Establishing your online credibility takes time. If you make mistakes along the way (like most of us do) it will take even longer.
Credibility is one of the rarest yet most powerful commodities online. If you have credibility, you’ll be able to get people on your email lists, get joint venture partners and get others to buy with ease.
Without credibility, nobody will give you their credit card number.
So how do you go about establishing your online credibility? You can do so in a few easy steps.
1. Share Your Story
A lot of marketers say you need to have a compelling “where I came from” story. I think most people just want to know a little about you.
Most of us think we are boring. But you will be surprised how many people will think you have an interesting story.
Have you ever noticed how just about every product ever invented has a story? Weight loss products tell the story of someone who was perpetually overweight finally losing the fat. Real estate gurus talk about how they went from rags to riches.
Stories are compelling. Figure out an attention-catching, respect-inspiring story to base your online identity around.
Just tell the truth. Some people in this business lie because they think they have to have some underdog makes it big story. Not everyone has that.
2. Show Results ?
Being a very private person this is one I struggle with. That’s why you see the question mark.
I know how easy it is to put false results out there.
Don’t be afraid to share the results that you’ve personally received if you think you need to.
If you’re giving advice about how to make money, share exactly how you are making money. If you’re giving advice about losing weight, share your exact measurements.
People want to be able to relate to you. They want to be able to feel that you’re one of them, know what they’re going through, and that if you can do it so can they.
3. Use Proof Elements on Your Page
You should have several proof elements readily visible on your web page.
For example, if you’ve appeared on radio stations, put the logos of the radio stations on your page under “as seen on.”
If you have before and after photos, put those on your page as well.
A lot of people put pictures of themselves with internet marketing stars they met at internet marketing conferences on their websites. I see people all the time at conferences asking to have their picture taken with the guru’s.
To me all it means they have a picture with someone. Most times the guru barely knows the person if at all. I guess you could use it to say see I attend conferences.
The idea is to give people bite-sized chunks of credibility. They might not even consciously look at it, but just having them there makes a difference.
4. Make A Good First Impression
The first impression is very important. Though you can’t tell your whole story in the first impression, it’s important that you have one or two proof elements here.
Have a before and after picture above the fold if your market is weight loss.
Or have a killer testimonials prominently displayed on the front page. Or have your most spectacular achievement showcased upfront.
If you are just starting out don’t be afraid to say that. People will respect you if you are putting out good information they can use.
This site was started as a way to tell you about people in the internet marketing industry that will not rip you off. Anyone I recommend means I have used their products and know you will get your money’s worth if you apply the information they give.
They really want you to succeed.
5. Work To Get Social Proof
Social proof is one of the most powerful ways of building credibility. Why? Because it doesn’t come from you.
Social proof means that other people who have no financial gain from endorsing you like your product enough to go out of their way to help you. It sends a strong message.
Social proof includes comments on blog posts, testimonials on other people’s blogs or word of mouth endorsements from friends.
Forum marketing could be a great way for you to gain some credibility. People see you helping other people.
These are a few of the most powerful ways to establish your credibility online. In the beginning, this process takes quite a bit of thought, as you have to plan out your story and discover your proof elements.
Once you’ve got it down, however, your proof elements will keep working for you again and again, without you having to do much work.
Below I have a 12 minute video with Chris Brogan questioning Carrie Wilkerson of The Barefoot Executive. I read the book in December and highly recommend it. There are a lot of gems in this conversation about establishing your credibility.





