“Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships.” – Stephen R. Covey
Trust is everything in the world of business. It’s what turns a prospect into a customer, and a customer into a loyal advocate. But building trust is no simple task.
Look at companies like Airbnb. They took the idea of staying in a stranger’s home and made it not only acceptable, but desirable. They did this through clear communication, transparent reviews, and secure transactions. They built trust in a space where there was none.
But how can you build trust in your business?
- Be Transparent: Show your customers what’s happening behind the scenes. Be open about how your company operates, your pricing, and even challenges that could arise.
- Deliver on Your Promises: Nothing builds trust like consistency. Deliver what you promised, when you promised it. And if something goes wrong, communicate openly and fix it as quickly as possible.
- Provide Value First: Give before you ask. Provide value upfront, whether it’s free content, a trial period, or exceptional customer service.
- Encourage Reviews and Testimonials: Authentic feedback from real customers is incredibly persuasive. Encourage reviews and share them prominently.
Action Step: Assess your business’ current trust factors. Are you transparent? Are you delivering on promises? Find areas to improve and start building trust.
Trust doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built one action at a time, one interaction at a time, one fulfilled promise at a time. It’s the foundation of every lasting relationship with your customers.
For more strategies on building trust and turning prospects into loyal customers, be sure to check out our book of the week: “Building a StoryBrand” by Donald Miller.