Advertising 101: Rules that Advertisers Have to Abide by

Posting any type of advertisement in the U.S. makes it subject to the laws that apply to this practice. If a consumer or potential employee feels like the information was misleading or false, they can take actions against the company and the business might not come out of the ordeal unscathed.

To ensure that a company doesn’t find themselves the subject of accusations that their ads were misleading, there are some steps they can take. They can also talk to professionals about legal advertising in the Bay Area to ensure they are complying with the laws and regulations.

Make the Ads Accurate

Having ads that are factually correct is imperative. Being truthful about what the job position requires will ensure that candidates know exactly what is expected of them and whether or not they have the qualifications to apply. Lying about the position may get a business more candidates, but it will also get them in trouble when they don’t fulfill their promises.

Having an accurate job description is also helpful for the company. This gives them the standards with which to judge the employee and their contribution to the company.

Be Fair to Competitors

It’s not a secret that in the business world, competition runs high. But don’t try to poach potential employees by spreading false rumors or flat-out lies about another company. This is a good way to be sued for defamation. Focus on the positives and find unique ways that make a business more appealing than another one, then share that in a job post.

Be Truthful About Pay

It’s within a company’s rights to offer a salary range for a specific position based on the applicant’s experience and education level. This range can even be included in the job posting. It’s important, however, to ensure that this range is truthful about what the position will pay and not what the company thinks will attract employees. Again, not being truthful in advertising is a good way to get in trouble with the law.

Get Permission from Clients

If a company decides they want to entice potential employees by showing of their client list, make sure permission is given from the clients. Violating a client’s trust and right to privacy could backfire and lose the company business. If that happens, then the company would have misled the candidate into believing they would get to work with certain businesses and that will get them into even more trouble.

When it comes to the rules of advertising, they can change at a moment’s notice. Keeping up to date with the latest laws can be time consuming and tedious, but having a professional who knows about legal advertising in the Bay Area is beneficial.

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