Tip #4: Make yourself availably known: Trust Factor
How many times have you visited a website and could not even find the following information: name of the website owner, who is in-charge of the website, contact information, phone, etc. These are very important factors that can contribute to overall website quality. Remember the following equation about website quality:
1.) Add some history or information about you. This is often found in the "About" page.
2.) Add a real picture of yourself.
3.) Add a picture of your office or establishments. Some websites even add a live video of their office where their clients can see them working, e.g. http://www.taxi.com/abouts/webcam.html
4.) Add your business address, official contact form and email address as well as an active phone number.
5.) Include some business certificates and accreditation (e.g. Better Business Bureau accreditation) you have earned or awards given to you from the industry you belong.
6.) Include your Official Facebook page widget where they can find user comments about your services.
7.) Always add some “real” testimonials and where your product/services have been successfully used/deployed.
8.) Protect your user privacy. Be careful when asking personal information such as name, phone number, etc. Some users are very sensitive to this. Include a link to your privacy policy that explains how information is handled. When your user submits highly sensitive information using your website, make sure you use SSL. This will encrypt the communication and protect your user privacy.
9.) Make sure you add a terms and conditions page about how you conduct your business. If you accept payments, ensure that they are protected in case of a mistake. Most consumers nowadays do not even trust websites that do not accept refunds. It is just too risky.
10.) Associate yourself with reputable companies you have worked with or do business with. Adding what professional organizations you belong is also very helpful. Add trust logos of these reputable companies and badges on your website. And make sure they are there because you are really affiliated with them.
How many times have you visited a website and could not even find the following information: name of the website owner, who is in-charge of the website, contact information, phone, etc. These are very important factors that can contribute to overall website quality. Remember the following equation about website quality:
High website quality = High content quality + High trust factorIt’s not enough to build a high quality website by just establishing content quality. You need to build trust with your readers/visitors. The following guidelines are helpful:
1.) Add some history or information about you. This is often found in the "About" page.
2.) Add a real picture of yourself.
3.) Add a picture of your office or establishments. Some websites even add a live video of their office where their clients can see them working, e.g. http://www.taxi.com/abouts/webcam.html
4.) Add your business address, official contact form and email address as well as an active phone number.
5.) Include some business certificates and accreditation (e.g. Better Business Bureau accreditation) you have earned or awards given to you from the industry you belong.
6.) Include your Official Facebook page widget where they can find user comments about your services.
7.) Always add some “real” testimonials and where your product/services have been successfully used/deployed.
8.) Protect your user privacy. Be careful when asking personal information such as name, phone number, etc. Some users are very sensitive to this. Include a link to your privacy policy that explains how information is handled. When your user submits highly sensitive information using your website, make sure you use SSL. This will encrypt the communication and protect your user privacy.
9.) Make sure you add a terms and conditions page about how you conduct your business. If you accept payments, ensure that they are protected in case of a mistake. Most consumers nowadays do not even trust websites that do not accept refunds. It is just too risky.
10.) Associate yourself with reputable companies you have worked with or do business with. Adding what professional organizations you belong is also very helpful. Add trust logos of these reputable companies and badges on your website. And make sure they are there because you are really affiliated with them.
