Credibility - 10 Ways to Build it on Your Website

If you have your own business website and you are trying to sell something, then it is imperative that you are able to establish and maintain credibility. Why is this important? If you are going to ask someone to make a purchase from you, then you need to show them why they should purchase from you rather then your competitor on another site.

If you are able to achieve credibility then you will be miles ahead of your competition. So many websites are missing this vital element of doing business. A fancy website with bells and whistles is nothing if it cannot make a sale. I will show you 10 simple things that you can do on your site to establish credibility.

10 Credibility Tips:

1. Be consistent in everything you do and say on your website. If you change your policies all the time people will mistrust you. State your values and policies clearly on your website.

2. Put your customer first. This is done by writing specific text geared toward your customers about satisfaction guarantee, refund policies, frequently asked questions, and any other pertinent information. Tell them why they should buy from you and not someone else. What do you have to offer that the others do not.

3. Only offer high quality products and services. You do not want to sell substandard items as although you might make an immediate sale you will not gain repeat business. Repeat business is the key to profits. Offer guarantees and refunds.

4. When advertising state the truth. Do not embellish and make claims that are false. If your customer is not satisfied at the end of the sale because of overstated claims you will loose trust and future business.

5. Use testimonials. Contact past customers and ask for their opinion and post it on your site. Testimonials add validity to your products and make it easier to justify the purchase.

6. Establish yourself as an expert in your field. One way to do this is to add a discussion board on your site and be a regular contributor. Another is to post articles weekly on your site related to your topic.

7. Make your presence known. Create your own ezine and offer valuable tips, articles and insights into the topic your website specializes in. This gives people free valuable information, and will keep your business in their mind so when they need another product they will think of you.

8. Make sure you have prompt delivery of your products. People who make purchases do not want to wait long their items. If you are selling a digital product offer immediate download. If you are shipping an item get it in the mail within a day or two. You can even offer different shipping methods- its all about customer service.

9. Make sure your site has contact information. Include a valid email address, and/ or a contact form, business address, and phone number on your site so if your customer has questions or concerns they can contact you. Make sure you respond back in a timely manner.

10. Include an about me page. Tell them about yourself and how you got into the business. Include pictures. This humanizes you and makes the potential customer feel more at ease in purchasing from you.

Remember strong credibility takes a long time to be developed. It can take seconds to destroyed. Be honest, personable and put the customer first. By following these 10 ideas above you will beat out your competition and on your way to having a successful business.

Laurie Winslow is the owner/ webmaster of http://www.internetmoose.com, a website business dedicated to helping other online internet businesses succeed by offering free webmaster tools, articles, wholesale directories, auction tips, ebooks, and software.

---

Why Should Your Business Go O.N.L.I.N.E.

Optimize your time. How much time each day must you... Read More

Why Every Small Business Owner Needs Two Websites

Every small business owner knows that they need a website,... Read More

Server Side Includes (SSI) with ASP

Server Side Includes (SSI) with ASP People often... Read More

Abandonment - Why Visitors Don?t Turn Into Customers

Every good Internet business understands the value of conversions versus... Read More

How Does Your Website Make Me Feel?

When people think about the Internet, they think about technology.... Read More

Growing Your Meetings In CyberSpace

As increasing numbers of people search for information on the... Read More

Tell me what your website does!

You know exactly what your organisation does and what your... Read More

For Newer Sites, Web Marketing Depends On Titles & Links!

We all start out the same. Some have budgets, some... Read More

Now You Have a Web Site - Have You Ever Heard of Accessibility?

An accessible Web site is easily approached, easily understood, and... Read More

Six Basic Reasons Why Visitors Stay On Your Web Site

1. The first page appears quickly.It's a good way to... Read More

35% Revenue Increase? from Your Website!

2 Golden Rules for an Engaging Website35% of visitors fail... Read More

4 Rock Solid Reasons For Building Your Own Website

What is the point of having a website, you may... Read More

Profitable Websites for Exclusive Industries

In the region where my company is located, South Bend,... Read More

Building eCommerce Websites that Work - Part 3

An interesting eCommerce success factor that isn't precisely overlooked, but... Read More

Having a Portfolio on the Internet Can Help you Infiltate the Workforce

If you're an up and coming graphic/web designer just out... Read More

Business Website Building Do?s and Don?ts

First, using a lot of web graphics, flash, banners and... Read More

Having a Domain Name And Web Site Gives Your Business The Key To The Door

Just like all things in life, the ways to run... Read More

Guide to Internet Business - Design and Content

After deciding what kind of internet business you want to... Read More

Are You Losing Sales Because of These 4 Simple Website Mistakes?

Losing website sales and traffic is sometimes simply a case... Read More

5 Ways to Build a Website

If you are like me you have wanted to build... Read More

How To Keep Your Website Sticky

Developing a website with content that entices visitors to return... Read More

12 Essential Tips to a Professional Business Website

1. Choose a big enough font size. A size 12... Read More

7 Killer Ways To Increase Your Online Sales

Every online entrepreneur I talk to is asking the same... Read More

WYSIWYG Versus Coding: HTML With A Purpose

After years of working with entrepreneurs who developed their first... Read More

Web Development Processes and Technical Environments

The process of Web application development is critical to the... Read More

How to Build a Database Driven Web Site

If you ever want to create a state directory, article... Read More

Web Site Development Process - The Life-cycle Steps

A system development process can follow a number of standard... Read More

Art, Artists and the Web: Part 3--What to Put on an Artist?s Website

What to put your the website if you are an... Read More

Web Content Strategy 101

Your content is what gets you in search engines, speaks... Read More

Five Question-Five Minute Web Makeover Quiz

If you haven't made the sales and built your clients... Read More

What Works and What not Works for Your Internet Business

"Build it and they will come."--Filed of Dreams (1989) If... Read More

Let Your Customers Redesign Your Website!

When you purchase a new item from a Yahoo! Store,... Read More

Things to Consider Before Starting a Website

In the time that I have been using the Internet,... Read More