It’s easy to manufacture something that’s bought and sold, shipped around the world. But it’s much harder to manufacture trust.
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So how does a vendor stand out as trustworthy, as deserving of customer confidence? It’s difficult to break out successfully as an online merchant, but there are things you can do to accrue some trust. By executing well on some small things and big things alike, you can build radical momentum around your brand’s credibility.
Here are a few ways to make your store stand out from the crowd and entice customers to return and shop again.
Optimize your Site’s Design
You want your website to be simple and accessible — the focus should be on the products and how to easily get them in your customers’ hands. A clean design with a readable font is a must.
If you already have a site fleshed out, perhaps an update is in order. Web analytics tools can paint a valuable picture of which changes will be most beneficial to your traffic and perceived credibility.
Take Good Product Photos and Write Good Descriptions
Great marketing is the key to success in many elements of an online store. To give the customer the best view possible of your product, use clear pictures with good lighting that show several perspectives. Keep descriptions short and sweet — try to find a balance by including all necessary information without being
We’ve previously provided you with a guide to product photography right here.
Also read: How to Take Great
Tell your Brand’s Story
People want to know who you are. How did you come to this business? What inspires you? Why is your product better than the rest? Having a page about the history and passion behind your business will make you more relatable to your customers. A unique story can also be a valuable tool for distinguishing oneself from the crowd.
Learn more: How to Write an About Us Page if You’re Not a Copywriter
Use a Contact Form so People can Easily Reach you
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Make sure to respond quickly and courteously to concerns and comments, as this will build trust and lend to an overall greater customer experience.
Start a Blog and Keep it Current
Keep your customers updated on any company news and anything else you’d like to share with your online audience. Provide plenty of current information — this will cut the amount of questions you’ll have to answer and buyers will remain happily informed. Constantly keeping communication open will help to create relationships with your customers.
Related: The Importance of a Blog and How to Start One for Your Store
Use Social Media to Share your Content
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social networks are great for marketing brands and their products. The more people see and share your brand, the more customers you’re likely to have.
Related: 19 Activities That Will Wake Up Your Social Media Followers (And Lead Them to Your Store)
Write an FAQ Page
Like a blog, a page of Frequently Asked Questions and their answers can cut down on basic questions your customers may have by providing easily accessible information about your brand and your products. Make it a simple
Learn more: Why You Need a FAQ Page and How to Create It
Have a Coherent Return Policy
Nothing turns a customer off faster than struggling through a difficult return process, or being stuck with a product they don’t need because your policy is confusing. Make it clear from the start what your return terms are, and you’ll deal with fewer backlashes later. Your customers will also be more likely to shop with you again if they know a return can be quick and easy.
Learn more: How to Write a Good Return Policy for
Ask for Reviews — Issue a Call to Action
Reviews of customer service, website design, and overall performance can be a tremendous help when trying to win over and keep customers. Both praise and criticism are beneficial when your company receives reviews. Good comments show you’re doing something right, while negative comments can highlight areas in which improvements are needed.
Issuing a call to action simply means that you give someone cause to write the review. Tweet about it, share your suggestion box email address, and generally get people comfortable with telling you what they think. They’ll expound on your flaws and benefits alike. This gives you the opportunity to address issues across the board, whether it’s a broken link or clarification on incorrect shipping information. Ecwid App Market has Helpful Crowd to help you add reviews to your store.
Related: Ratings and Reviews for
Win Authority from Google Ranking
SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, can increase your site’s searchability by making your it more compatible with the algorithms that search engines use to rank their search results. The system is based on keywords and other signals that your website gives off that search engines respond to. Generating specific content around a variety of keywords, making your website more
Also read: The
Display a Security Badge
This is an easily installed app from McAfee available on the Ecwid App Market. By displaying the badge prominently on your site, your customers will know that your store is operated by someone who is sensitive to the idea that it’s important to be smart with your data online. If buyers feel comfortable and safe when shopping from you, they’re more likely to return and shop again.
Cheat Creatively
Potential customers are more likely to trust a
Pretend to be your own assistant as you schedule calls for later. You can even start rumors that your company’s prices are high so that when people come to your site to find out, they will find reasonable prices. These small but significant cheats can help increase customer satisfaction and get you closer to that
Final Thoughts
Credibility is not to be taken lightly. Chipping away at it a little bit every day is the only way to go. Although it can seem daunting, it is small but consistent steps that add up to a secure, aesthetically appealing
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