The Truth In Advertising And Nothing But The Truth
Truth in advertising - Claims, Offers and Propositions Must Be Realistic and Believable...Here's Why
 Today, more than ever, the truth in advertising is very important.
In order for your small business to grow and expand, you will need to develop a loyal customer base who will not only give you repeat business, but also refer you to other customers via word-of-mouth- marketing .
If you are untruthful in your claims, offers or propositions about your products or services, you will soon experience how word-of-mouth- marketing can work against you.... FAST.
The Disadvantages of NOT Practicing truth in advertising
Marketing your products and services as anything beyond their capabilities or merits will only backfire on your small business.
Sure, you may experience growth in sales initially, but chances are, this increase will not last because consumers will soon find out that your products or services under deliver.
As a result, your sales and growth projections will suffer from returned goods, declining sales and negative feedback, ultimately throwing your business into a downward spiral.
But perhaps the main disadvantage of over claiming on a product or service is not only do you lose your consumers but that the very integrity of your company is tainted.
Unless what you are offering is a trip to the moon, there are a number of businesses out there competing against you that can offer the same product or service. So it's best to always let the customer be clear on what he is purchasing and manage his expectations and satisfaction well rather than over selling.
Practicing The Truth in Your Advertising Makes for Better Business
Establishing a business is building a relationship - between you and your customers. As such, trust plays a very important role. If consumers feel that they can trust you, then they will support your products and services not only once but for a LONG time.
In addition, 'quick sales' are really just that - one-time increases in your sales ledger. A consumer may be lured once by great ads but he will also be immediately disillusioned about your product once he realizes that your market claims are untrue.
So for long-lasting business relationships, always practice truth in advertising. Pretty soon, your reputation itself will be your strongest marketing medium.
If you`re product or service does not live up to your claims, then either change the product or change your message!
Action Steps to Ensure The Truth in Your Advertising
- Evaluate your product/service and be truthful if it lives up to your marketing claims. Ask current customers for feedback. You can create a 'blind group' (test group) and see what they have to say about your product vs. what your claims.
Important Points to Ensure There is Truth in Your Advertising
- Honesty is still the best policy.
- Products and services that do not live up to their marketing claims result in lost business in the long-term.
- Keep your message accurate and truthful!
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