Podcast

>

Ep 94: Why Client Reviews Are No Longer Optional

Ep 94: Why Client Reviews Are No Longer Optional

Welcome to the Financial Advisors Want to Know Podcast! I’m Catherine Tindall, CPA with Dominion Enterprise Services, where we help financial advisors navigate income tax planning and compliance.In this episode, I’m joined by Whit Lanier, CEO and co-founder of Amplify Reviews. We unpack why client reviews are no longer optional for advisory firms—and how reviews are reshaping trust, visibility, and growth in the post–SEC Marketing Rule landscape.Whit shares why review adoption is accelerating so quickly, how advisors can implement testimonials in a compliant and authentic way, and why fear around negative reviews is often misplaced.

Catherine Tindall, CPA

January 5, 2026

Share:

Episode 94: Why Client Reviews Are No Longer Optional

Guest: Whit Lanier

Episode Overview

Welcome to the Financial Advisors Want to Know Podcast! I’m Catherine Tindall, CPA with Dominion Enterprise Services, where we help financial advisors navigate income tax planning and compliance.

In this episode, I’m joined by Whit Lanier, CEO and co-founder of Amplify Reviews. We unpack why client reviews are no longer optional for advisory firms—and how reviews are reshaping trust, visibility, and growth in the post–SEC Marketing Rule landscape.

Whit shares why review adoption is accelerating so quickly, how advisors can implement testimonials in a compliant and authentic way, and why fear around negative reviews is often misplaced.

Key Takeaways

Online Reviews Are Becoming Inevitable
Even when referrals start the relationship, prospects now expect to see reviews as part of their due diligence process.

Adoption Is Accelerating Fast
Top RIAs are seeing up to 400% year-over-year growth in review usage as advisors recognize reviews as a competitive necessity.

Fear of Bad Reviews Is Largely Unfounded
Unhappy clients rarely leave public reviews while remaining clients—most reviews come from engaged, satisfied relationships.

Reviews Strengthen Trust and Visibility
Client reviews improve credibility, SEO performance, and visibility in AI-driven and traditional search results.

Done Right, Reviews Deepen Relationships
Requesting feedback reinforces partnership and transparency, strengthening—not inflating—advisor-client relationships.

Links & Resources

Connect with Whit Lanier
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitlanier/
🌐 Website: https://amplifyreviews.com/

Connect with Catherine Tindall
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ctindallcpa/

Sign up for the Dominion newsletter
https://dominion-enterprise-services.kit.com/9944b047d9

Contact Catherine’s Team
admin@dominiones.com

Ready for a no-pressure conversation with an experienced CPA who specializes in Advisors?