Building Credibility on the Web through Content

Appearing credible on the web is a challenge. However, it has been observed that credibility can be built through the appearance and content of a web site. Following are some useful tips in this regard:

Professional Web Site

Both content and design play a huge part on the overall appearance and impression of the web site. While designing your web site, it is important to pay attention to layout, navigation and usability issues. Design your website according to the purpose or goals you have in mind for it.

Suggestion: More on your web site’s purpose here.
More on planning for web design here.

Useful and Informative Web Content

It is important to provide informative and useful content in your website to enhance its credibility. This will also get you more exposure from the search engines. Also, try to sound clear and sincere in your web content and avoid errors by re-checking and proof reading.

Suggestion: Create an article section in your website and upload articles related to the theme of your website.

Credible Promotional Content

Intrusive advertisements like pop ups, animated banners and flash movies should generally be avoided. It is recommended that you promote your products/services while sounding informative.

Suggestion: Talk about what you can deliver and stress on real benefits versus empty promises.

Highlight your expertise

Are you affiliated with a respected organization or have certifications related to your profession? If so, clearly state this in the content of your web site.

Suggestion: Display the button of the affiliation throughout the website and mention it in the content of about us and/or home page.

Include customer references

If you are a product based business it will be a good idea to include testimonials of customers who have bought your products. If you are a service based business you can include a portfolio page or case studies about your customers. Knowing that you have an existing customer base will make it easier for your web site visitors to trust you.

Suggestion: Create a “testimonials” or “case studies” page linking to your service page or main menu.

Give contact/profile information

Make your contact information easily available. If possible, give details about your staff/ management team along with their photographs. People like knowing who they are doing business with.

Suggestion: Your website should have separate pages for about us and contact information linked through the main menu.

Consistently update your web site content

Updating and reviewing your web site content often will ensure that it does not include outdated, inaccurate and erroneous information. All of these can have a negative impact on the credibility of your web site.

Suggestion: Blogging software has made updating content very easy. Take a look at Word Press.