First Impressions Matter More Than You Think
When someone visits your website for the first time, they’re making snap judgements whether they realize it or not. In fact, 94% of first impressions are based on website design. If your site looks outdated, confusing, or even slightly “off”, visitors might assume your business isn’t credible. And once they leave, they might never come back.
Here are a few simple but powerful ways to make sure your website looks and feels trustworthy to every visitor.
1. Use an SSL Certificate
Ever noticed how some website URLs start with “https” while others just have “http”? That extra “s” stands for secure, and it’s a key factor in building trust.
- Without an SSL certificate, browsers may warn visitors that your site is “not secure”. That’s an instant red flag for potential customers and a sure fire way for them to click away.
- An SSL encrypts customer data, protecting information like passwords and credit card details from hackers. This is especially important if your website handles online transactions or requires login credentials.
What’s the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?
HTTP is like sending a postcard; anyone who handles it can read the message. HTTPS, on the other hand, is like sending that same postcard but inside a sealed envelope and only the recipient can open it, keeping sensitive information safe and private.
If your website still shows “http” in the address bar, it’s time to upgrade. If you’re not sure what your options are, talk to your technical support person about moving to HTTPS. If you manage your own website, ask your hosting provider about SSL/TLS certificates. A secure site is a trustworthy site, and making this switch is an easy win.
2. Display Contact Information Clearly
Would you trust a business if you couldn’t figure out how to contact them? Visitors feel more comfortable when they know there’s a real person behind the website.
- Include a phone number, email, and physical address (if applicable) on your site. Having multiple ways to reach you reassures customers that they can get support if needed.
- A dedicated Contact Us page makes it easy for visitors to reach you.
- Avoid using only a contact form without any other details. It can feel impersonal and untrustworthy. Visitors may wonder if their message will ever be received or responded to.
A real business should be easy to contact. If customers can’t find a way to get in touch, they might assume your business isn’t legitimate. Make sure your contact information is easy to find on every page, ideally in the header, footer, or both.
3. Make Sure Your Website Loads Quickly
A slow website doesn’t just frustrate visitors, it can also make your business look unreliable. If a site takes more than a few seconds to load, customers might assume it’s broken, outdated, or even unsafe, prompting them to leave.
- Compress images and remove unnecessary elements that slow things down. Large image files and excessive animations can drag down load times, so keep things optimized.
- Use a simple, clean design that focuses on what matters most: your content and services. Cluttered pages with excessive widgets or ads can not only slow down your site but also make it harder for visitors to navigate.
- If your website feels sluggish, consider talking to your hosting provider about ways to improve speed.
A fast, responsive website creates a smooth experience and makes visitors feel confident in your business. If you’re not sure how fast your site loads, you can check it with Google’s PageSpeed Insights tool.
4. Avoid Pop-ups and Too Many Ads
Too many pop-ups can make even the best website feel spammy. While pop-ups can be useful for promotions or email signups, they need to be used wisely.
- Limit pop-ups to one or two per visit, and make sure they’re easy to close. Nothing drives visitors away faster than aggressive pop-ups that appear on every page.
- Avoid using flashy, unrelated ads that clutter the page to keep things clean and professional. Irrelevant ads can make your website look unprofessional and distract visitors from your actual content.
If a website feels too pushy, it could scare away customers before they even read what you have to offer.
5. Include Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Adding reviews and testimonials on your website can go a long way. New customers want to see proof that others have had a good experience with your business.
- Showcase testimonials from satisfied customers. Highlight positive feedback and success stories to build credibility.
- Include Google Reviews or Facebook recommendations if available. Displaying reviews from third-party platforms increases authenticity and reassures potential customers that your business is trustworthy.
- Avoid fake-looking or overly perfect reviews. Remember, authenticity matters. Customers can usually tell when reviews are fabricated, so focus on genuine feedback that reflects real experiences, and details on what they did and didn’t like.
- Customer reviews are naturally rich in keywords, which can help improve your website’s SEO. Search engines value fresh, relevant content, and reviews provide just that.
Check out our blog on Using Testimonials and Reviews to Build Trust (and Boost your SEO) for tips on gathering and displaying customer feedback effectively.
6. Stay on Top of Updates and Backups
Even if your website looks great, outdated software can make it vulnerable to security risks. Regular updates help keep your site running smoothly and safely. But beyond just appearances, these updates and backups are about practicing what you preach when it comes to trust. A truly trustworthy website isn’t just one that looks safe; it’s one that actually is safe.
- If you use WordPress, make sure your plugins and themes are always up to date. Outdated software can create security vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.
- Perform regular backups so you don’t lose important data in case something goes wrong. A backup ensures that if your site ever crashes or gets hacked, you can restore it quickly.
- Set up automatic updates where possible to reduce the risk of security breaches. Many hosting providers offer tools to manage updates and backups with minimal effort.
A website that’s well-maintained isn’t just more secure; it also runs better, loads faster, and looks more professional. Practicing good security habits is a direct reflection of how seriously you take your business and the trust of your customers.
Your Website Should Work for You, Not Against You
A trustworthy website builds confidence, keeps visitors coming back, and helps your business grow. Even small tweaks—like clearer messaging, a secure setup, and an easy-to-use layout—can make a big difference.
As you refine your site, it helps to have a clear picture of who you’re trying to reach. This FREE Ideal Customer Profile can guide you in understanding your audience so you can build a site that speaks to them.
And if you want to go a step further, the Ultimate Website Growth Checklist is a free resource that can help you fine-tune your site to attract more visitors and turn them into customers.
Your website is a representation of your business and the experience you offer customers. With a few thoughtful efforts, you can make sure it’s sending the right message.
