Most people are a little skeptical the first time they visit a business website. And that skepticism is pretty healthy; after all, it’s so easy these days to put a website on the Internet that it’s pretty plausible that a large amount of them are just trying to trick and defraud people. But, assuming your aim isn’t to do this, this skepticism, while understandable, isn’t going to do your business any favors.

Why People Don't Trust Your Website - Trust

Image Source: Wikimedia – By Terry Johnston from Grand Rapids, USA (Trust) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

If you’re not getting any clients or sales, it could be because people don’t trust your website.

You have to get rid of some of the common errors businesses make on their website that leads to this distrust. Here are a few of the worst.

Why People Don't Trust Your Website - Site

Image Source: Flickr

It Looks Dated Or Badly Designed

A sleek and modern website isn’t necessarily going to show instant trust among people, but a dated website is definitely going to raise some eyebrows. If there’s a poor look and feel to your site, or no mobile support then people will assume that it’s been quickly and amateurishly put together by people who want a low-cost, low-risk way of getting people’s money.

Don’t allow your website to feel like something someone made on Geocities in the early 2000s. That being said, you don’t want to get too flashy – you don’t want things to be overcomplicated!

You Don’t Have Your Own Domain Name

If you want people to trust your business – especially if it’s an e-commerce business – then it’s essential that you get your own domain name.

If people have to access your website through the domain of your chosen web host, then they’re going to assume you’ve put no money or effort into getting the website made. Plus, it looks extremely unprofessional if you don’t have one.

Imagine if eBay was accessed using an URL such as rackspace.com/ebay. There’s no way it would be at the level of success it’s at today!

Why People Don't Trust Your Website - Domain

Image Source: Wikimedia – By Verisign, Nkagrawal@enwiki (w:File:DotCom Logo OnWhite.jpg) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

There’s No ‘About Us’ Page

It’s strange that so many people assume that an ‘about us’ page isn’t essential.

They tend to see it in the same way they see the ‘guestbook’ pages of old; something of a cute relic that isn’t really that useful and, if anything, is just a waste of time to develop.

An ‘about us’ page does not fall into the same category as a guestbook page (which you definitely shouldn’t have, because that makes your website look dated and amateurish!)

In fact, it’s where most people who visit a website for the first time will go. And why not? They’re on your website to learn more about your business, right? Don’t neglect to write a thorough ‘about us’ page.

Consider throwing some photos in there, too.

Why People Don't Trust Your Website - Padlock

Image Source: Wikimedia – By User: HuBoro [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Where Are The Certificates And Trust Badges?

Last but definitely not least is the lack of SSL certification.

If your website doesn’t trigger the appearance of a green padlock next to the URL bar indicating that your website is secure, then (smart) people are going to turn away pretty quickly.

Make sure you get the right certificates and other security credentials if you want people to trust your website.