How do you build trust online? This is a question every entrepreneur should ask himself or herself. After all, trust is hugely important on the worldwide web.
Why is online trust so important and how can you instill this feeling in your visitors? In this article, we address all these questions and more. Curious? Read on quickly.
Why is online trust so important?
Trust is of enormous importance on the Internet; in fact, it is crucial. There are several reasons for this.
First, it serves as the cornerstone of successful online interactions and transactions. Are you the owner of a webshop? Then customers are more likely to choose you when they feel their information is safe.
A high level of online trust also contributes to a positive brand reputation. Consumers are always inclined to choose the company they feel is most trustworthy.
This (repeated) interaction can lead to customer loyalty and an improvement in brand reputation. Does your site or online store not inspire confidence? Then this can cause the opposite effect.
Online trust can additionally have a significant impact on the performance of your website or web site. Search engines place enormous value on the trustworthiness of websites when ranking them in search results. The more trust your online platform exudes, the more visible you are on the Internet.
How is online trust determined?
You may now be wondering how online trust is determined. Think about it, when do you see a website as trustworthy?
Chances are you don’t have a concrete answer to this question. And you’re not the only one! More than 95% of the thoughts, opinions and decisions we make in a day are unconscious. This happens automatically, quickly and without effort.
So our unconscious determines whether we trust a particular website or shop.
Happy there are plenty of ways to act on this unconscious thought process. For example, you can apply Cialdini’ s 7 principles of influence or the rules of color psychology.
How do you build trust online? Follow these 10 tips!
Does all this information rather overwhelm you and you’re not sure where to start? Don’t worry. So, how do you build trust online? Here we present 10 tips to exude confidence online!
Tip 1: Professional web design
When someone lands on your website or webshop, the design of the page is the first thing they see. It should, of course, look impressive, professional and trustworthy! The goal of a professional web design is to leave a good first impression on visitors and potential customers.
Website visitors decide within just two seconds whether they want to linger on your website, yes or no. As an online business owner, it is important to leave a good impression with visitors. As a result, they are more likely to spend more time on your site.
Build trust with a mobile-friendly site
Tip 2: Provide a secure online environment
How do you build trust online? One factor that is very important in creating online trust is the security of your website. When a visitor realizes that he or she is on a secure website, it immediately creates a sense of security and trust.
Would you like to have your website (or email address) tested for compliance with the latest Internet standards? Then get your site tested for free through internet.co.uk!
Tip 3: Make sure your website is technically sound
How do you build trust online?
Always make sure that your website is technically sound. If something is wrong, the visitor will quickly notice. An error or mistake on the website causes confidence in your site to drop. This is a shame…
Another important factor is the responsiveness of your Web site. A responsive website is a site that automatically adapts to the size of each screen. This is hugely important today. In fact, research shows that more than half of web traffic comes from mobile devices!
A website optimized for different devices not only adds to the professionalism of your website. It also helps in improved user experience, online findability and future-proofing your site.
Tip 4: Show who you are
People buy from people. Therefore, show visitors to your web page who is behind your company. This not only inspires confidence but also sympathy!
Therefore, the presence of an “about us” or “team” page on your website is very important. These types of pages allow you to give visitors a behind-the-scenes look. In addition, these types of pages are a good way to make your business a little more human.
Make sure your visitors get to know you well! This has several positive consequences! This way you can strengthen the personal connection with the visitor. This way you create trust and set yourself apart from the competition.
So use photos!
Tip #5: Social proof (but stay honest!)
How do you build trust online? By letting your visitors know that those who went before them were satisfied with your content on offer!
Man is a herd animal that is hugely influenced by the behavior and opinions of others. By showing your visitors that others are satisfied with you, they are more likely to take action!
So make sure there is plenty of social proof on your website. Consider (positive) customer references, a case study or numbers on the homepage. You can also place a list of prominent customers on your web page. This helps radiate reliability.
It is not necessary to post dozens or hundreds of reviews on your website. In fact, an abundance of positivity is counterproductive and creates doubt and suspicion. So definitely use social affirmation, but stay honest and don’t strike out!
Tip 6: Display certificates and badges
As a business owner, it is important to show that you are an expert in your field. By displaying certificates and badges, you can show that you have authority. This commands not only trust, but also respect.
So, how do you build trust online? Show that you are affiliated with a seal of approval. Display nominations or awards won and place badges with certain guarantees prominently on your website.
Tip 7: Clear contact information
It is important to communicate as clearly as possible with your potential customers and website visitors. A website that provides all the necessary information in a transparent manner is considered trustworthy.
One of the most important types of information people look for is contact information. So give this information a prominent place on the website. You want to avoid misunderstandings about how website visitors can contact you.
Tip 8: Be present on social media
How do you build trust online? By being active on your social media! Also show this clearly on your website or web shop. You can do this through links to your Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook or X account.
So we recommend linking to one or more social media accounts. However, it is important that you be active on these accounts. Create a content schedule for yourself and stick to it. Consistency builds trust with your followers, website visitors and potential customers.
Tip 9: Post quality content regularly
You now know that a positive first impression is of enormous importance. In addition, building sympathy, trust and respect is crucial.
So, how do you build trust online? By posting quality content regularly. Consistency plays a big role in building trust. Make a schedule for yourself and upload content on set days.
So do yourself a favor and put some extra time into the content you publish. Is this something you are struggling with? No problem! Then hire a professional copywriter!
Tip 10: Keep your promises!
The tenth and final tip is hugely important! Perhaps the most important tip of all in this list and the answer to the question “How do you build trust online?”
While the above tips are tools for gaining the trust of website visitors, in the end, it all boils down to one thing: delivering on your promises.
Provide good service. Be honest and transparent. Treat your customers with respect. Offer them good products and services and always go the extra mile. It is appreciated!
By keeping your promises, you will build a good and trustworthy reputation. And this is what you want! This is because a negative reputation spreads quickly and it is extremely difficult to get rid of it. So make sure it never comes to that.
So, how do you build trust online?
Now that you know how to build trust online, it’s time to get started with the tips above. Need help? Then you’ve come to the right place at Gaia Digital. We are happy to help you set up a website or web shop that is reliable and inspires confidence in visitors.
