8 Ways To Establish Credibility On Your Small Business Website

Credibility is a trait that we all strive for both in our day-to-day lives and with our businesses. It is especially important online where we don’t have the face-to-face interaction with the visitors to our website. Online all we have to show that we are trustworthy and reliable is our website.

Establishing credibility is key to building a successful brand and business online. Without it, you will struggle to turn visitors to your website into paying customers.

We live in a world that is dominated by the internet – shopping, booking tickets, ordering food, playing games and buying goods and services online. This means that as consumers are growing savvier online, particularly when it involves parting with our hard-earned cash. It’s highly unlikely that we are just going to hand over our money to just anyone. Trust is vital.

I’m sharing my 8 top ways to establish credibility on your website.

1 // Professional Website Design

One of the first ways to give a credible and trustworthy impression is with a well-designed professional website.

Many small businesses are continuing to underestimate the value of investing in a good design for their website. But the design is one of the first things people see when they visit your website. If your website looks like an early 00s throwback or was thrown together in a matter of hours by your neighbour’s kid… it’s going to give the wrong impression.

A professional modern design it will instantly give you more credibility. Showing visitors that you have invested in your online presence and created a resourceful space is instantly going to put them at ease.

2 // Custom Domain

Purchase a custom domain with your business name to help build trust and credibility with your website visitors.

Opting for a free domain e.g mybusiness.wordpress.com or mybusiness.squarespace.com can seem like a good budget-friendly way to get online. But it doesn’t look professional or convince customers you are legitimate.

Domain names cost less than £10 for 1-2 years. That small investment will give you your own custom business domain and email address.

3 // Fix Your Broken Website

Nothing says I don’t care about my website more than a bunch of errors and functionality.

Take some time to quality check your website for broken links and error messages. This will avoid you looking like an amateur.

4 // Post On Your Blog

Consistently posting on your blog may seem like a fruitless task, particularly when it appears like no one is reading. I feel ya!

It’s hard to stay focused on producing content on a weekly basis when you have so many other business tasks to be working on.

But, a blog is a total asset to your website. It helps establish you as an expert in your field. If your posts are well written and valuable, it will show readers that they can trust you to provide a quality paid service.

5 // Show You Are Real

Who wants to buy from a faceless organisation?  If you are like me, that would be a big no.

Being able to see a real person behind the business can instantly boost credibility with visitors and potential customers.

As a small business whether you sell products or services you can benefit from sharing behind the scenes on your website and social media. An about page with a more on you and your story along with a wee photo is an easy way to achieve this.

6 // Be Contactable

Is your contact information impossible to find?  Make it easy for people to contact you. Add your phone number, email and physical address (if you have one) prominently on your website.

7 // Testimonials

Testimonials and customer feedback are powerful. It can be the final push that a potential client needs to convince them that you are the perfect person to work with.

The testimonials and reviews give a more personal connection to the products and services you provide. Hearing the experiences of others provides an important insight into working with you.

8 // Social Media

Being seen and available on social media is an ideal way to show you are a credible business. Social media can allow you to connect with your audience on a more personal level. Showing that you are a real person instead of a faceless, nameless robot.

And while you don’t need to be on every social media platform, it’s a good idea to have a profile on one or two.

Final Thoughts…

Credibility is paramount to finding success online with your business. Leading to more enquiries and ultimately more sales.  Creating a trustworthy presence with your website can be achieved with the tips above.  However, it is important to note that while your website helps to establish your credibility it is only one factor.  Building your credibility is an ongoing process that you need to take great care to protect.

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