Google recently offered guidance on how businesses can build customer trust through a document published on the Google Merchant Center.
The recommendations center on four primary areas:
- Establishing business legitimacy
- Being transparent
- Managing online reputation,
- Having a professional design aesthetic.
This article summarizes Google’s suggestions into an actionable checklist that business owners can use to enhance their credibility on Google’s platform.
Understanding What Customers Value
Before diving into the checklist, it’s crucial to understand what customers value when forming trust with a business.
Business Identity
The image that customers have of your brand is your business identity.
Keeping this identity consistent wherever your brand appears is vital. This means using the same business name, logo, colors, and other branding elements across all platforms.
Customers like working with companies that have a clear and unified identity. Here are some ways to accomplish this:
- Official Business Name: Use the same official business name everywhere.
- About Us Page: Create an “about us” page on your website and share your business’ backstory and origins.
- Social Media Presence: Promote your social media profiles through links on your website.
Transparency
Being upfront with customers can help earn their trust.
This means explaining how your company handles customer information and operates behind the scenes.