9 Quick and Easy Ways to Improve the Trustworthiness of your Website

The trustworthiness of your website - or lack of, will have the greatest impact on your sales conversions, and ultimately, the success or failure of your site. Following are 9 ways you can improve the trustworthiness of your website:

1. Purchase a "real" domain name. For example DavidJacksonsWebsite.com, as opposed to DavidJacksonsWebsite.blogspot.com, or DavidJacksonsWebsite.homestead.com. Having your own domain name makes you look more professional, and enhances your trustworthiness.

2. Display your contact information. If you sell products directly from your site, it's important to display your contact information, as opposed to using a contact form. If privacy is a concern, you can use a service like the UPS Store for a physical shipping and mailing address.

3. Personalize your website. Provide an "About Us" page. Also, provide the names of the owner(s) and employees, if you have any. Be sure to include pictures and brief biographies. The worst thing you can do is give the appearance you want to be anonymous, which obviously generates suspicion.

4. Become verified. If you use PayPal for payment processing, make sure to display the "PayPal Verified" logo.

5. Make sure your payment processing is secure. This includes a secure server, and a secure gateway. Make sure your customers payments are as secure as possible.

6. Use testimonials. Ask your clients for testimonials and permission to use their full name on your site. Also, testimonials that have contact information such as a website or e-mail address are a lot more credible than just "Sara J.", New York, which looks bogus.

7. Offer a guarantee. If you offer a money back guarantee on your service or product, say so. Conversely, if you don't, say so. Clearly spell out the length of your guarantee, what it covers, and any other pertinent details.

8. Clearly explain your privacy policy. If you collect personal information, tell people what you're going to do with their information. They have aright to know.

9. List your professional qualifications. This includes professional certifications, awards, published articles and books, etc.

This article is also available in video version on my YouTube channel.