All businesses need to establish trust and credibility. No credibility, no customers. Credibility is one of the most important qualities a website can have. No amount of conversion optimization can make up for a website’s lack of credibility.
But what makes a website credible? How do you demonstrate trustworthiness? Here are nine tips that every website owner should be doing:
- Start with a Professionally Designed Website. Credibility starts with web design. A professionally designed website that is attractive and functions well goes a long way towards building trust.
- Display Your Portfolio and Testimonials Prominently. People want proof that your product or service is the one for them. People need to see your portfolio, or need to be able to read testimonials before they will consider buying from you.
- Client Logos. Show the logos of businesses that have purchased from you on your website. By sharing the names of major clients you’ve worked with, you immediately command respect.
- Boast about Awards you have Won. If your business has won one of your industry’s most prestigious awards mention it on your website. Visitors are more likely to buy from you if they know you’ve been recognized as one of your industry’s finest.
- About Page Discussing Your Company. Businesses are by real people. These people have a unique collection of experience, skills, and philosophies. Give your website a more personal flavor, and reap the rewards. After all, people are more inclined to trust openness.
- Team Bios. Why stop at an About page? What about the rest of your team? Give them the recognition they deserve by displaying a bio for every team member. This reinforces the human side to your business.
- Your Domain Name. If you want to be taken seriously, be prepared to invest a few dollars to buy a domain name that is unique for your business. You should try for a .com first. If that is not available, you can choose .ca, .net or .org. However, .com is considered a top level domain and will command more respect from visitors.
- Contact Information. Displaying a physical address on your website makes you more accountable, and this makes visitors feel more comfortable. You should also include your phone number. Instead of displaying an email address you can use a form, so you do not get spam from people who “gather” email addresses to send spam.
- Start a Blog. A blog gives you the perfect platform to wow visitors with your industry insights and to show off your expertise. By demonstrating that you understand the ins and outs of your industry via your content, you become a more credible option for buyers.
If a visitor doesn’t trust you, they won’t buy from you. It’s that simple. If you put the strategies listed above in place, you will greatly improve your website’s credibility.