It can be upsetting to see that your website isn’t converting as expected. You may have great products or services, but somehow, your online presence isn’t clicking with visitors. It’s frustrating, right?
Often, the issue isn’t what you’re offering but how you’re presenting it. While flashy graphics and trendy layouts might catch the eye, real trust is built through thoughtful design choices.
Designing for credibility is all about making smart, intentional UI decisions that subtly but powerfully build trust. In this article, we’ll explore how small tweaks to your user interface can make a big difference in how credible your brand appears online.
We won't promise overnight success (because, let's face it, good things take time), but we'll share practical tips you can start using today.
Many brands keep their product reviews tucked away on individual product pages. But why hide your best social proof?
Think about it – when you’re shopping online, don’t you love seeing those star ratings right from the get-go? It seems like everyone does: Consumers trust reviews from other buyers a whopping 12 times more than they trust the product descriptions written by manufacturers.
Here’s how to put them into action throughout your entire website:
To see this in action, we’ll take a look at Golf Cart Tire Supply, a niche supplier of golf cart tires and accessories.
They smartly display star ratings on their collections pages, so every product is accompanied by a rating and the number of reviews.
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Source: golfcarttiresupply.com
This strategy not only makes their site more user-friendly but also reinforces trust, helping customers feel confident in their choices without having to dig through individual product pages.
It's a hole-in-one approach that lets shoppers quickly spot top-rated items, building trust and boosting conversions right from the first click.
The saying "you're known by the company you keep" holds as much truth in the digital world as it does in the real one.
Whether through earned media, partnerships, or reselling agreements, displaying the logos of reputable companies you’ve worked with signals to visitors that your brand is trustworthy.
This strategy works because it taps into the existing trust that customers already have in these well-known brands. When they see familiar logos on your site, they’re more likely to feel confident in doing business with you. It’s a subtle yet effective way to build credibility without saying a word.
Here's how to put this into practice:
Moto Machines, a motorcycle accessories brand, took their reselling partnerships and turned them into a trust-building engine. For each brand they partner with, they create a dedicated collections page.
For example, their Bonamici Racing collections page is a one-stop shop for all things Bonamici, clearly showcasing their partnership while making it super easy for customers to find what they need.
Source: motomachines.com
This enhances the shopping experience and solidifies Moto Machines’ reputation as a trusted retailer of premium motorcycle accessories. It’s how you build a stronger, more credible brand presence that resonates with your audience.
Product comparisons are a powerful tool for highlighting what sets your brand apart. When customers are faced with multiple options, a clear, side-by-side comparison can simplify decision-making and emphasize your USPs.
This strategy directly addresses the questions and concerns that customers might have, showing them exactly why your product or service is the better choice.
Here’s how to bring attention to your USPs using product comparisons:
Eden Emerald Mortgages, a leading Australian mortgage broker, broke down the complex issue of home loans and made it crystal clear with their comparison approach.
On their homepage, you’ll find a table that pits their mortgage services against alternatives. By clearly illustrating the advantages of their services, they help potential clients quickly see the value in choosing them over competitors.
Source: eemortgagebroker.com.au
This is a brilliant way to show potential customers why your brand is the smart choice in a crowded market. By laying out the facts clearly, you’ll be building trust and showcasing your expertise at the same time.
When you speak directly to a specific pain point or need, you show customers that you truly understand their challenges and are equipped to solve them.
This allows you to build trust quickly – something that’s crucial in a crowded market where generic messaging often falls flat.
Here's how to perfect your targeted messaging:
Bariatric Fusion, a brand selling supplements and vitamins, caters to a very specific audience (people who’ve undergone weight loss surgeries).
Right on their homepage, they speak directly to customers who’ve had particular procedures. They’ve even set up a section that guides visitors to products based on the specific surgeries they’ve had.
Source: bariatricfusion.com
This approach shows that Bariatric Fusion understands the unique journey of their customers. By mentioning specific conditions and procedures, they provide a highly personalized experience that instantly builds credibility and trust.
That's the power of hyper-niche marketing – turning a specific focus into a major trust signal.
Talking about product photography might seem obvious, but it is often overlooked. Putting real effort into your product shots can make a world of difference.
It’s very important because high-quality, professional photos don’t just show your product – they showcase your brand’s attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Here’s how you can nail your product photography:
For example, check out Greenhouse Emporium, a gardening and greenhouse supplies retailer. Their Large Greenhouses collections page is a masterclass in product photography.
Each greenhouse is shown set up in actual customer properties. This showcases both the products and the lifestyle it supports.
Additionally, every photo has similar lighting, angle, and positioning. It creates a matching look that’s pleasing to the eye and practical. This way, customers can easily scan the page and compare different models.
Source: greenhouseemporium.com
By putting real effort into your product photography, you create a more compelling and trustworthy shopping experience that can significantly boost conversions.
Letting your past achievements brag about you can be a powerful trust-building tactic. When visitors see that your brand has been endorsed or recognized by authoritative organizations, it reassures them that they’re making a safe and smart choice.
Trust badges serve as social proof, providing that extra nudge customers need to feel confident about your products or services.
Here’s how to make trust badges work for you:
Figo, a top dog in the pet insurance industry, mastered the art of the trust badge. They prominently display awards and recognition right in their website header.
By showcasing badges from well-known organizations, Figo isn’t bragging about how great they are. They’re letting authoritative voices do the talking for them. They present a panel of experts vouching for their service right as visitors land on their site.
Source: figopetinsurance.com
This clever use of trust badges gives Figo’s potential customers the additional encouragement they might need to move forward. After all, if these respected organizations trust Figo with their pets, why shouldn’t you?
It's a simple tactic, but it packs a powerful punch in building credibility. In the competitive space of pet insurance, these badges are one of the reasons why Figo stands out from the pack.
We've explored how small UI tweaks can make a big impact on your brand’s credibility. But here's the real question: what’s the cost of not making these changes?
Every day you wait is a potential customer lost to doubt. So, take a hard look at your site. Where could you build more trust? What story are you really telling visitors?
Your move now could reshape how the world sees your brand tomorrow. Take the first step today and start building your brand's future.
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