Building trust starts with knowing your customers, who they are and what they need, and is important for businesses to continue growing. Trust is a person-to-person relationship, and you earn it by being reliable, honest, and present.
Following are tips on how to stay real:
1. Be Transparent
Consumers are more likely to trust and be loyal to businesses they perceive as honest:
- Give your customers the information they need and help them understand it.
- Make recommendations that help save them time and money.
2. Have an Online Presence
Being present online is the digital version of a “handshake” and builds credibility:
- Establish visibility where consumers look for trust signals – online reviews, articles, social media, etc.
- Produce content, show your expertise, share quotes by reliable outlets, etc.
3. Listen First, Sell Second
To know your customer, aim to listen and adapt:
- Whether in person or online, be present and pay attention to what people are saying.
- The best feedback often comes from listening to customer calls and reading their suggestions.
4. Authenticity is Non-Negotiable
Consumers value honesty and effort:
- Be honest about what you can do, acknowledge any issues, etc.
- Show up as your authentic self – if you’re real with them, they’ll be real with you.
To know your customer, it’s important to listen, show up and care about them. Trust is a lifelong commitment and earning it is essential in building a business that lasts.
Source: Forbes.com, reported by Levi King, CEO, co-founder, chairman of Nav.com