FTC Guide Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising
I have recently obtained a copy of the FTC Guide covering new requirements associated with providing reviews on other peoples products and affiliate marketing, this is a new law in the US which comes into effect in December this year.
I believe that all Internet Marketers we all need to take note of this even outside the US given that the vast majority of this type of business is conducted in the US itself.
My initial take on this is that when selling anything as an affiliate or reviewing a product you must make it clear what your position is in relation to the other party, whether you are being paid for doing the review or are selling as an affiliate.
My plan for selling anything as an affiliate in future was always to fully test the product, write a Blog post outlining what its supposed to do with a high level summary of how it works with results , then contacting my list.
I believe that by following this type of long winded approach people who are serious would then have the opportunity to have a good idea of what they are getting before they purchase, I believe this satisfies my own conscience as well as complying with this FTC law.
This is an 81 page report written in legal jargon so will take some time to read in detail.
You can download the report here:
FTC Endorsements Guides Notice
When I get a chance I will go through the document and update this Blog Post with my findings.
In the meantime, if anyone else has read and understands the guidelines, feel free to comment with your take on it below.
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Personally, I am going to stay away from long sales letters, wild claims, and any solicited endorsements. Honesty is the best policy, and shenanigans by the gurus is what created this mess. LOL
Peter,
It’s nice to know somebody actually got the FTC guidelines. And I’m looking forward to any other takes you have on their report.
Seems like its getting pretty narrow in what one can and cannot do.
Cheers,
Rob
Rob
From what I understand they dont have the capacity to do much so I am guessing that as long as you follow the principles of being honest and upfront there shouldn’t be too much to worry about. Hopefully this sort of thing will be used against the scammers!
I never read the FTC yet but seems so many people and internet marketing mentor did mention about in their blog and email I’m quite understood it now.
Did internet marketer NOT SINCERE before? One thing for sure your don’t need to cloak your affiliate links anymore =)
I wouldn’t go as far as that. My take is that as long as you declare that you are selling someone else’s product it should be good enough. I think its all about having integrity and honesty in your approach