Incredible Marketing Ploys to Build False Credibility
Incredible Marketing Ploys to Build False Credibility
Since the new FTC regulations announcement many internet marketers have been flipping out and changing their approach. In fact some are even trying to think up more entrepreneur ideas to sell FTC rules which are FREE (wild). I honestly don’t know why this is a major issue IF you do not make phoney testimonials. If you have an issue with real testimonials or honest reviews then you will have trouble with the FTC. You have to let people know you are an affiliate that makes money from a product or service. But the way I review thing is that I either use them or watch them for a year.
Unfortunately we have had some serious habitual line steppers. Meaning people who step over the line and then teach others to do the same.
In 7 Insane Ways to Develop Trust with Your Online Business I said the number one thing is authenticity. The real question is there a real person on the other end of a blog? Same thing goes for sales pages and email signups.
Here is a true story. Many years ago I bought a program from a famous internet marketer. And they tried to tell me this “new secret” (sound familiar?) and come to find out they wanted me to set up review sites and use PPC (pay per click). I promptly asked for my money back. a very poorly thought out execution of entrepreneur ideas has taken place across the internet.
The program was one of those Google assimilation BS named programs. The amazing thing is that they setup these review sites and tell everyone that it is a real deal and then try to teach you to be unethical. Credibility GONE.
How do you Know someone is credible? That’s a good question.
Ask them a question regarding their product and see if they reply.
Check their testimonials like you were an HR department and they were an applicant. Hey my testimonials on my twitter program are REAL people. In fact Aron Stevenson just had his first baby (congrats Aron).
Check their social media profiles and ask do they ENGAGE you in conversation? At least say thank you for a retweet? I do. I mean why would I want to do business with someone who can’t even tweet and thank you?Yes there are special circumstances but not always. One of the dumbest entrepreneurs ideas in the world is to sell a social media program and yet you are not social.
GOOGLE them with negative phrases to see what the results are. I for instance am a member of the Warriors Forum, Third Tribe and Seth Godins tribes as you can read here. Believe me if I am full of it or a scam these groups would reveal that along with other forums I cannot begin to imagine.
Recently Tech Crunch posted something about reputation. There are business popping up that are going to address the idea of reputation more directly. The more we become open source with reputation and credibility the better.
