10 Factors that Influence Your Website’s Credibility
I make it my goal to surround myself with experts, because I know I don’t know everything. Search Engine Optimization? I have an expert friend for that! Website Design? I have an expert friend for that! Editing? You guessed it. I know an authority on just about any topic I may need help with. And if I don’t know a specialist, I have a network to find one.
Credibility is the reason it’s critical to call on experts. I have a good amount of expertise, but I want to ensure that the advice I provide clients is top-notch. I want them to know that I’m a trustworthy, accurate source of information. And you want that too for your clients. That’s why making your website a source of credible information is crucial. Here are 10 factors that influence your website’s credibility.
10 Factors that Influence Your Website’s Credibility
When it comes to your website, you want it to be the place your audience goes when they need information on your expertise. Of course, you want it to delight them with engaging content and exceptional storytelling that they relate to. But you also want them to trust that they’ll get reliable information. Considering these factors will help.
1. Consistency
Visitors want to know what to expect when they come to your site. They want content that is of consistent quality. While still enjoyable, they want it written in a standardized format that they’re comfortable with. They also crave content posted regularly, so they know when to find new information on your site.
And it isn’t just your visitors that want consistency, Google requires it as well.
2. Respect for Data
Privacy is a real issue these days. Your site visitors don’t want to give all their information to read a blog post on your website. Registrations affect the quality of interaction you have with clients. If they feel like they have to give you something to get anything from you, they won’t stick around.
This demand creates distrust. If you need visitors to register for something, like an email newsletter, consider what information you need. Always ask for a minimal amount of data to accomplish any goal.
3. Readability
You’re writing for regular people, not scholars. If your website is full of industry jargon and written way above your audience’s level of understanding, they won’t trust you. If anything, they’ll feel like you think you’re smarter than them or your site isn’t for them. And honestly, who wants to spend time on the internet being confused when looking for answers? We bounce until we find an article that speaks to us.
Also, make sure your site is able to be read on all device types. I still regularly see sites that are not able to be read easily on mobile.
Keep sentences short and active. Make paragraphs consist of a single idea. Use headers, bullet points, graphics, and photos. Do whatever you can to keep the information accessible and scannable.
4. Correctness
Site visitors will forgive small errors. But if your site is riddled with spelling mistakes and grammar, your site won’t be trusted.It would be great if you could hire a fantastic editor (like us!). But if you can’t, follow some essential editing tips before you post your content.
5. Problem Solving
By and large website visitors don’t come to the internet to browse. They come because they have a problem they need to solve. They’ll find your website most credible if you relate to them and tell them how to solve their problem. And in the simplest terms. Solving problems with your content means always thinking about your audience and their needs when deciding what information to post and how to present it.
I call this “unselfish marketing.” Sure, it is still marketing, but the purpose is to help someone. It still may turn into a sale or purchase, but if your goal is to be helpful you and your visitors still win.
6. Minimal Pitches
Visitors come to your website for help. They don’t want to feel like you’re selling to them the minute they arrive. Readers won’t trust your site if they get a pop-up or a sales pitch every time they try to move anywhere on it. Let’s be honest it is really annoying.They want helpful information on their terms, like a FAQ page or a chatbot, not constant advertising.
7. Provide Social Proof
We want to know that other people like, trust, and admire the same things we do. It minimizes the risk of trying it ourselves. Websites are no exception. Providing site visitors with proof that others read and love your content is an excellent way to boost your site’s credibility with them.
Consider using testimonials (We use quotes and videos.) or even visit and share counts to help visitors see that others value your site too. Don’t forget to include your social media buttons to allow site visitors to further connect with you or share information they find on your page on their social media accounts. Social sharing buttons are also great for SEO, so include them on all your posts.
Also, if your organization receives recognition, awards, or press mentions, include those on your site too. Praise and honors show visitors that others recognize your work at a significant level. Again, this is another SEO best practice.
8. Branding
Visitors decide within seconds whether they trust your site and want to stay there. The way your site looks is a huge part of their decision. Make sure your site’s branding — logos, colors, visuals, etc. — represents your company the way you want it to. It should speak to the visitor and give them an impression of your brand before they even read a word.
9. Easy Navigation
The ease with which visitors can find what they’re looking for on your site determines how credible they think it is. If the site is slow to load or the menu is difficult to navigate, visitors judge your products as not good or even feel like you’re trying to hide something. Make sure your site’s navigation is intuitive and well organized and that your site runs smoothly and looks perfect on every screen size.
Site usability is also really important to search engines. They know if your site isn’t easy to navigate that visitors will leave. This automatically moves your site down in search results. Navigation like many of our tips here is more than just building credibility with your site.
10. Behind-the-Scenes
Visitors want to know the story behind your business. That’s why writing a winning About Page is essential. Even more than that, they want to see the people behind the brand. Having bios and photos of your staff on your site helps visitors feel more connected to your business. It also makes your business more human. They see the people, not just the information.
In my experience, about pages are often the second most visited page on a website.
You also want to make contact information readily available so visitors can reach out to you with questions or concerns. The more accessible you make yourself and your team, the more credibility you’ll have online.
Content Journey Can Help Your Website’s Credibility
I love to see Content Journey’s clients grow their businesses. And I understand the importance of credibility in making growth possible. After all, I won’t do business with people I don’t trust. I don’t expect others to either. That’s why it’s so important to me that we work with trustworthy, credible clients who focus on helping people. Then we make sure their content fulfills that mission. Content Journey is here to help your business too. Book a call! We’d love the opportunity to help you along your content journey.
