10 Ways to Expand Your Credibility

The term “credibility” is a noun defined as “the quality of being trusted and believed in.” Every business wants to be viewed as credible, but in today’s environment, being credible is not a given. It is something that you need to earn.

For some, it doesn’t take long to build their credibility, while others might have to work a bit longer at it. Regardless, there is no question that your customers’ perception of your business plays a role in how much they trust you. If you have no trust, you have no credibility. And then, you have no business.

So establishing that credibility with your customers and community is critical, but it doesn’t stop there. You need to build upon it so that the relationship with your customers continues to evolve. It’s an ongoing journey.

So, what do you do?

10 ways to establish and expand your credibility

1. Have a professional website. You don’t have to spend tens of thousands of dollars to get your website up, but you should invest in a site that looks professional. It should be easy to navigate, include good content, and is written toward the audience you serve.

2. Be consistent with your brand. If you have a website, incorporate the look and feel into your other social platforms. If someone is on your Facebook page and they click over to your website, there should be no question in their mind that they are in the right place.

3. Publish content. Don’t use it to sell or market to your audience but instead to educate and inform. Your content is a secret weapon you should unleash.

4. Leverage your network. Use the people you know to introduce you to those you’d like to know. Nothing screams “credibility” quite as loudly as an introduction or referral.

5. If you spend time on social platforms, don’t merely be a lurker. Contribute to the conversation, ask questions, and provide feedback.

6. Publish a book on a topic you are passionate about. It doesn’t have to be a hardcover bestseller; a downloadable PDF is fine. And if you don’t want to write it, hire a ghostwriter to do it for you.

8. Display testimonials and case studies from satisfied customers. These third-party endorsements help your prospects put themselves in your customers’ shoes, enabling to envision how you can help them.

9. Show off any awards you or your business has won or organizations you are a part of. Many provide badges that you can display on your website and social media pages. Take advantage of that and show off what you’ve won.

10. Be kind. Treat everyone with respect and don’t think anyone is beneath you.

You’ve worked hard to establish yourself and your credibility. Don’t rest on your laurels now. Keep going and build upon what you have.

This post originally appeared on wendythepooh.com.