-mental-health-professionals/

https://www.camft.org/Resources/Legal-Articles/Chronological-Article-List/to-solicit-or-not-to-solicit-key-issues-to-consider-before-soliciting-testimonials-and-reviews-from-patients

https://www.brightervision.com/blog/therapist-client-reviews/

https://tamarasuttle.com/getting-testimonials-from-your-clients/

Attracting New Clients as a Financial Advisor: What You Can and Can’t Do

How does it work?

Attracting New Clients as a Financial Advisor: What You Can and Can’t Do

There are more than 350,000 financial advisors in the US alone. How do you stand out from this enormous crowd? How will your future clients find you, and why should they choose you over all the others out there?

Testimonials from happy clients, that’s how.

Gathering and using testimonials has gotten easier over the past few years for financial professionals, but the financial industry remains regulated by several regulatory groups. The goal of all is to ensure compliance with rules, regulations, and ethics, protecting America’s investors by making sure the broker-dealer industry operates fairly and honestly. Regulatory requirements are in place to protect consumers and ensure fair practices within the industry.

Here are some key limitations to consider when collecting testimonials specific to the financial industry:

  1. Compliance with Financial Regulations: The financial industry is heavily regulated, and testimonials must adhere to specific rules set forth by regulatory bodies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). These regulations aim to prevent false advertising, misleading claims, and protect investors.
  1. Prohibition of Misleading or Inaccurate Statements: Testimonials must not contain any misleading or inaccurate information. It is important to ensure that the testimonials accurately reflect the experiences of the clients and do not exaggerate investment results or make false claims about financial products or services.
  1. No Guarantees or Promises of Specific Outcomes: Testimonials should not guarantee or promise specific investment outcomes. Financial advisors and institutions are prohibited from providing assurances of future performance, as it is impossible to predict or guarantee investment results.
  1. Protection of Client Privacy and Confidentiality: Financial institutions must prioritize client privacy and confidentiality. When collecting testimonials, it is important to obtain consent from clients and ensure that personally identifiable information or sensitive financial details are not disclosed without proper authorization.
  1. Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest: Financial professionals are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may exist when collecting testimonials. This includes relationships with investment products, affiliations, or other factors that may influence the objectivity of the testimonial.
  1. Compliance with Advertising Standards: Testimonials should comply with general advertising standards, which include avoiding false, misleading, or exaggerated claims. Financial institutions must also ensure that testimonials do not violate any copyright or intellectual property rights.
  1. Review and Approval Processes: Financial institutions typically have review and approval processes in place to ensure that testimonials meet regulatory requirements. These processes may involve compliance officers or legal teams who assess the content of testimonials before they are used for marketing purposes.

Visiting this is greater detail, FINRA has specific rules surrounding testimonials in §2100: Communications with the Public. Testimonials fall into the category of retail communication which is defined by FINRA as: “…. any written (including electronic) communication that is distributed or made available to more than 25 retail investors within any 30 calendar-day period.”

There are two specific pieces moted about Testimonials in §6:

(A) If any testimonial in a communication concerns a technical aspect of investing, the person making the testimonial must have the knowledge and experience to form a valid opinion.

(B) Retail communications or correspondence providing any testimonial concerning the investment advice or investment performance of a member or its products must prominently disclose the following:

(i) The fact that the testimonial may not be representative of the experience of other customers.

(ii) The fact that the testimonial is no guarantee of future performance or success.

(iii) If more than $100 in value is paid for the testimonial, the fact that it is a paid testimonial.

The ability to garner testimonials improved in 2022, when the SEC made changes to the regulations, resulting in the allowance of testimonials with limitations. There’s a marketing rule that applies here, issued by the SEC.

According to the SEC, there are two definitions of what constitutes an advertisement, and it’s important to understand the nuance so as not to violate the code. The first is a traditional version, and the second includes verbiage surrounding solicitation:

“First, the definition includes any direct or indirect communication an investment adviser makes that: (i) offers the investment adviser’s investment advisory services with regard to securities to prospective clients or private fund investors, or (ii) offers new investment advisory services with regard to securities to current clients or private fund investors. The first prong of the definition excludes most one-on-one communications and contains certain other exclusions.

Second, the definition generally includes any endorsement or testimonial for which an adviser provides cash and non-cash compensation directly or indirectly (e.g., directed brokerage, awards or other prizes, and reduced advisory fees).” 

