creative tips

7 Ways to Build Trust With Your Website

April 2010

Clients often ask, "What do I need to put on my website?" The answer... credibility. You must build and maintain trust with prospective and existing clients. If they do not feel confident about what they see on your website, they will leave. As part of this trust building you need to:

Provide contact information. This should include e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, your company name, and your physical and postal addresses. Some firms place a map on this page to show where they are. Ideally you will also provide the means of contacting you via the website. Create a "Contact Us" page for this information.
Inform viewers about your company and staff from a professional point of view. Including a photo of individuals or even a group photo of staff adds a personal touch, increasing your chances of success. Create an "About Us" page. If you have won awards let your clients know - place them here or on a separate "Awards" page. If you belong to an industry organization let them know. It all helps build integrity about your business.
Supply references or testimonials. If relevant, add a few pictures with satisfied clients using your products and services. A testimonial page is great way to convince prospects to do business with you (also consider placing testimonials throughout your website on relevant service/product pages).
Privacy Statement. If you are collecting contact details, say for your e-newsletter, then include a Privacy Statement informing people of what you will be doing and not doing with this information.
Selling goods via the website? Then consider posting a guarantee and refund policy on the website.
Electronic transactions. If involved in electronic transactions make sure you use a secure page (Secure Socket Links) or a 3rd party that provides such a service so as to minimize the hijacking of confidential (e.g. credit card) information.
Up-to-date information. Ensure the information on the website is current, particularly if prices are involved. Every January go to your website and make sure the copyright year has been updated. Whenever a staff member on the website changes position or leaves, update your website.

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