If you're running an online store, then you know that trust is crucial for success. In this special article, we'll show you how to leverage an amazing privacy experience to increase brand trust and loyalty. Take advantage of these rare tips and apply them today.

Why is brand credibility important for eCommerce businesses?

In the world of online shopping, credibility is everything. Consumers have to trust that a company is handling their personal information correctly, that the products they receive will be as described, and that they will be treated fairly if there are any problems. As a result, consumers have become increasingly wary of giving their business to unfamiliar companies. This is where brand credibility comes in.

By building a reputation for trustworthiness and customer satisfaction, eCommerce businesses can overcome the skepticism of potential shoppers and win their loyalty. <hl>In today's competitive market, that can mean the difference between success and failure<hl>.

#1: Leverage Social Proof

What indicators do you have on your eCommerce website to show new visitors that customers and other brands adore and appreciate your products and services? If there is little evidence that others invest in and benefit from your brand, convincing people that you have value to offer will be difficult. 

That is why you must include social proof in your marketing strategy. The psychological phenomenon of social proof causes people to mimic the actions of others. Consumers are copying consumers in this case.

Social proof usually includes: 

• Testimonials from customers 
• Logos 
• Ratings and reviews in real-time 
• Endorsements from influential people or celebrities 
• Mentions in the media 
• Honors and distinctions 
• Licenses and certifications

However, in order to gain a competitive advantage, one must use social proof creatively. For many successful online stores, that "secret ingredient" is <hl>customer testimonials that highlight a positive privacy experience<hl>. You should showcase customer reviews that praise your quick turnaround times for handling privacy requests, and for allowing them to make data privacy choices through your store efficiently.

TL;DR: By emphasizing customer reviews about your privacy practices, you can leverage social proof well.

#2: Increase Transparency & Choice

eCommerce businesses have a lot of data at their disposal. They know what items their customers are looking at, what they’ve bought in the past, and even where they live. This information can be incredibly valuable, but it can also be abused. In recent years, there have been a number of high-profile data breaches, in which personal information was stolen and used for nefarious purposes. As a result, many people are now wary of sharing their personal information online.

<hl>One way to combat this issue and gain trust is to be transparent about the way you collect and use customer data<hl>. Let your customers know what information you’re collecting and why with each purchase. Simplify the language of your privacy policy to make it more accessible.

And most importantly, consider adding a dedicated privacy form to your privacy policy. Your customers will feel comfortable knowing you have their back regarding privacy, and that they have multiple ways to submit privacy requests.

TL;DR: When it comes to personal data, transparency is key.

#3: Manage Cookies Better

If you've ever browsed the internet, chances are you've come across a message asking for your consent to use cookies. This may seem like a minor annoyance, but it's actually an important way for eCommerce businesses to increase brand trust. By explicitly asking for permission to use cookies, businesses are sending the message that they respect their customers' privacy.

This, in turn, can lead to increased trust and loyalty from customers.

Your first step towards increasing trust and CVR (conversion rate) might be to give visitors a better way to manage cookies. Your store's consent banner should be customizable to fit your brand. In addition, the banner should provide your customers with complete granularity and detailed information about each cookie — which is key to earning their trust.

TL;DR: A well-implemented cookie consent banner is one simple way to show that you're a brand that cares about its customers.

#4: Show Trust Badges at the Checkout Process

Another way you can improve brand credibility for your eCommerce business is to display a trust badge during the checkout process.

Many online stores showcase their general satisfaction rating, or their money-back guarantee, but we recommend adding a privacy trust badge: <hl>A trust badge ensures your visitors' personal data is protected and will be handled according to their wishes<hl>.

For instance, if your store completes privacy requests in 14 days or less, you may showcase your "Privacy Hero" badge to gain a competitive advantage.

TL;DR: Visitors will be more likely to purchase products and services from your website if you display badges that guarantee proper data deletion upon request.

#5: Use the Right Privacy Software

As you grow, you will have to start using dedicated software for managing your customer's privacy: for Handling Privacy Requests, Data Mapping, Consent Management, 3rd Party Risk Assessment and other compliance-related tasks. The more well-known your chosen Privacy Management Software is among customers, the more trust your customers will have in you.

That's why we recommend using a privacy brand that is known for both consumers and businesses. Think about it: <hl>When your customers discover that your store uses the same privacy brand as they do to manage their own privacy, they will trust your store immediately<hl>.

How to choose a privacy platform for your eCommerce business? We made a guide just for that.

TL;DR: Use a privacy software that your customers know and trust.

Privacy Is Key

Improving brand credibility is essential for eCommerce businesses, and data privacy is one of the more important trust factors.

The five methods we’ve outlined are a great place to start. But, if you want to take your privacy management to the next level, consider using Mine PrivacyOps. Our platform provides a cloud-based data privacy infrastructure that allows business officials the opportunity to govern their data and make changes accordingly.

‍Contact us today to learn more about how our service can help improve your brand credibility and protect your customers’ data.