When starting a business for the first time, it’s true to say that no matter how well-meaning your intentions and how thorough your provisions for delivering an exceptional service or product, your lack of a history can be off-putting to some people.
For many, notable histories, testimonials, happy clients, product reviews, these things provide your firm with an air of legitimacy that allows them to trust you. In many cases, platforms they recognize and understand can also make a big difference.
A firm that might offer online bookings may integrate payment providers like PayPal into their service, for instance, so that paying via your card information feels less risky to do.
This is just one step, of course, towards becoming a trusted brand that people will utilize without a second thought. Luckily, this process snowballs, meaning that once five people trust you, even more are likely to come. That said, trust takes some time to build and moments to shatter, and so in this post, we’ll discuss a few measures for expediting that process with care:
Produce Educational Content
It’s good to produce educational content regarding your firm and what you do. This not only shows that you know your stuff, but that you’re an ambassador for your creative or technical process. For instance, it might be that you’re a roofing company and you create a video showing how people can replace loose roof tiles or how to clean their gutters. It’s little things like this that help you present your business in a value-added light while also showcasing your willingness to help out. Then, when they need a roof refitting? They might consider you.
Show Your Process
It’s good to showcase your process regarding how you commit to certain work. For instance, a landing page that discusses how you develop renewed driveway areas for clients, from removing the previous bricks or material, strengthening the foundations, cleaning the surrounding areas, and inlaying your own materials can help clients feel safe in the authority and knowledge you have to offer. Perhaps for corporate clients you can showcase the commercial bond experience you have, or make it clear how supply orders or quotes work.
Become Accredited
In some respects, firms within specific industries can allow additional regulatory bodies or services to accredit their actions and processes in a manner that earns them legitimacy. For instance, it might be that a renovation firm offers proprietary driveway installation, becoming official ambassadors and installers of a popular material. With a seal of approval straight from the manufacturer, clients can make sure that they’re getting the premium expectation straight away. In some cases, you may even wish to accredit your own products, such as by offering certificates of authentication or marks that allow them to be separated from counterfeit goods.
With this advice, you’re certain to legitimize yourself in the best way. If you can manage that, then your audience is sure to grow and your brand recognition is certain to snowball. That in itself can help define your demand.
