Building
Credibility -
Your Key To Online Business Success!
by Kevin Sinclair, CPA
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.
Making
outlandish claims in advertisements or on your 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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Article by Kevin Sinclair, CPA, of Be Successful! Business
& Personal Success Resources (http://www.ksinclair.com/).
He is the author of 2 free ebooks: "Success Secrets"
& "How To Choose A Home Based Business". Kevin is also
the publisher of "Be Successful News" - a free ezine
dedicated to your online business success - to subscribe, send
a blank email to mailto:pbsr-subscribe@listbot.com
