Customer Testimonials: Can You Edit Them to Sound Better?
Nope, It’s a No-Go
Let’s talk about customer testimonials. They’re like gold for your business—real-life proof that your product or service delivers the goods. But what if a customer’s review could use a little polish? Maybe it’s a bit awkwardly worded, or it doesn’t fully capture how awesome your product is. Can you tweak it? The short answer: Nope, not legally. Modifying testimonials to exaggerate results or make them sound better is considered deceptive advertising, and that’s a big problem.
Why Testimonials Matter
Customer testimonials build trust. They give potential buyers a peek into the experiences of others and help them feel confident about choosing your business. A well-written, genuine testimonial can be the thing that seals the deal for a new customer. But here’s the catch—they have to be authentic. If people find out that you’ve edited or exaggerated reviews, that trust flies out the window faster than you can say “refund.”
Why You Can’t Edit Testimonials
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is pretty clear on this: testimonials need to be real and unaltered. Editing a customer’s words, even with good intentions, can cross the line into deceptive advertising. If your edits make the testimonial sound like the customer had a better experience or achieved better results than they actually did, you’re essentially misleading potential buyers—and that’s a no-no.
For example, if a customer says, “The product was pretty good and helped me lose 5 pounds,” you can’t edit it to say, “This product was amazing and helped me lose 15 pounds!” That’s not what the customer said, and it gives people a false impression of what they can expect.
The Risks of Modifying Testimonials
So, what happens if you get caught tweaking testimonials? Well, the FTC can come knocking, and the consequences aren’t pretty. You could face fines, lawsuits, or even lose your credibility altogether. And let’s be real—your reputation is worth way more than a slightly spruced-up testimonial.
Beyond legal risks, edited testimonials can backfire in a big way. Customers are pretty savvy these days, and they can smell a fake from a mile away. If people think your reviews aren’t genuine, they’ll question everything else about your business too.
What You Can Do Instead
Just because you can’t edit testimonials doesn’t mean you’re stuck with less-than-perfect ones. Here’s how you can make the most of customer feedback while staying on the right side of the law:
1. Ask for Updates: If a customer’s review is unclear or missing key details, politely ask them to elaborate. Most people will be happy to help.
2. Encourage Honesty: When you ask for testimonials, make it clear that you want honest feedback. Genuine reviews are always more impactful, even if they’re not 100% glowing.
3. Use Testimonials Strategically: Highlight the testimonials that best represent your product or service. You don’t need to feature every single review—just the ones that resonate with your audience.
4. Share Success Stories: Instead of editing testimonials, create separate case studies or success stories with customers who are willing to share their journey in detail.
The Bottom Line
Customer testimonials are a powerful tool for building trust and attracting new business, but they only work if they’re authentic. Editing or exaggerating testimonials might seem tempting, but it’s not worth the legal or reputational risks. Keep it real, respect your customers’ words, and let the genuine testimonials do the talking. In the end, honesty is always the best policy.
