10 Ways to Build Trust in Social Media

In this economy there is one major truth that stands above the rest. Trust equals revenue. If you are a small to mid-sized business it is the amount of trust you can build between clients that strengthens your brand.

With trust comes happy clients and with happy clients come referrals. Trust is an essential block of building your business. Marketing is built under the assumption that stories can create an emotional bond between a consumer and a brand… a client and a service. Are you able to tell a story… create a service and an experience that builds trust?

Social media can help you build that trust.

1. Content

Content is the number one way you can build trust with potential clients. By creating meaningful and thought provoking content you are building a bridge to later sell that person on your services. Talk about what you do on a daily basis. When I say “you”.. I mean YOU are writing and communicating stories that happen to YOU on a daily basis.

2. Transparency

This can also pertain to content or how you use a specific social network. Be human. The people who are interested in your thoughts and suggestions want to know about you as a person. They could care less about a sale that you’re having. They want to know how you helped Jim the construction worker or Susie the accountant.

3. Picture of Your Day

When you are using social networks make sure you put up pictures of your daily life. If you have a cell phone with a camera, take some pictures of your daily routine and share them with your connections. Just don’t over do it. We can only look at so many professional business or glamor shots in a day.

4. Saying Thank You

If somebody helps you share information or decides to retweet a post.. make sure you thank that person. They are helping you spread the word… they are your online evangelists. If you miss a thank you, don’t let it get to you… but do try to make the most of the people that help you out.

5. Time is Important

Remember that you are building relationships. Don’t trust the people that tell you to add 10042 friends and make $5,000 a month. It is a load of bologna. Build your following slowly… create relationships in an online environment that can be transferred offline.

6. Criticism is Important

You will be criticized. That’s the truth of open communication. Take it with stride and respond. If you are debated… make sure you debate back. Stand up for what you believe and you will gain trust with the people who are listening and watching.

7. Guest Post on Another Blog

There are times when you can write different posts for other blogs in order to reach a new audience.  It can help build trust and brand awareness if your content is shared on other sites other than your own blog. This shows other people who believe in your content.

8. Send Out Random Surveys to Your Clients and Readers

It is important that you ask your readers and clients to contribute to the business planning process through social media. It is important that you know what they are thinking… you also want them to understand you care.

9. Get Involved in Your Community and Share on Social

Community development and participation is key when building a business. It is the community whether online or offline that drives business for every small business owner. Get involved in your community and share your involvement on social media. This could mean that you share a picture of attending a fundraising event on Twitter or Facebook. You can also get involved with Causes via Facebook.

10. Be Aware of Your Search Engine Rankings

If a client or potential client is researching social media and your name is ranked for the search terms… you are building trust. Check out “4 Basic Rules to Follow with SEO!” If you are looking for information in regards to SEO

In this economy there is one major truth that stands above the rest. Trust equals revenue. If you are a small to mid-sized business it is the amount of trust you can build between clients that strengthens your brand.

With trust comes happy clients and with happy clients come referrals. Trust is an essential block of building your business. Marketing is built under the assumption that stories can create an emotional bond between a consumer and a brand… a client and a service. Are you able to tell a story… create a service and an experience that builds trust?

Social media can help you build that trust.

1. Content

Content is the number one way you can build trust with potential clients. By creating meaningful and thought provoking content you are building a bridge to later sell that person on your services. Talk about what you do on a daily basis. When I say “you”.. I mean YOU are writing and communicating stories that happen to YOU on a daily basis.

2. Transparency

This can also pertain to content or how you use a specific social network. Be human. The people who are interested in your thoughts and suggestions want to know about you as a person. They could care less about a sale that you’re having. They want to know how you helped Jim the construction worker or Susie the accountant.

3. Picture of Your Day

When you are using social networks make sure you put up pictures of your daily life. If you have a cell phone with a camera, take some pictures of your daily routine and share them with your connections. Just don’t over do it. We can only look at so many professional business or glamor shots in a day.

4. Saying Thank You

If somebody helps you share information or decides to retweet a post.. make sure you thank that person. They are helping you spread the word… they are your online evangelists. If you miss a thank you, don’t let it get to you… but do try to make the most of the people that help you out.

5. Time is Important

Remember that you are building relationships. Don’t trust the people that tell you to add 10042 friends and make $5,000 a month. It is a load of bologna. Build your following slowly… create relationships in an online environment that can be transferred offline.

6. Criticism is Important

You will be criticized. That’s the truth of open communication. Take it with stride and respond. If you are debated… make sure you debate back. Stand up for what you believe and you will gain trust with the people who are listening and watching.

7. Guest Post on Another Blog

There are times when you can write different posts for other blogs in order to reach a new audience.  It can help build trust and brand awareness if your content is shared on other sites other than your own blog. This shows other people who believe in your content.

8. Send Out Random Surveys to Your Clients and Readers

It is important that you ask your readers and clients to contribute to the business planning process through social media. It is important that you know what they are thinking… you also want them to understand you care.

9. Get Involved in Your Community and Share on Social

Community development and participation is key when building a business. It is the community whether online or offline that drives business for every small business owner. Get involved in your community and share your involvement on social media. This could mean that you share a picture of attending a fundraising event on Twitter or Facebook. You can also get involved with Causes via Facebook.

10. Be Aware of Your Search Engine Rankings

If a client or potential client is researching social media and your name is ranked for the search terms… you are building trust. Check out “4 Basic Rules to Follow with SEO!” If you are looking for information in regards to SEO