7 Tips to Build Trust in Your eCommerce Website and Grow Online Sales
Establishing trust in any online business is key to success. Customer trust equals more return shoppers and referrals. Research has shown that over half of shoppers are now cautious about safety as they use eCommerce sites.
They are afraid that the information provided might be breached, or their privacy might be infringed. That is why you should strive to build trust in your eCommerce website to grow your sales.
Below are vital tips to help you to create a trustworthy eCommerce website.
Add Reviews and Testimonials
Many people will always want to know how the previous clients had experienced with your shop and the products you sell.
One survey found that 91% of people use online reviews with 84% trusting them as much as they trust friends.
So, the chances are high that your prospective customers will seek testimonials and reviews first. Well, testimonials are one of the most valuable content to have on your eCommerce website. They act as social proof that demonstrates your capability to deliver on the promises made regarding your services and products.
You can also integrate third-party reviews from the likes of Trustpilot and Google Reviews within your website to build even more credibility. The more testimonials and reviews on your website, the better the chances of growing sales.
Tip: Do not use fake reviews and instead use negative feedback to help fine-tune products and services
Use an SSL Certificate
An SSL certificate (Secure Socket Layer) is a global standard web security technology that provides authentication and encryption. In simple words, it enables an encrypted connection between a web browser and an eCommerce web server. Most online shoppers will want to ensure that the website they are using is secure. In this case, an SSL will help secure sensitive and private information, especially personal details. Utilizing an SSL converts your site from HTTP to HTTPS is a secure version of the former.
Most shoppers are likely to avoid unencrypted sites that are not secure. Browsers such as Google chrome even make it worse! They flag sites with no SSL as insecure, and it might lead to high bounce rates.
Any ECommerce Company that needs a website with proven identity assurance, the highest level of encryption and prominent visibility of trust for the clients, at that point EV SSL Certificate is the only choice to fulfill the above-mentioned requirements. Hackers are looking out for some loopholes to launch attacks against websites of giant companies. EV SSL (COMODO) is best recommended for websites that deal for the most part with client transactions. Websites that collect information for processing logins or that deals with financial data like customer’s credit card details also require an EV SSL Certificate in place.
Shoppers now know the visual cues in a secure site. For example, next to the URL address at the top left-hand corner of the page, a green padlock icon is displayed if the HTTPS website is secure. If the site is not HTTPS secure, a red padlock icon is displayed.
Tip: SSL secure sites also tend to be trusted more by the search engine. It will help boost your Google rankings.
Provide Business Contact Information
If you are trying to boost your website's trust, then showing all your business contact details is essential. You show that you are open to anyone contacting you or your team for any inquiries or feedback. Many online businesses hide their contact details such as email address, physical location address and contact numbers on their website.
This may have your website visitors thinking you have something to hide or worse, you are a scammer. By providing your business contact details across your website primarily on the header, anybody browsing throughout the different pages can call and talk to your team directly instead of turning to another business due to a lack of contact information.
Show Social Proof
Social media is part of today's world, and it is an important business tool. By adding social proof to your website, your visitors have a chance to visit your different social media platforms. Social media generally gives business professionals a more relaxed way to connect with stakeholders and is considered one of the best trust-building tools available.
Furthermore, social media offers direct support and social content, an excellent form of word of mouth PR. Social feeds and social share buttons let visitors know you are active on those social platforms and open for business. It also gives your visitors an indicator of others who engage with you.
You can place a Facebook or Twitter widget on your homepage to showcase the number of following you have on social networks. This lends the business some credibility since it shows that other people like and trust you.
Use High-Quality Images
Websites that are poorly designed with low quality or generic stock images will make you less credible as a shop online. The perception of the brand is lowered almost immediately as the product or service is questioned as well.
As a rule of thumb, go for high-quality images that sell your products and services. You can even hire a professional photographer to take photos of your products, staff, office, and many more. This will maximize your site's visual authenticity, a feat that will boost trust and sales.
Create Helpful Content
As a brand, aim to publish resources that show the benefit of your product or service on your website. Visitors engage more with educational content than promotional content. Creating helpful content designed to solve audience problems and inquiries is vital when building trust.
Many of your prospects might be searching for similar information. Thus, it is an excellent opportunity to use your site to provide content. Use your website to delve thoroughly into essential matters to your buyers to showcase different and exciting ways to use your provided solutions.
Build a knowledge base to help your customers, and you will build massive trust in the process.
Use Trust Badges
By using trusted logos and badges, your website tends to appear even more credible. If a reputable company recognizes your products or services, display a badge that shows you are acknowledged and in an authorized manner.
A good example is the Better Business Bureau Accredited Business badge. Additionally, you can display the credit card logos and payment processing services accepted on your eCommerce website. You can also earn trust by showcasing industry partners, certifications, awards, and relevant accreditations.
Any logo related to the achievements or best practices can build trust very fast, leading to high conversion rates!
Wrap Up
Again, trust is everything in the eCommerce business world. Strive to stand above your competition by encouraging more conversions. Use some of our tips to build confidence in your online shop.
Do not forget to back them up with exemplary services and products to help your website visitors feel secure as they shop.
Over time, you will get more subscriptions, higher conversions, and more traffic and leads.
