I’ll admit it. I love a good “Viewer Discretion is Advised” warning. Not because I’m hunting for blood, guts, or reality TV meltdowns (though I’ll take a well-thrown table any day)—but because that little phrase is a masterclass in pre-framing and emotional engagement.

In fact, it’s one of the most underrated tools you could be using to elevate your customer experience.

Yep. That tired old TV warning? It’s actually a secret weapon. And no, you don’t have to slap it on your contracts or scream it over your phone greeting like an emergency alert. But when used right, it can inject humor, expectation, edge, and loyalty into your business faster than you can say, “Rated R for ROI.”

Let’s break it down, shall we?

The Psychology Behind “Viewer Discretion Advised”

That warning isn’t meant to scare people away. It’s meant to pull them in. It’s the marketing equivalent of a dare. It creates curiosity. It makes you feel like something important (maybe even forbidden) is coming next.

And as business owners, we need to create that exact feeling in our clients. Because customers don’t talk about “fine” experiences. They talk about stuff that makes them feel something.

This is what customer experience is all about: delivering moments that trigger emotion, curiosity, and story-worthy reactions.

How to Use “Viewer Discretion” to Upgrade Your Customer Experience

1. Pre-Frame the Experience Like a Rebel Genius

Before the service even starts—in your confirmation emails, on your website, in your onboarding kits—set the tone.

“Warning: Working with us may cause dangerously high satisfaction levels, spontaneous referrals, and an uncontrollable urge to fire your previous vendor.”

This isn’t just cute. It’s positioning. It tells the client: “We’re different. Buckle up.”

2. Deliver Gifts with Shock and Awe (and a Twist of Warning)

Let’s say you send a gift to a new client. Maybe it’s popcorn, a towel, a Disney plush, or some quirky branded item.

Include a note:

“Viewer discretion advised: This gift may cause emotional attachment, brand loyalty, and an awkward hug from your mailman.”

Boom. You just made your gift unforgettable.

3. Website Copy That Polarizes (and Attracts)

Your homepage or service page shouldn’t try to please everyone. That’s how you end up swimming in the Sea of Sameness.

Instead, try this:

“We’re not for everyone. We cost more. We care more. We dare more. Viewer discretion advised.”

Now you’re attracting high-value clients and sending the bargain-hunters running for the clearance aisle. Win-win.

4. Turn Your Inspection or Audit Into Theater

Home service folks—listen up.

Instead of the dry: “Here’s your mold report,” try:

“WARNING: This inspection contains graphic scenes of homeowner neglect, disturbing levels of humidity, and a fungus among us. Viewer discretion advised.”

Suddenly, your boring inspection just became entertainment. And memorable customer experience.

5. Stick It on the Box (Literally)

If you ship anything, include a card or label that says:

“Warning: Opening this may cause irrational levels of joy, obsessive loyalty, and the belief that your service provider is a genius.”

You’re not delivering a box. You’re delivering a moment.

Why It All Works (And Why 99% of Businesses Miss It)

Most businesses treat customer experience like it’s a feature. Something you list next to “fully licensed and insured” and “family-owned since 1987.”

But that’s a snoozefest. Customer experience is not a checkbox. It’s a strategy. It’s an emotional journey. It’s how you…

• Pre-frame expectations

• Create contrast

• Trigger emotional memory

• And drive price elasticity, referrals, and retention

You want your clients saying, “I’ve never had a company treat me like that before.”

That doesn’t happen by accident.

Final Bow

So yeah, Viewer Discretion Advised may have started as a warning about nudity and profanity, but now? It’s a tactical tool in your Return on Experience arsenal.

Use it to grab attention.
Use it to create moments.
Use it to flip the script on what a “customer experience” can actually feel like.

Because when you deliver a client experience with that level of theatrical swagger, you’re not just another option…
You’re the ONLY choice.

P.S. Want to add some warning labels to your own business that actually make money? I’ve got a system for that. It’s called Systematic Magic. Grab a seat and let’s make your business the most unforgettable act in town.