Before the arrival of the Internet, email communication and webinars, most people met face to face when doing business. But the world has changed.

Brandi Cummings of www.freedom800.com says “Communication today between seller and purchaser is not always assisted by words, voice inflection, facial expressions, body language and in their handshake.”

Much of today’s business transactions are being conducted without ever physically meeting. So how can we build trust in the Online World?

Here are some secrets that can help small businesses to earn the trust of potential clients in the online world.

Have A Professionally Designed Website For Your Business

Make sure the design of your website reflects the professionalism of what you provide as a business. Unfortunately, a badly designed website is often interpreted as a reflection of the poor quality of your products and services. I recently heard of a business owner who lost a major contract because he had been so busy running his business that he had failed to update information on his website.

Provide Clear Contact Information On Your Website

Don’t hide this. Have it throughout your website, and provide a range of options by which you can be contacted, such as an 1800 or 1300 number, an email form, and even an online instant chat facility is another option.

Write Customer Driven Content

Make sure that your website communicates that you are in the business of solving customer’s problems. Your website is a chance to educate your customers. Provide good and clear content, for this adds value to your site and positions you as the expert in your industry.

Tell Your Story

Share your history. Share your vision. Share your mission. Don’t hold back. Share the charities and the other businesses you support. Update regularly with press releases and tasteful use of photos and bios of staff that can be placed throughout the website.

Use A Variety Of Testimonials & Presentations

In addition to written testimonials, you can use photos, audio and even video testimonials to create a sense of trust.

Provide World Class Customer Service

When people call or email your company, make sure that they are promptly cared for in a professional manner. Write scripts for your staff to follow. Voicemail messages must be professional, and return any messages within hours.

Don’t Get Bogged Down In Your Business – Blog Regularly

The beauty of the Blog medium is that it allows your clients to interact with you in a personal way. Spend at least an hour a week writing fresh material for your Blog. The search engines love it and your customers will love it too.

Send Out Regular eNewsletters

A regular Enewsletter sent to your chief database creates ownership. Even if your Enewsletter is not always read in its entirety, when a competitor comes to see your client, because you have built up this regular communication relationship with your client, they will declare you as their preferred supplier.

So, nullify mistrust on the Internet by applying one or if not all of the above on your Online Shopfront – your business’ website.