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How TO Establish Credibility Building a Web based Business
By Chuck Bartok | March 3, 2010
Before I start on today’s Building a Business Tips and Tricks, I want to thank John Stacy, of JNS Designz, for commenting on the last post, Back to Basics.. John brought my attention to the Fact I forgot the Basic component of a WEBSITE. John’s name is a hyperlink to his Business site and I must disclose, he has designed and successful sites for many of my Clients
Today’s Topic:
One thing has been obvious to me, consulting with those aspiring to establish an Internet business or integrate the Internet with existing off-line business…
Many are burdened with the concern of NOT having credibility in the On-line Market place and it IS a reality.
But a concern that can be easily mitigated, following some Obvious steps in creating your Brand and Business Venue
Credibility is one of the most critical factors that will affect your online business success. Being credible is simply the perception of being trustworthy and believable. Why do people buy brand name goods and services on the Internet and in the off-line world? One of the key reasons is that the brand represents a level of quality that they know and trust.
So how can you build credibility on the Internet for your business?
A key factor is being consistent. People are more likely to trust a business or person who acts in a similar manner most of the time. For example, if your publish a newsletter to your customers or potential clients, aim for similar quality in each issue. Also, be consistent in your style of writing. Publish on a regular basis – irregular publication schedules cause confusion in the minds of your readers.
Consistency applies to every aspect of your business. Don’t change your guarantee terms every couple of weeks. Ensure that all your products or services consistently meet the quality and value standards that your are promoting.
Credibility is something that is earned. Therefore, you need to give of yourself to get trust back in return. There are many ways to do this. Some software businesses offer free trial periods so the customer can try before they buy. Others offer a “shareware” version for people to trial. This process enables the potential customer to check that your product will do the job you say that it will.
Sharing your knowledge is a useful way to build your credibility. This can be done through monitoring discussion lists and boards that your potential customers frequent. Answer questions that they pose. Be a regular contributor to the list so that people come to know and respect your knowledge. One method I have found to be very rewarding is to regularly Podcast Talk Shows, interacting with others about topics we share a common Bond. Download any or all of the past episodes of The Focus Society of Overachievers and BMC Talk Show
Making outlandish claims in advertisements or web site can harm your credibility. Telling the truth is always the best way. Ensure that your products or services provide more value than promised. (Wallace Wattles said it best, “Always deliver more REAL Value than You Receive in Cash Value”) Take the time to walk in your customers’ shoes before writing your ad copy or your web site promotional material. This will enable you to clearly state benefits that your potential customers are looking for in a way that they will find believable.
Sincere and real Testimonials can be a powerful way to generate trust in your product or service. A testimonial is a statement from a happy customer saying how your product or service helped them. Set up systems to gain unsolicited testimonials whenever you can. When you gather testimonials to publish on your site, ensure that you have permission to publish them. Also, never make up testimonials to boost your credibility as more often than not you will be caught out and be discredited. (the New FTC regulations address these concerns very clearly)
Don’t just state what your qualifications are on your web site or in your promotional material. Instead, state how your qualifications can benefit your potential customers. For example, state how your expertise will provide the solution your prospect needs in a way he or she will understand.
Following sound business practices will help your credibility also. This includes ensure that your business address and phone numbers are clearly shown on your web site. Also, ensure that you are contactable via phone and email and respond promptly to each contact. Have you had phone messages or email that were never responded to? How did that influence your perception of the business?
Prompt delivery of what has been ordered also helps build the right impression of your business. So too does quickly responding to claims on your guarantee. Efficient business procedures that are focused on providing customer satisfaction will always help your business image and credibility. If you are delivering Digital products, periodically monitor you LINKS
Strong credibility takes a long time and much effort to build. It can be destroyed quickly and sometimes can never be regained. Have you noticed that once a person or a business gains a bad reputation it can be extremely hard to change? For your business to achieve it’s full potential, it is important that you set standards and live by them so that you are constantly building your credibility.
Remember that each thing you do in your business will affect the image of your business. Being focused on providing solutions to your customers, providing consistent quality and value for money, and being accessible will all help you achieve the credibility your business needs to succeed.
These, and other Business Building topics are Discussed at length in our Forum, in the Membership site, Beginners Marketing Class and the Weekly Subscription based Webinar series, Building a Web Based Business from Scratch Social Media has been a very productive Venue for anyone to establish Credibility on the Internet rapidly, if common sense practices are employed
Some of the links above will direct you to products , which if purchased will generate modest commission to me.
Other products are proprietary and will generate larger Gross compensation to me..I like Those kind
That is why I am in business to earn Net Income, and I hope you will soon enjoy the same benefit of being IN Charge of your Income, regardless of the Nanny State
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Topics: Building a Business | 8 Comments »
March 3rd, 2010 at 11:49 am
CHUCK:
Good article,,,Yes I think CREDIBILITY is an earned Trait & that takes some time & STAYING POWER
It also takes, as you always say, focus on “Give More, Get More”
Matt Geib
March 3rd, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Awesome topic posted by Chuck Bartok.
I can see that he is in tune to the requirements for a successful business. Online and offline. Most important is that I can see that the rules are still the same, Get customers and Supply Excellent Customer Service .
March 3rd, 2010 at 3:28 pm
Chuck,
as always, good stuff.
Let me sum it all up in a couple simple words:
Relationship
Caring about others
That transcends and is more valuable than dollars, followers, hits, or any other measurable criteria we currently put on our businesses.
Let’s be real people!
March 4th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Nice job Chuck describing the importance of brand awareness and how to achieve it. One of the best ways to build the trust relationship with potential internet customers is to be seen. Show your business logo, your picture, your offer everywhere you can. Make your social networking links available everywhere possible.
Realizing that most marketers don’t have the resources to create such pages, I have created The Branding Machine. It is available to all members of 1 Modern Solution. My plan is to have several “plug and play” splash and squeeze pages available, making it dead easy to brand yourself and create online relationships.
Thanks for hitting on such important topics, Chuck! It’s why I stay a subscriber!
DA
DA Riley´s last blog ..Are You An Internet Marketer, Or
March 4th, 2010 at 9:05 pm
Thanks Dave…
Looking Forward to seeing the new Pages..
Maybe share it in the Forum also in the Splash Page section
April 5th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
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