Today’s Make Money Online Tip
Have you heard the latest from the FTC regarding testimonials/claims online?
It’s quite fascinating actually – to listen to how some marketers are panicking about it, you’d think coffee was about to be banned in all places that contain oxygen.
Here’s some articles first for you to read:
- New FTC Thing Is A Bigger Deal Than You Might Think
- Bloggers Face $11k FTC Fines For Not Disclosing Paid Endorsements
- FTC to Fine Bloggers up to $11,000 for Not Disclosing Payments
- FTC Disclosure Rules & Affiliate Marketing Implications
- FTC Values Sponsored Conversations at $11,000 Apiece.
- FTC Publishes Final Guides Governing Endorsements, Testimonials
It seems so far that much of the panic centers around (and I hope you’re sitting down for this) the fact that testimonials should be, well, truthful.
Fancy that. No more fake splogs! No more lying to the reader!
Be that as it may…I do have one big concern with it all.
Whatever happened to "Consumers, be SMART and do YOUR OWN research FIRST?"
When I buy something, I want to make certain I buy it because of what I think it is worth…and not what testimonials tell me. Heck, it’s kinda sorta obvious that lots of testimonials on sites are blatant fakes anyways!
I applaud the fact the FTC wants to ensure people are truthful in their claims.
At the same time, I hate the idea that consumers are led to depend upon what others say to drive their buyind decisions!
So….instead of me telling you, comply with the FTC (I assume you’ll be doing that anyway!), I want to highlight the following.
You, as a consumer, have the responsibility to ensure you have done ALL of the research yourself to your satisfaction BEFORE spending your money.
Period, end of statement.
It’s your hard-earned cash – you deserve that at the very least!!
Yes, marketers want to sell. That’s all very well and good – it’s what marketers DO!
But consumers BUY. And to BUY…you need to take ownership that you’re satisfied ENOUGH to spend your own money.
So….if you’re looking for books, tools, etc. online to help your business grow, IGNORE the testimonials that spell out XXX amount of money and instead, focus on:
- Can this tool help me?
- Do I need to expand my comfort boundaries to get something out of this tool?
- Do I have the time to USE this tool?
At the very least…answering the above should protect your pocketbook admirably well.
And the money you DO end up spending…will end up being something you’re happy to claim.
A very good thing indeed, eh? 
Enjoy,
Barbara Ling
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