Trust is an important element when building any relationship with clients or customers. If someone is going to purchase your products or pay money for your services, they must trust you to deliver on the promises you make. This means you must make your business seem trustworthy.
There are several facets to this. The first starts with making sure the services or products you offer live up to the value propositions that you present. Another factor is your website.
Your website is your virtual storefront and the first impression that most people have of your brand. Because of this, your site must build trust.
Ad Content Considerations
While pop-up and banner ads can be beneficial in generating additional revenue, they come at a cost. It will seem unprofessional if your site is overloaded with ads for products you don’t offer. In some cases, visitors may even view the site as “spammy.” Consider ditching the ads. Be sure your entire site is just about you, what you offer, and how you can help your customers.
Domain Name
Your domain name also needs to be professional. Choosing something like “Cheapdiscountfurniture.com” can make your site feel like it is an infomercial or (once again) spammy. Try using your brand name as your domain, rather than a long description of what you do or offer.
Make Communication Simple
Be sure it’s easy for visitors to your site to find the information needed to get in touch with you. Provide contact information throughout your site, including a well-developed Contact Us page. Make sure it doesn’t seem like you are hiding from your customers. This is not going to build trust.
Make Searching Your Site Simple
Another way to make sure your website seems trustworthy is by positioning it as a resource rather than a sales pitch. It should be a place where people can go for information. A site that features an accessible search function shows consumers you want them to visit and use your site.
Display Trust Seals
It’s important to show you have taken steps to create a trustworthy site. This includes accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, ratings from third-party sites, and an SSL certificate (learn what is SSL certificate here). These are the types of things that let customers know they can trust you and your site.
Show Your Guarantees and Warranties
When it comes to making a purchase, people want confidence they will like it. One way to instill this confidence is by displaying your warranty or guarantee information. If you offer this, be sure to put it on your site in an easy-to-see location.
Display Testimonials and Reviews
It doesn’t matter if you have Facebook ratings, Google reviews, or just positive comments customers have sent you, be sure they are displayed on your site. Be sure these are visible on your website.
Create a Press Page
If your business has ever been featured on another blog, podcast, website, or in a print article, make sure this information is included on a press page. For businesses that have never been featured anywhere else, consider putting in the time and effort to get this. It isn’t for the email list building opportunities or traffic, but to prove your legitimacy online. The email building and page views are just a nice bonus.
When creating a press page, be sure to list all the places you were featured and include a link to the article or information. You may also want to include the company’s logo on this press page.
Creating a Trustworthy Website
If you want to create a trustworthy website, there are more than a few things to consider. Use the tips and information above to ensure that your site shows customers they can trust you and what you have to offer. Being informed and knowing what to do and show customers will pay off in the long run and help ensure your business seems legitimate and trustworthy online.
