Customer trust is crucial for every business. Without it, you’ll struggle to attract and retain customers. According to online reputation management statistics,3 out of 4 consumers trust a company more if it has more positive reviews. More people will do business with you and even recommend your business to others.

But building business credibility takes time and effort. It is even more challenging if the business is new and lacks a customer base. But this doesn’t mean you can’t make your business credible. Here are four ways small businesses can build business credibility.

• Have a Professional Website

We live in a digital world and having an online presence is critical for every business that wants to compete in the modern business landscape. Customers can find you and engage with your brand easily and more efficiently.

However, all your engagements should lead your prospects to your professional website. Your website acts as the front desk, office, and showroom. It should have detailed information about your business and its offerings. The more professional it is, the more people will view your business as real and credible.

• Establish Clear Policies and Procedures

Having established policies shows your company is competent and provides clear guidelines to employees on how the company operates. Policies and procedures also outline all professional practices for customers to see and give them a better understanding of the organization.

For instance, if you have a high-risk merchant account for credit repair, write policies that clarify how you handle chargebacks or any unauthorized charges on customer accounts. Explain if the merchant account is used for credit card processing, eCheck processing, and other payment processing needs.

• Ask for Endorsements

Happy clients will discuss your business and recommend your products to others. But not each one will make that move, some will just keep the good news to themselves. Do not hesitate to make the first move and ask customers for endorsements or testimonials, especially if you impacted them positively.

It doesn’t matter how small or insignificant they might be. The more recommendations and endorsements your business has, the more people will view it as credible.

• Have a Comments and FAQs Page

A comments section on your website shows visitors that you have nothing to hide about your business. It is a sure-fire way to boost reader engagement and create a stronger bond between them and your business. Also, include a frequently asked questions (FAQ) page and address important queries like shipping, handling of damaged goods, and your return policy.

A well-written FAQs page shows customers and prospects that you understand their problems and have the solutions. People will trust you more if you address their issues and also display other people's opinions on the website.

Credibility in business helps you attract and keep customers long-term. Besides, it can also work in your favor when you’re scaling or venturing into new markets. You'll attract investors and the best talent in the industry, and as a result, your business will grow.