Essentially, if it’s other than direct communication, one-on-one, then it’s considered an advertisement. This will include all of your social media marketing, websites, posts on LinkedIn and, of course, traditional forms of advertising. And, if it is deemed an advertisement, then the SEC marketing rule applies.

As a financial professional, under the SEC guidelines you can use testimonials so long as you are abiding by the rules of proper disclosure and oversight:

Disclosure

If the person providing the testimonial received compensation or had a conflict of interest, you’re required to disclose it, along with whether or not the individual providing the testimonial was a client.

Oversight

Any promoter who is not an affiliate of the advisor or who earns more than $1,000 in compensation must enter into an agreement with the advisor.

Testimonials are also subject to disqualification if you use “bad actors” as per the SEC, so be sure to use your actual clients for your testimonials.

All of the regulations cited above are in place to ensure disclosure, transparency, authenticity and to limit claims of what an advisor might be able to achieve for another client. Be honest, use your actual clients, and remain within the guidelines and use testimonials in your marketing toolkit to find new clients.

If you do decide to use share.one for your video testimonial collection, please rest assured that we are well versed in what can and cannot be done and we will ensure that your recordings are compliant with the latest regulations. For more information on our services, please visit www.share.one/how-does-it-work

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.

Navigating DSHEA Regulations: A Guide to Collecting Testimonials Responsibly

DSHEA

Navigating DSHEA Regulations:
A Guide to Collecting Testimonials Responsibly

Introduction:

Collecting testimonials is a valuable way to showcase the positive experiences and benefits of your products or services. Testimonials can build trust, credibility, and provide social proof for potential customers. However, it is crucial to be aware of the regulatory landscape surrounding testimonials, particularly in the context of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) regulations. In this article, we will explore how to be cautious and compliant when collecting testimonials, understanding what can and cannot be said within the bounds of DSHEA regulations.

Understanding DSHEA Regulations:

The DSHEA, enacted in 1994, governs the marketing and labeling of dietary supplements in the United States. While the focus of DSHEA is on the claims made about dietary supplements, it also affects the use of testimonials. The key principle behind DSHEA is that claims made about dietary supplements must be truthful, not misleading, and supported by adequate scientific evidence.

What Can You Say?

  1. Truthful and Accurate Statements: When collecting testimonials, ensure that all statements made by customers are truthful and accurate representations of their experiences. Stick to the facts and avoid exaggerated claims or misleading statements.
  1. Personal Experiences: Testimonials should reflect personal experiences and opinions rather than making broad claims about the product’s efficacy or results. Encourage customers to share specific benefits they experienced while using the product without making generalized claims that might overstate its effectiveness.
  1. General Health and Wellness Statements: Testimonials can discuss improvements in general health and wellness, such as increased energy, better sleep, or enhanced overall well-being. It is crucial to avoid specific disease claims or suggestions that the product can cure, treat, or prevent medical conditions.
  1. Disclaimers: To maintain compliance, it is advisable to include disclaimers alongside testimonials. Clearly state that individual results may vary, and the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Encourage customers to consult with a healthcare professional for medical advice.

What Can’t You Say?

  1. Disease Claims: Under DSHEA regulations, testimonials cannot make claims that a product can cure, treat, or prevent diseases or medical conditions. Avoid any language that implies the product has therapeutic properties or can replace medical treatment.
  1. Scientifically Unsubstantiated Claims: Testimonials should not make claims that lack adequate scientific evidence or sound research to support them. Avoid statements that are not backed by reliable sources or studies.
  1. False or Misleading Statements: It is strictly prohibited to present false or misleading testimonials. This includes misrepresenting customer experiences, using paid actors or fabricated stories, or manipulating results to paint an inaccurate picture.
  1. Impersonating Healthcare Professionals: Testimonials should not impersonate healthcare professionals or provide medical advice. Encourage customers to consult their healthcare providers for personalized guidance.

Conclusion:

Collecting testimonials can be an effective marketing tool when done responsibly and in compliance with DSHEA regulations. By understanding the boundaries set by DSHEA, you can ensure that your testimonials are truthful, accurate, and provide valuable insights to potential customers without crossing the line into making unsubstantiated claims. Remember to always prioritize transparency, honesty, and the well-being of your customers when leveraging testimonials as part of your marketing strategy.