In the most recent issue of Enterprising Women magazine, Donna Vandiver discusses the updated FTC guidelines for testimonials and endorsements in social media. Here’s an excerpt from her article, “Make Sure Your Company Knows the Rules Before Entering the Game”:

“The world of communications is changing.  Social media is growing by leaps and bounds and it is important that your company stay in the game. But in order to play the game, it is important that you know the rules.

Research firm Forrester estimated that more than $700 million would be spent on social media marketing in 2009, and more than $3 billion will be spent in 2014. With advertising dollars and the amount of users increasing in the social media realm, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) revised the Guidelines Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (Guides) in December 2009. The Guides focus on protecting consumers from deceptive endorsements and testimonials and the FTC has now included guidelines for businesses using the Internet and social media spaces.”

To read more on the new guidelines click here for the rest of Donna’s article.

This article first appeared in Vol. 11, No. 3 of Enterprising Women magazine (www.enterprisingwomen.com) and is being reprinted with permission from the publisher. All rights reserved.