Launching a new business is a challenge. Passion isn’t enough to start a business. You encounter significant challenges in the journey, from securing funding to managing operational aspects.
And just when you’re done tackling them, another challenge arises—establishing credibility. After all, who purchases from a brand they don’t trust?
Recent research has shown that 83% of shoppers prefer purchasing from brands they trust. So, proving to your target audience that you are the real deal is important. Otherwise, you won’t survive in the market.
Here, we’ll share a few practical, powerful ways you can establish credibility for your brand-new business.
#1 Create a Professional Website
Do you know that 98% of consumers turned to the internet when seeking information about businesses in their area in 2022? That means a website isn’t just important—it’s a must.
Get yourself a solid website. Clearly outline what you offer, how to contact you, and why customers should choose you.
Also, make your site mobile-friendly since most people search on their phones. Data shows that 82% of Americans who shopped through their smartphones used “near me” searches on their mobile devices.
A web designer can help you create a user-friendly, responsive website. But you will have to shell out hundreds or thousands of dollars if you hire them.
Don’t worry; you can save money by using AI-powered website generators. These tools, Hocoos explains, leverage advanced algorithms that eliminate the need for intricate coding. Hence, anyone can use them to generate a website—even those with no coding or design skills.
If you use an AI website builder, your site will be ready within five minutes. Though AI-generated, your website won’t be a cookie-cutter. It will be one-of-a-kind and tailored to your business’s unique needs.
#2 Partner with Trusted Influencers
The quickest way to establish credibility as a newcomer? Team up with influencers your target audience trusts, respects, and admires.
Start small; you don’t need a celebrity. Micro-influencers—those with 10,000–100,000 followers—often have higher engagement and feel more relatable to their followers.
Reach out with a clear pitch: explain who you are, what you offer, and how you would like to collaborate. This could be a sponsored post or a product review.
Make the partnership feel authentic. Let the influencer share their real experience with your product or service. Their audience will trust their honest opinion. If they rave about you, it can drive traffic, sales, and long-term credibility.
Beauty brand Glossier’s “You Look Good” campaign is a great example of how it established credibility through partnerships with micro-influencers.
The campaign urged women to embrace their natural beauty, which perfectly aligned with Glossier’s philosophy of skincare first and cosmetics second. Micro-influencers helped the brand promote its message by uploading unfiltered photographs of themselves using Glossier products such as the classic Cloud Paint and Boy Brow.
#3 Publish Value-Packed Content
Credibility comes from expertise. Show the world you know your stuff.
Share your knowledge through blog posts, how-to videos, or podcasts. Don’t just share anything, however. Publish content with useful, actionable information that solves the problems or answers the queries of your target audience.
Take Dyson, famous for its airwrap multi-styler, for instance. The brand also sells air treatment—air purifiers, humidifiers, and filters. To support these products, they publish insightful articles about allergies, air quality, and home cleaning. This content not only informs the audience, but also strengthens its authority in creating solutions for healthier living spaces.
You can do the same. Just focus on what your audience cares about and make the content easy to understand and engaging. When people see you consistently delivering value, they will start viewing you as an expert they can trust.
#4 Showcase Customer Testimonials
Testimonials act as social proof. They reassure potential clients that others have had positive experiences with your business.
A survey conducted by Statista in January 2023 reveals that 33% of consumers always read online reviews of local businesses. How can you ignore them, then?
Ask happy customers to share their thoughts. A quick email or follow-up message can go a long way. Once you have their feedback, showcase it on your website, social media pages, and marketing materials. You can also create a dedicated “Testimonials” page on your website.
For even more impact, pair written reviews with photos or videos. Seeing real faces behind the feedback makes it more relatable and authentic.
If you’re just starting out and don’t have testimonials yet, consider offering an introductory discount or free trial in exchange for honest feedback.
For a new business, building credibility takes time. But with the right approach, trust will come.
Focus on being authentic, consistent, and customer-focused. Over time, these actions will solidify your reputation and turn your first-time buyers into loyal customers. Soon enough, you’ll go from being a newcomer to the trusted go-to in your industry.
