Testimonials are great. You can talk about yourself until you’re blue in the face, but just one good testimonial from a satisfied patient can make a bigger impression than anything you say yourself. If someone says something good that you’d like them to repeat, ASK them for a testimonial!

My book sales jumped by about 25% after I added a testimonials page. It’s just more believable when my readers talk about me. (By the way, if you’re a satisfied reader, please do leave a testimonial there. thanks!)

What surprises me is that in some areas testimonials are illegal. They used to be illegal in far more places, but the restrictions have been greatly eased.

I’m a little concerned about this because just created a random testimonial feature for our website clients. It allows their patients to brag about them on every page of your site - something that the acupuncturist couldn’t possibly get away with themselves.

Problem is testimonials ARE illegal in some places. I don’t want to get anyone in trouble.

Dale Tope tipped me off. He wrote in a comment:

Practitioners, please keep in mind that in some states, testimonials are illegal. In Texas, you can put your license in jeopardy for publishing testimonials. Also, calling yourself “Doctor”, if you aren’t an MD, DO, DC, etc. There is a fine line, and publishing out-of-state credentials is risky.

It turns out it’s not, as Michael Fox explained:

In many states, calling yourself a “doctor” without an earned doctorate is a violation. Some states and provinces place additional restrictions on the word “specialist” and its derivatives.

As far as publishing testimonials in Texas is concerned, the full citation is at http://www.tmb.state.tx.us/rules/docs/CurrentRulesRevised07-03-2007.pdf

which clarifies this as:
- Publishing a testimonial that includes false, deceptive, or misleading statements, or fails to include disclaimers or warnings as to the credentials of the person making the testimonial.

and other things listed at
http://www.etnainteractive.com/medical-marketing-law/texas.cfm

All of these things have more to do with a “truth in advertising” thread than an “Are Web Sites Worth It?” thread…nevertheless it’s a good point that in any venue your marketing material should be ethical and conform to all the laws which could affect your license and practice.

I responded to Dale’s comment because I’m considering holding a dual license in Texas as well as California, since I visit my family in Texas often, and wanted to get more specifics on the issue of “testimonials”. I don’t have any on my current website, and I think I’ll check out California law before I go overboard on it.

Thanks Dale!

I did some more research, and apparently testimonials are illegal in Victora, Australia: http://www.cmrb.vic.gov.au/registration/polguide.html

I’m sure there are other places where testimonials are illegal. I think a good way to check is to type “texas chiropractor testimonials” or whatever your location is into your web browser. If a lot show up, then it’s probably OK.

Do you know of any areas where testimonials are illegal? Thanks!