How to Build Trust Online: 5 Secrets to Create a Trustworthy Website

Do you ever wonder how brands stay on top for so long despite competitors offering similar or even better products? It’s because they’ve already established that their name is the most trustworthy among their customers, which builds customer loyalty. Even if similar competition comes along, they’ve got a foothold in the industry. That is from the trust they’ve built through delivering quality products, services, improving continuously and innovating. How does it all translate to building trust in a website?

In any business, trust is an important value that is always sought after. No one would transact with a business they’re suspicious of. Your website has to speak of its trustworthiness from the get-go in order to retain their attention.

When people come across your website, the first question is “Can I trust this site?”. Advertising makes your products and services stand out, but before any purchase, customers will always have some doubts as they need to ensure that they are dealing with an honest business. You have to respond to this need by displaying elements on your website that screams “TRUSTWORTHY!”.

5 Best Ways to Build Trust on Your Website

1. Have a clean and modern website design

They say that a design that stands out is the best way to go. But that’s not always the case, especially with web design. There’s the heavy decision of prioritizing practicality over innovation when it comes to your website’s navigation and building on a general website layout that is familiar.

Each visitor already has an expectation of your website’s navigation, shaped by their experiences with past websites they’ve viewed. Their familiarity makes a generic website layout user-friendly and an important factor to consider in web design.

The opposite – a risky, brand new and complex layout, discourages their trained website navigation skills, potentially leading impatient visitors to bounce away. However, it does not mean you have to sacrifice excellent design. It’s just that you have the added task of making sure that the design you choose to employ is similar to most websites for it to be intuitive to use for first-time visitors.

When it comes to web design, nothing beats a professionally designed website that’s appropriate for your business and comes with reliable hosting. If you think you need help from experts who are equipped with years of experience in web design, corporate web design services are the answer.

Want to know what a clean and modern design looks like? Check out how Verz Design designed NUS’s website.

2. Working links and pages

Nothing says trustworthy more than a website with working links and pages that actually exist. The homepage might be your lobby, but your pages contain your galleries. These galleries are what helps you market to your visitors, they are the most substantial pages that get the most visits. But what happens when they fail to open so often? The whole website loses its purpose.

Working links also provide proof of legitimacy for both your website and your business. Take copied websites for example. Those who lift websites often have links that lead to a page that does not exist at all because they merely lifted the buttons. Not all people would think that it’s stolen, but they imply that you do not have a high performing website or you have an unreliable server. Whatever reason they might deduce from the experience, it will reflect badly on your website.

3. Create relevant and helpful content

Relevant and helpful content is far from just throwing words into a really nicely designed website. It’s a well-thought-out, relevant and reliable means of communication to show that your business is legitimate. Aside from the basics of proper vocabulary and grammar, you should have content that fresh and informative.

Invest in a copywriter that can formally write about your products and services in a cohesive manner. Your site visitors will look for descriptions that can accompany pictures. These descriptions should be professionally written, free from errors, and substantial to contain relevant details.

Who doesn’t like free content? Maintain a blog that talks about solutions to your target audience’s problems, which of course, you are able to offer. Use it as a way to promote the benefits that your services can bring.

Additionally, consumers want to know if you are able to help them in case they need it after purchase. Before any transaction, they will look for the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page and see if you’re equipped to answer any questions they might have.

Do you want to have professional content written just for you? Or want to run a blog to keep visitors coming back? Inquire about our copywriting services!

4. Outstanding credentials

Show off your credentials that can gain your visitors’ trust, such as your accomplishments, awards, partnerships, accreditations, portfolio, product statistics, and years of experience.

The business world is competitive. Only those who provide the best stay afloat after many years. Your years in business is a badge that certifies your competency and is further boosted by the number of clients served and accomplished projects that have excellent outcomes.

Award-giving bodies, accreditors, and certifications make trusting easier. They do the job of scrutinizing your business so your visitors only need a glance to know that you are recognized by a higher body of experts. Make sure that you get these credentials from renowned groups and organizations.

Your portfolio also speaks volumes to show visitors what you can do. Your potential clients can’t get any closer to the real thing than your past outputs. Big brands, celebrities and numerous clients can do the marketing for you through your portfolio. If possible, display these on your homepage to gain a great first impression. In fact, we implement a similar approach in our very own portfolio, showcasing the famous brands we are proud to have worked with.

5. Add reviews and testimonials

Nothing beats reviews and testimonials these days. Past clients showing proof of transactions and quality reviews of your services is a very convincing tactic to gain trust, especially in B2C business models. Having a dedicated space for reviews and testimonials immediately becomes a vital tool in gaining loyal customers.

Interested customers will look for reviews even if you’re a trusted brand. Since reviews can be faked, users have become more vigilant for the authenticity of these reviews. It’s never okay to break their trust by posting fake reviews. To gain good reviews, deliver the promised quality in all of the steps of your project.

Getting bad reviews is a potential problem that you have to address in the early stages of providing reviews. Be responsive to the problems pointed out and gain trust once more by showing your readiness to solve the mentioned complaints. It’s not just about getting 5-star reviews, but also your efforts to improve upon a 4-star review to make up for the missing 1 star. Here’s a sample testimonial section from Verz Design.

You’re in good hands with a trusted web design service

Professional web design and copywriting services will help you achieve all of these tips and gain thousands of loyal customers. Be the best in your business with the solutions we provide. Collaborate with us to bring out the best in your business.

Get in touch with us by calling at 6841 1680 or email us at enquiry@verzdesign.com for a free consultation!