It’s a mistake to assume that customers always level several checks against new businesses they buy from. Sometimes they don’t have time, presumed social proof or proximity secures their trust even if it doesn’t pan out, or maybe they just don’t think the habit is necessary. But does that mean our business should avoid transparency and verification for those curious customers who wish to perform more due diligence than others? Of course not. Especially if you’re a new brand.
A wise business must prepare for the possibility that all customers will check on your status as a verified commercial entity before using your services. In the interest of consumer care, this habit should be encouraged, and you can position your brand as a vocal advocate for such verification efforts.
With that in mind, knowing the most common checks and how to pre-empt them with verified responses or transparent information sharing is plain good sense. It can build your social proof, showcase your values, and secure sales you may otherwise have lost out on.
In this post, we’ll help your smaller firm achieve that outcome:
Verified Payment Services
Customers want to know their money is safe and that buying from you isn’t going to compromise their financial data. That’s understandable. This requires having a set of clear, recognizable payment options that users are happy to use.
This may include integrating well-known payment processors like PayPal or Stripe, or using reliable credit card machines compatible with most Chip and PIN systems or smartphone payment apps.
That’s because these platforms include built-in security features that make customers feel more comfortable compared to providing their card or bank information directly. If you thse verified security badges prominently, while ensuring your payment page looks clean and professional, you’re more likely to secure that payment at the last hurdle.
Better yet, if you’re a smaller business, these steps can help you look just as legitimate as bigger competitors as most use similar systems.
Location & Any Tangible Physical Stores
Even if you’re mostly an online business, having a verifiable physical address can locate you to a place that exists in our real world. It’s good for a customer to know that the firm that advertises itself as a local service isn’t actually located in a country like China. This doesn’t mean you need a massive storefront to prove your presence.
A business address, even if it’s a shared workspace or a registered office you use for your mail, shows you’re a real operation. Include this address on your website, business cards, and official documents if appropriate.
If you’re working from home, you can consider using a mail forwarding service that gives you a professional business address – these are becoming increasingly popular and can situate you within a specific locale. Virtual phone numbers can do the same. Of course, local chamber of commerce, listings on Companies House, or other business directory entries can be pointed to in line with this.
Social Proof & History
Businesses often view public customer feedback as a double edged sword, but they’re great for showing you’re real and customers have had nuanced responses to what you do. Customer reviews, testimonials, and case studies are worth presenting at the forefront of your brand website, then.
Start collecting feedback from your clients and showcase it everywhere you can, but don’t fake them. A bad review peppered in among good reviews show that you’re a realistic business and not somehow who only cultivates resounding praise – this can look a little suspicious after all.
If you’re just starting, ask friends, family, or early customers for honest, detailed reviews that are trustworthy and correctly reflect their experience. From there you can share any awards, media mentions, or professional certifications you’ve earned in your personal history – sometimes just showing yourself as a professional with a tangible history and vision for this new brand will place a face to the name, and verify your business by proxy.
With this advice, we hope you can clear the checks a customer will make and benefit from a result.
Leave a Reply