You know you trust your product enough to put yourself out there with your decision to open a small business. You provide value and solve problems with your product and service. How do you ensure that your potential clients believe your message? Building trust through transparency in all your marketing and digital creations that are true to who you are, your brand and your vision and mission speaks volumes and is your first step. Transparency plays a crucial role in connecting with your audience. How can you ensure you are crystal clear in all your messaging? There are ways, my fellow business owners. And I’m going to tell you about some of them.

Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say

If you’re scratching your head about transparency, let’s dive into the dictionary definition of the word and how it relates to digital creations and marketing strategies. The first description on Google is the most visually descriptive, so why not use it? Transparency, by definition, is the quality of allowing light to pass through so that objects behind are distinctly seen. That definition is clearly visual, and tangible, and clarifies what is on the other side.

Reaching your audience means allowing them to see you for who you are, your ethics, values, and your human side. It also allows them permission to pull the curtain back without hesitation because you have nothing to hide. 

Stand by your claims. Only make claims that speak to your values and the message you want customers to believe. Don’t overpromise and underdeliver; customers are watching and make decisions based on what you do rather than what you say you will do. So, build your business with transparency at the forefront and watch customers gravitate towards you because you mean what you say and say what you mean. 

Start With Your Story – Tell Them Who You Are

If you want people to gravitate toward your business, letting them peak into who you are is key. Connect with your potential clients by telling them who you are. Tell them where and when it all took root. Think back to the beginning when the dream of owning your own small business was a seedling and the excitement and fear you felt. Tell them your story because human connection and emotions are real driving forces. Let your clients see where it took root, what you’re passionate about, and how you started. And yes, let them see behind the curtain. Did it all start on your kitchen table or by giving freebies to your friends and family during the trial and error period? Your About page on your website or your social media platform is where potential clients will read through to get to know you and your business as they make their decisions.

Letting them in the kitchen helps people see you in action to show them how it’s all done, the people involved, and the values that set your brand apart from others. Let them see you at work. Showcase a peek inside your business on your website or social media pages. It can be as simple as a video of you packing a purchased item for a customer or preparing yourself before clients arrive. You never need to overshare, but snippets of a personal touch go a long way to building trust and connections. 

Avoid Confusion – Communicate Policies and Information Clearly

You have probably experienced the frustration of combing pages and pages of conflicting information or getting moved along to people to find an answer to a simple question, like a return policy or pricing information. Include clear and precise information about pricing structure, fees, services, and products on all digital platforms. Ensure that each platform is accurate, reflects the same information no matter where your clientele looks for the information, and keep it updated. If you increase your prices, make sure clients are informed through all the channels they use, so there is no confusion. Customers appreciate this type of transparency. If you always lead with clarity, they will return even if you do increase your prices.

Clearly state your policies on returns, privacy, and terms of service on your website. Include the information on an FAQ page on your website to help clients with answers to commonly asked questions. If you use social media, either have exact links to your website for that information or list it on your social media pages. If you have an opt-in area for customers to stay connected to you, make sure you provide them with a clear way to opt out as they choose. Remember that straightforward, ethical, and synchronous messaging will help you stand out. These steps will enhance all your other creative marketing strategies because half the battle is getting them to trust you.

Follow Through – Show Up Genuinely

Provide clients with multiple channels to get in touch with a human, whether you as the business owner or someone who manages communication for you. Provide an email address, phone number, and social media connections so that people can reach your company. Stay connected and respond quickly to inquiries, feedback, questions, and complaints so they see you care about them and value their input. When interacting with your clients on social media, be a genuine presence. This interaction is another way for you to show them who you are as a person and a business. Automated messages and bots can be efficient, but customers reciprocate better when they know there’s a real person there to resolve their issues or answer their questions. 

Seek Out Feedback – Post the Good and Bad

Ensure your website and other digital platforms include genuine, authentic reviews of your product and service. You know you’ll never make everyone happy; every business has its fair share of unsatisfied customers. Hiding negative feedback won’t keep you honest. Instead, address the negativity, and don’t be afraid to admit error. It not only shows your human side, but it also shows customers that you value their feedback and are open to making changes accordingly. Instead of taking on a defensive stance, respond with openness and gratitude. Authentic reviews and the feedback from those reviews builds customer trust. Additionally, genuine testimonials serve as social proof of your quality and help potential customers feel connected. 

In today’s fast-paced, AI-infused world of digital interaction, make your brand one that stands out for building a human connection with your audience and customers as a small business owner. There’s a time and place for automation in your business, but creative digital marketing platforms that clearly show your customers who and what you are as a small business owner will take you much further in building a clientele that stays because they trust you. 

 At Ad Creations, we know that synchrony in messaging takes time to build and can be a scary endeavor. Let Ad Creations hold your hand through this process because we know firsthand what it takes to build a small business from scratch and build trust. We know there’s just not enough time in your day to create and maintain all your digital platforms, pitch new clients, and serve your clients. We take the stress of creating and maintaing your digital marketing from you so you can focus on what you do best, serving your clients. Contact us today to inquire and book a free consultation. We’d love to be a part of helping you tell your story.