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In the constantly bustling world of social media and online platforms, trust and credibility are the glue that holds successful personal and professional relationships together.
It has become a lot easier in today’s world to build trust with an audience, but this bond doesn’t happen by accident. You must be actively involved and genuinely interested in interacting with your customers.
Here are five strategies that I have found helpful in building trust and credibility, and in turn have opened up many new business opportunities and connections.
1. Social Contacts: Regular posts with a personal touch
A regular and personal online presence is key to building trust and credibility. When you post often and share your own stories, insights and experiences, you show your audience that you are real and relatable. This makes people more likely to get in touch with you.
For a while, you may be sharing with little to no involvement. It will probably take quite a bit of patience and consistency for your connections and credibility to grow.
In addition, make sure your posts are related to your field or area of interest and don’t leave your personality behind. Not only does this make your online presence feel more human, but it also shows your enthusiasm for what you do. If you keep sharing helpful content and interacting with your audience, they’ll be more likely to trust you and reach out to you.
Related: 10 laws of social media marketing
2. Podcasts: A great stage to showcase your expertise
Podcasts are a favorite for sharing knowledge and opinions in today’s world. By appearing as a guest on podcasts, you can showcase your expertise and reach new people. This helps you build credibility and gives listeners a chance to get to know you and your brand.
To get started, search for podcasts in your field and contact the hosts. Tell them about your expertise and how you can add value to their audience. You want to make sure you’re sharing insights and stories that are relevant and helpful to the podcast’s topic and audience.
3. Newsletters: Your own personal bulletin
Sending out a regular newsletter is a great way to keep your audience informed and engaged. By sharing industry news, insights and updates, you showcase your expertise. A well-designed newsletter also keeps your brand in the memory of your audience and encourages them to continue interacting with your content.
To make your newsletter as effective as possible, make sure it looks good, is uncluttered, easy to read, and packed with useful content that your target audience will find interesting.
Be consistent with your newsletter – whether you send it out twice a week or once a month. And always be open to feedback from your subscribers.
Related: 9 Ways to Grow Your Small Business Through Social Media
4. Books: A lasting statement of your expertise
Writing a book is a great achievement that can really boost your credibility and help you make your mark as an expert in your field. By writing best-selling books, you can share your knowledge with a wider audience and make a lasting impression that can lead to new connections and opportunities.
When writing a book, make sure you have a clear message and purpose. Identify your target readers and write a gripping story they will relate to. I’ve just submitted my fourth book to our publisher for final edits and it’s due out this fall. Be prepared for the hard work and dedication it takes to write, publish and promote a bestseller – but don’t forget that the payoff can be incredibly rewarding.
5. Authenticity: the key to lasting relationships
One of the best ways to build trust and credibility is to engage with your audience with sincerity and thoughtfulness.
Take the time to respond to comments and messages you receive, whether on social media, email, or other platforms. Show that you value their interaction and be open to answering questions or addressing concerns. This level of interaction shows that you value your audience and are committed to building strong, lasting relationships with them. It also helps make your brand more human and accessible.
Related: The business of harnessing the power of social media
Building trust and credibility in today’s digital world requires you to be proactive, genuinely engaged and committed to delivering value to your audience. By using these five strategies, you can build a strong foundation of trust and credibility that will lead to more business opportunities and connections.
Take full advantage of the power of technology and the wealth of platforms at your fingertips. You don’t have to do everything, but it is very important to choose at least one strategy and stick to it. Success doesn’t just happen by accident, and you can’t do it all alone – you need the support and connections of others.
As you build trust and credibility, you will find your network growing and new opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. Be thankful for the connections you make along the way and for the support of those who choose to interact with your content. By doing this, you not only build trust and credibility, but you also create a loyal community of followers who stick around to see what you share next.
