Credibility - Good Old Fashioned Credibility Is The Secret To Success

Having good old fashioned credibility is the secret to success for both storefront and your home based internet businesses.

Credibility is a critical factor for anyone who purchases anything online.

A buyer must be confident that he is being offered something that is really legitimate, regardless of the product or service.

The techniques for building credibility will work in a niche business, including any business where persuading potential customers that you are honest and trustworthy is critical.

• Credibility requires that you demonstrate to your potential customers a reassuring presence.

Anything that demonstrates to the customer, that a real person is actually conducting business with them, will give them some assurance and increase your credibility.

Something as minimal as a personal photograph, a direct email response, a phone call, or satisfied customer responses goes a long way to cement your business credibility.

• Posting pictures of the merchandise you are selling, or of completed services you have furnished, such as finished landscaping or paint jobs, will also give credibility to your business.

• Providing or giving away free, useful information also promotes credibility with potential customers.

To get something of value, you don't always have to purchase it. Online giveaways are a great testimony to this adage.

• Professional organizations that you are a member of, show your expertise and demonstrate your credibility to dubious online buyers.

Being a member of your local Chamber of Commerce, ASTM, or some other society specific to your market niche will give your credibility and sales a boost.

Listing the organization's web site on your website, also reduces any concerns buyers may have about your business.

• Include testimonials of satisfied customers on your website, along with the email addresses of happy customers so ansy, potential customers can check out your reputation first hand.

Nothing increases credibility like a satisfied customer that you can actually contact to verify their statements.

• Another way to cement your credibility and prove you are a legitimate member of the community is to prominently publish your physical address and phone number on your business website.

Customers are often "gun shy" about purchasing anything from businesses that they can't contact directly by a good old fashioned telephone call.

Although the calls may sometimes come in at inappropriate times; a second business only line is well worth the added expense.

Good old fashioned credibility is the key to success, so keep building it to avoid anyone from ever labeling your business as an online scam.