There's a multitude of layered and complex digital strategies we could show you, from creative campaigns to social proof, but we want to focus on some of the highest impacts, lowest hanging fruit that will quickly make a big impression on your website conversion rates.

Dos and don'ts to build credibility on your website:

1. PRIORITISE GOOD DESIGN

People make up their minds about your website in just 50 milliseconds, so whatever you do, don't scrimp and settle for second-rate design. If in doubt, go for simplicity. Look at the building blocks used by websites you return to frequently and work out how you can replicate them. And, with over half of website views now happening on mobile devices, make sure to check how your design translates from desktop to smartphone.

2. CHECK FOR TYPOS

And then check again. The research is clear: the more typos and grammatical errors you have on your site, the fewer sales you'll make. So ask the person you know who always knows their 'they're' from their 'there', or use software like Grammarly to do it all for you.

3. TEST FOR USABILITY ISSUES

Make sure things work. Sounds simple, right? But how many times have you discovered broken links, forms, buttons and processes when navigating other sites? It's a common issue and a sure-fire way to kill your credibility. And because browsers, user settings and other external factors like to keep us on our toes, it's not exactly a one-and-done job. Make a repeat event in your diary for a website MOT bi-weekly to regularly check your site's working components and ensure your digital strategy is seamless.

4. ADD PHOTOS

Here's the thing. Now more than ever, people choose to connect with people, not brands. As Crowdspring confirms, 'When shared by employees, marketing messages reach 561% more people than by the brand itself, making faceless companies a thing of the past. And no, we don't mean stock photos. You don't necessarily need Annie Leibowitz on speed-dial, but with good quality cameras and free-to-use photo editing apps now a fundamental feature of most smartphones, there's no excuse not to show face.

5. SHOW, DON'T TELL

According to Shopify, 'Superlatives sound insincere unless you prove why your product is the best, the easiest, or the most advanced.' Words like 'Luxury' are classic offenders and something we see repeatedly. Check your copy, mainly product or service descriptions, and weed out anything that can't be substantiated.

6. AVOID TOO MANY POP-UPS

Unless they deliver a need-to-know message, offer highly targeted content, or play a part in your zero-party data efforts and get rid of them. Nobody wants to be digitally apprehended on arrival at your site.

7. DISPLAY A CLEAR REFUND; RETURNS POLICY

Have you ever noticed how most high street shops display returns information in their fitting rooms? Online or off, shoppers have lots of doubts when buying, "Is it the right shade for me?", "Will I have the confidence to wear it?". Creating a plan B as a visible (and simple) refund and returns policy gives customers a sense of safety.

 8. TAKE SECURITY SERIOUSLY

Take card payments? Of course, you do. Prove to your buyers it's safe using Shopify's payment gateway, Shopify Payments - synonymous with trust; it might not be the Royal Warrant, but it demonstrates legitimacy and might nudge someone over the checkout finish line.

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Discover how R360 Growth can fuel sustainable profitability and long-term success with a robust loyalty strategy. Connect with us at hi@r360growth.com or via our online form here.

We look forward to exploring growth opportunities with you.‍

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