Oct 04
Are you allowed to say who your clients are

Are You Allowed To Say Who Your Clients Are?

Here’s the short answer: not without permission.
And if you don’t know that rule, you’re gambling with your credibility.

In marketing, design, and creative services, it’s tempting to drop a big name or two. You worked with a Fortune 500 brand or a beloved local chain. Of course you want to say so. But before you casually share that client name on your website, your portfolio, or even in a casual conversation—stop.

Because mishandling this could seriously damage your client relationships, break legal contracts, and put your reputation at risk. Even if you’re trying to show your experience, doing it the wrong way can backfire.

So let’s break down what’s allowed, what’s risky, and what you should do instead.

When Is It Okay to Disclose a Client’s Name?

There are only a few cases where you’re legally or ethically in the clear:

  • You’re required to do so by law or contract.
  • The client name is already public.
  • The client gave you explicit written permission.

That’s it.

If it’s not one of those three scenarios, the safest route is: don’t say their name.

And when we say permission, we mean it clearly and literally:
Get it in writing.

Not implied. Not “I think they’re fine with it.” Real approval, preferably in an email or formal document.

Rule #1: Never Disclose Without Permission

Even if it feels harmless—like saying “we worked with a major airline” or “a household food brand”—you could be putting your client in a position they didn’t agree to. And worse, you’re telling future clients that you might do the same to them.

If you didn’t get it in writing, don’t share it. This rule applies accross the board—whether it’s social media, your website, case studies, interviews, or internal materials. Even your resume and portfolio explicit approcal. Assume nothing.

And remember, just because a project is completed doesn’t mean the confidentiality clock stops ticking. Some clients may remain sensitive about disclosure for years. Others might change leadership or marketing direction. Either way, you’re risking a hard-earned relationship if you move without permission.

Rule #2: Respect the NDA

Many companies—especially larger ones—will ask you to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before any work begins. Don’t just sign and forget it. Read it.

An NDA can explicitly outline what you’re allowed to share, when, and how. If you break that contract, even accidentally, the legal consequences are on you. And beyond the legal risk, there’s a bigger issue: trust.

Once broken, trust is almost impossible to rebuild in business.

Clients need to know you can be trusted with their information, strategies, and brand. That kind of client relationship is worth protecting at all costs.

Rule #3: Talk About the Work, Not the Name

You can still share your experience and highlight what you’ve done—without naming names.

Here’s how to do it:

  • “We helped a national retail chain increase foot traffic through targeted direct mail.”
  • “One of our recent clients—a regional beverage brand—needed a total packaging overhaul for their new product line.”
  • “We worked with a fast-growing SaaS company to improve their sales collateral and lead generation process.”

These kinds of descriptions let you talk about your skills, the scope of the project, and the results—without violating trust.

It’s called anonymizing your case study or portfolio entry. And it’s not a workaround. It’s just good practice.

Can I Mention Client Names in an Interview?

Technically? Only with permission.

We’ve all seen those “Oh yeah, I worked with X” lines in interviews or articles. But just because others are doing it doesn’t mean it’s safe. Interviews are still public platforms. Anything you say could be quoted, reposted, or turned into a headline.

If you don’t have the green light, don’t bring it up.

Instead, use phrases like:

  • “We worked with a major hospitality chain…”
  • “One of our B2B clients in the medical space…”
  • “A well-known financial firm came to us with this challenge…”

This keeps you in the clear and shows that you value discretion.

What About My Resume or Portfolio?

Even here—ask first.

It might seem harmless to list impressive client names on your website or resume. But again, unless you’ve got written approval, you’re opening the door to complaints or worse.

Yes, even if the project was five years ago.
Yes, even if the person you worked with is no longer there.
Yes, even if you were “just a freelancer.”

Client work is client property. And that means they control how it’s talked about in public spaces.

A better approach?

Build a portfolio that focuses on results and visuals. Let your work speak. If you do want to name a client, send them a quick email:

“Hi [Client], I’d love to include our project in my online portfolio. Would you be open to me listing your name and a brief description? Happy to run it by you first.”

More often than not, they’ll say yes—because you asked.

Focus on Trust Over Hype

Sure, big-name clients look good on a homepage. But trust looks better.

Discretion is a major credibility builder. You never want to be the agency or contractor who overshares. It sends the wrong signal: that you’re willing to talk about other clients to get attention.

Instead, keep the spotlight on your creative work, your team’s strengths, and how you solve real business problems. That’s what clients want to see.

And if you consistently respect boundaries, confidentiality, and NDAs? You’re building a good reputation with your clients—one that leads to long-term success, referrals, and repeat business.

So, What Can You Do?

Here’s your checklist for safe client sharing:

  • Get written permission—don’t assume.
  • Review contracts and NDAs.
  • Talk about results, not names, when needed.
  • Anonymize case studies where appropriate.
  • Ask for approval before interviews or portfolio use.
  • Never share internal materials or confidential strategy details.

And most importantly, treat client privacy like it’s part of the job description—because it is.

At The End Of The Day

You’re not just designing packaging or writing copy. You’re building trust. And trust is what keeps your phone ringing and inbox full.

So if you’re ever in doubt, take the high road. Don’t name names unless you have permission to do so. Be the pro that clients trust—not the one they have to worry about.

And if you’re a marketing director or creative lead looking for a partner who gets it? One who delivers top-tier creative, meets every deadline, and keeps your name out of headlines until you say otherwise?

That’s us.

Let’s Build Trust (and Killer Creative) Together

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