5 Ways to Establish Your Credibility as an Entrepreneur.

The value of credibility in business cannot be understated. It is not something that can ever be replaced by clever PR campaigns or a huge advertising budget.

When you are launching your own venture or hoping to grow an existing business, your success depends on your ability to establish and maintain credibility. Here are five ways to do just that.

Manage Your Website Effectively

Whether you have a virtual consultancy firm or a bricks-and-mortar retail shop, your website is often the first impression that a potential customer will have of you and your business. Factors such as speed and design are important but it’s more about the kind of message you project to your clients. The Stanford Persuasive Technology Lab has issued guidelines to help you establish online credibility. They include regularly updating the website content, avoiding typos, and making it simple for people to contact you.

Stand Behind Your Product or Service

Being willing to sell anything to make a quick buck is a sure-fire way to put a strain on your credibility. Your products and services must be those that you are willing to stand behind. One method of establishing trust in your product or service is to offer a free, discounted or trial version which allows customers to try before they buy. Requesting endorsements and referrals from those who are satisfied can help you to offset the associated costs by encouraging others to make a purchase.

Promote Your Achievements

When working to establish your credibility in the business world, being bashful is unlikely to cut it. Learning to recognise your achievements can increase your own motivation, self-respect and confidence but, when publicised, can also speak volumes to your peers and customers in the business world. When promoted, whether online on your website or LinkedIn profile or face-to-face in conversations, your achievements can help you to offer prospective clients the confidence they need to invest in your product or service.

Boost Your Social Media Efforts

Social media can be a cost-effective way to enhance your credibility but just because you don’t need to spend a fortune on this medium, you will still need to approach it with caution. This means taking the time to ensure that you project the right image each time you are visible on your chosen social media platforms. You will need to make a commitment to build your network on these platforms and work to create meaningful conversations and connections with your peers and clients.

Maintain Your Reputation

Maintaining a trustworthy reputation can go a long way toward helping you to establish credibility in business. In fact, not doing so, will likely cause your business to suffer. Honesty and being transparent will serve you well, as will being sensitive and sincere. Remaining objective when dealing with peers, staff or clients is also essential. Another method you can use to maintain a viable reputation is to remain knowledgeable in your niche and be willing to share that knowledge with others.

These tips can help you to build credibility in business but it’s important to keep in mind that the process of creating a trustworthy image can take a significant amount of work. It is a goal that can take many years to accomplish and one which you should seek to protect; your business depends on it.