FTC, GEP, & Market Research
Posted on | December 15, 2009 | No Comments
What’s that title all about anyway!? If you’ve been paying attention, you know that as of December 1st, 2009 you can’t use your wonderfully true, but not typical (what I call “aspirational”) client testimonials in your marketing and advertising unless you clearly and conspicuously disclose “Generally Expected Performance Results.”
So, what’s the problem?
The problem is that most of us don’t have data to state what the Generally Expected Performanc Results ARE.
We’ve never done the research.
Now we must.
I was approached by Michelle DeKinder-Smith with an opportunity to co-affiliate the Site Compliant program, including the FTC Toolkit with her professional market research services. You wouldn’t guess it from first glance, but Michelle has over 20 years of consumer product market research experience – including projects for some brands that you would easily recognize.
Michelle was the first market research pro to understand the implications of the new FTC rules. We immediately hit it off and saw a way to help each other out.
The first thing we did was a survey of the people who had purchased or otherwise indicated an interest in the Site Compliant LLC products including the FTC Toolkit. I don’t know how many of you have ever worked on a market research project, but let me tell you that working with Michelle was PAINLESS, EFFICIENT, and effective.
We found out great information about the products and services we’re offering through Site Compliant – including ways to improve the offer. We also found out that 8-10 customers though the FTC Toolkit was a great value for their money!
Now we’re ready to take it (and you) to the next level. Michelle has created a couple solutions to help people gather and analyze customer data so that YOU CAN use your wonderful testimonials again.
REMEMBER, the NEW FTC GUIDES require the disclosure of Generally Expected Performance Data when using testimonials – especially testimonials of the “aspirational” nature. IF YOU USE atypical/aspirational testimonials without this GEP data disclosure, your aspirational (and completely truthful) testimonial will be interpreted as a statement of generally expected performance results, likely subjecting you to accusations of “deceptive advertising” from the FTC.
Michelle and I will be doing a FREE WEBINAR on the topic of Generally Expected Performance Results and the Market Research you need to back up your claims TOMORROW at 2pm EASTERN.
Register here: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/667018355
Again, the webinar is free, will only take an hour, and will be hugely informational and helpful if you want to use those great aspirational testimonials again.
OK, it’s time to register now. Register here: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/667018355
Share the word.
Again, that’s Wednesday, December 16th at 2pm Eastern. (TOMORROW!)
Tags: Compliance > Compliant > data > FTC > FTC Testimonials & Endorsements > Generally Expected Performance > Market Research > marketing > Site > Site Compliant > Site Compliant Program > Testimonials
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