Let’s face it: the internet is a wild place. It’s like a digital jungle where anyone can set up shop and claim to be an expert. But here’s the thing – not all websites are created equal. Some shine like beacons of trust, while others… well, let’s just say they’re about as credible as a three-dollar bill. I remember when I first started building websites.
I thought slapping together some flashy graphics and throwing in a few buzzwords would be enough to win people over. Boy, was I wrong? Building website credibility is a lot like building a real-world reputation – it takes time, effort, and a whole lot of authenticity.
At its core, website credibility is about trust. It’s about convincing your visitors that you’re the real deal, not some fly-by-night operation looking to make a quick buck. But how do you do that in a world where scepticism is the default setting?
Enter the E-E-A-T principle – Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. It isn’t just some fancy acronym; it’s the backbone of how search engines like Google evaluate your site’s credibility.
Think of E-E-A-T as your credibility compass. These principles should guide every piece of content, every design decision, and every interaction with your audience.
Building website credibility isn’t just about what you say but also how you present it. I like to think of it as a trust triangle:
Each of these elements reinforces the others. A beautifully designed site with poor content won’t cut it, and neither will great content on a site that looks like it was designed in 1995. And without social proof, you’re just tooting your own horn.
Your website’s design is like a digital handshake. It’s the first impression visitors get, and we all know how important first impressions are.
Here’s a fun fact: it takes users about 50 milliseconds to form an opinion about your website. That’s faster than you can say “credibility”!
So, what makes a design credible?
Remember, your design should reflect your brand’s personality while maintaining professionalism. It’s a delicate balance, but get it right, and you’ll be halfway to credibility heaven.
Knowing what to do is just as important as knowing what not to do. Here are some design elements that can kill your credibility faster than you can say “Comic Sans”:
Avoid these like the plague, and your credibility will thank you.
If design is the handshake, content is the conversation that follows. It’s where you really get to show off your expertise and build trust with your audience.
Creating credible content is an art form. It’s not just about spewing facts; it’s about presenting information in an engaging, informative, and trustworthy way. Here’s how:
Humans are hardwired for stories. They engage us, make information more memorable, and help build emotional connections. Use anecdotes, case studies, and personal experiences to illustrate your points and make your content more relatable.
You can talk about how great you are all day long, but nothing beats having others vouch for you. That’s where social proof comes in.
There are several ways to incorporate social proof into your website:
According to a BrightLocal survey, 87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses in 2020. That’s why many people look for social proof before making decisions.
Encourage your customers to create content about your brand. This could be reviews, social media posts, or even blog articles. User-generated content is like gold for credibility—it’s authentic, relatable, and trusted by other consumers.
While not as visible as design or content, your website’s technical aspects play a crucial role in building credibility.
In an age of data breaches and online scams, security is paramount. Implement HTTPS, use secure payment gateways, and make your privacy policy easily accessible. A secure website isn’t just good for your users; it’s also a ranking factor for search engines.
A slow website is a credibility killer. In fact, 53% of mobile site visits are abandoned if pages take longer than 3 seconds to load. To speed up your site, optimize your images, leverage browser caching, and consider using a content delivery network (CDN).
In conclusion, building website credibility is a multifaceted process that requires attention to design, content, social proof, and technical aspects. It’s not always easy, but it’s absolutely essential in today’s digital landscape. Remember, credibility isn’t just about looking good – it’s about being good, consistently and authentically. Now go forth and build that credibility!
Building credibility is an ongoing process, but you can start seeing results in 3-6 months with consistent effort.
No, credibility can’t be bought. It must be earned through consistent, authentic actions over time.
While all aspects are important, high-quality, trustworthy content is often considered the foundation of website credibility.
Up until working with Casey, we had only had poor to mediocre experiences outsourcing work to agencies. Casey & the team at CJ&CO are the exception to the rule.
Communication was beyond great, his understanding of our vision was phenomenal, and instead of needing babysitting like the other agencies we worked with, he was not only completely dependable but also gave us sound suggestions on how to get better results, at the risk of us not needing him for the initial job we requested (absolute gem).
This has truly been the first time we worked with someone outside of our business that quickly grasped our vision, and that I could completely forget about and would still deliver above expectations.
I honestly can't wait to work in many more projects together!
Disclaimer
*The information this blog provides is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as financial or professional advice. The information may not reflect current developments and may be changed or updated without notice. Any opinions expressed on this blog are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author’s employer or any other organization. You should not act or rely on any information contained in this blog without first seeking the advice of a professional. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this blog. The author and affiliated parties assume no liability for any errors or omissions.
