The success of any website is largely dictated by the support of its readers. As we all know, word of mouth is one of the most worthwhile forms of marketing.
To get the most from this, you need to create a trusted and valued source that readers will come back to over and over again.
So, how is this level of trust achieved?
Look the Part
It’s often said that first impressions are the most important and that’s no different for webpages. A professional, easy-to-use and aesthetically pleasing interface will invite readers to look further, whereas the opposite will quickly send them elsewhere.
Luckily, you don’t have to be a tech wizard to run a successful and trustworthy website. There are many places you can go that will do the hard work for you!
Be Certified
Essentially for readers to trust you with their personal information, they need to know that your site is safe and secure. Every website, particularly when dealing with personal data, should have a thorough and well-thought-out privacy policy.
One of the best ways to do this is to apply for an SSL certificate, which encrypts data and provides a secure connection for your site. These certificates come with a trust logo to show any visitors to the site that your domain is secure and protected.
Be Open and Genuine
People want to know that there is a face behind the website and that their data is being handled by a real human and not just a machine. Having contact information on your website—or perhaps even a personal bio—is a great way to increase your readers’ trust as they automatically connect to you on a more personal level.
Similarly, being active on social media ensures people you are genuinely who you say you are! Plus, social media use is a great way to improve your reach. Check out great social media opportunities for promoting your website.
Work with Trusted Third-Parties
This is an essential if you are a website that handles payment and credit card information. By offering a number of well-known and trusted payment methods you can substantially increase the credibility of your site.
For readers, simple things, such as the PayPal or Verified by Visa logos, let them know your site is affiliated with credible organizations and significantly increase their level of trust.
Similarly, showing reviews from regular users and including a seller rating lets them know that others have successfully used your site and will increase your trustworthiness even further.
With such simple steps that can be taken, and such clear advantages, is there any reason not to take the time to increase your sites credibility?
Follow these 4 points and start your journey to creating a well-known and well-loved website that all users trust wholeheartedly with their personal information.
