Top 4 things for HIPAA compliant testimonials
Feedback, reviews and testimonials, if used correctly are a great way to promote your business, build trust with potential clients and show the value of your service.
Sharing clients testimonials and feedback on social media, your website and other marketing material is an easy, free way to promote your business.
Online review vs. client testimonial
Online reviews are often used on a 3rd party website like Yelp or Google. Client testimonials, however, are given directly to you, in person, over the phone, in a survey, or via email.
There are different requirements for HIPPA compliance for online reviews and client testimonials. In this article, we are focusing on client testimonials.
Here are the 4 things you need to do to get HIPAA compliant testimonials;
1. Ask for feedback
There are lots of ways that you can ask clients for feedback. You can ask them informally as part of your conversations via email or over the phone. You could also create a survey or a specific email message that you send after working with them to collect their feedback.
Try to build a habit of asking for feedback at key moments with your clients. Even if you don't have a use for a testimonial at that time, it could be useful in the future!
2. Getting permission
Once a clients has shared feedback with you, gaining written permission is critical for HIPPA compliance. I have included a free template you can download and use from the link below. It's important also for your clients to know if you are requesting to use a photo of them and to confirm how they may like to be identified, for example, their first name only.
3. Storing testimonials
Once you have a clients's feedback and permission to share it, you'll want to save it somewhere, so it's easier to find and use as a marketing resource later on. This could be a simple word document or spreadsheet. As clients share feedback with you, add this to your document, so know exactly where it is when you need it. This is protected health information (PHI) so you need to store it the same HIPPA compliant way that you keep your health records.
4. Using testimonials to get clients
Now you have done all the hard work, and all your testimonials are gathered, it's time to use them to attract new clients. You can use your testimonials on all your different marketing and social media platforms.
Social media - Instagram or Facebook
Tip: Try Canva it has excellent templates you can use to make your social media posts pop.
Your Website
Tip: Use testimonials on your front landing page or your pricing page.
Marketing Material
Tip: Include a testimonial in your email signature
For more information on collecting testimonials and reviews regarding HIPPA compliance, subscribe to our Youtube channel and watch our how to expand your business mini-series.