How to boost credibility as a small business

As a small business, you don't have the same luxury that larger businesses do when it comes to established credibility. When bringing in new clients, one of the best selling points is your credible, proven track record of success. But how do you showcase this? Through time and effort, and some background knowledge about establishing credibility, your small business will be at the forefront of the local industry in no time.

Keep your website polished and professional

When it comes to showcasing your credibility as a small business, you want your potential customers to see why they should be putting their time and money into your services, as opposed to someone else's. One prime example is having a clean and polished website. Inc. also adds that your site should be easily navigable. Having an almost minimalist layout can be beneficial, because it reduces the amount of distractions that your site visitors will encounter. If you've ever looked up a business and been met with a sloppy, unprofessional website, you know that it instantly decreases in credibility. Don't make the same mistake with your own site.

Show, don't tell

An easy way to showcase your credibility is through your actions rather than your words. By showing how your previous work has been successful, you'll get through to potential customers better than you could if you just wrote about some past projects that you've worked on. Forbes addresses it with the catchphrase "show, don't tell." By showing the results that you have produced from past projects, you can increase your credibility through case studies, tutorials and more. By having a proven track record of success stories, you can show your audience why you're the right pick instead of your competitors.

Having a good website is an easy way to boost credibility.

Ask valued customers to write testimonials

People tend to trust companies that are trusted by their peers. One way to show off this trust is through client testimonials. Ask your valued clients to write testimonials for your business and display them on your site, social pages or other relevant spots. Entrepreneur points out how every working relationship that you have is an important one. You never know how a positive relationship that you have with someone today can help you out a few years down the line.

Try your hand at guest blogging

Forbes brings up another unique way of increasing your company's credibility: guest blogging. By getting your name out there with fellow industry professionals, your brand name will be more recognizable for potential clients, which can help to boost your credibility and your business. Not only can guest blogging help with your exposure, but it can also help you to gain more experience and insight into your industry. Try to connect with relevant industry professionals who might be interested in having you or some of your employees author some guest articles for their site.

Make sure that your social media presence is strong and consistent

Having a strong, professional presence on social media is another easy way to appeal to potential customers. Make sure that your company has a consistent brand voice that fits your company's persona, and ensure that you use this voice across every platform. People are more likely to trust brands that they see performing well on social.

Have good, proven morals 

Then, there are the basic, obvious tricks to gain and maintain credibility for your small business. Some quick tips that Entrepreneur lists include: be honest, be sincere, be knowledgeable, be sensitive and be objective. These are all traits that are really important to ensure that your business promotes. Make it clear to your potential clients that your stakeholders are your main priority and that you have strong moral values. Be someone that you would want to work with.

Showcasing your credibility as a small business is something that should be a priority. The more credible you are as a business, the more likely people are going to want to work with you. There are a handful of ways to prove your credibility, and can be very effective in bringing in new clients and keeping your old ones.

Categorised in: Starting a Business in Arizona

This post was written by