3 Ways to Build Brand Trust Through Social Media

Social media started sometime in the 1990s, first with blogging sites, then social media sites like MySpace and LinkedIn, and of course Facebook and Twitter. Today, the variety is unbelievable – growing every day – with many social networking sites letting you link them for cross-posting.

Businesses need to reach their consumers however they can and for many that begins with social media marketing. Businesses need to create brand loyalty on whatever platform their customers use and build relationships that create customer loyalty. I will cover three ways your company can build brand trust using social media platforms.

Be Consistent With Your Brand Voice

Social media is about building relationships so it stands to reason that robotic messages can be a big turnoff. Your posts needs to be written in a way that reach your customers on a human level. Audiences love being able to interact with their favorite brands. This type of interaction especially on social media platforms will help you make trust-building connections.

You can also build trust by using entertainment. Your posts don’t always have to be about your company. Provide value in a fun and creative way such as videos, contests, sweepstakes, and infographics. This is the time to display your brand personality.

Be Honest

Customers hate fake messaging. They can see through deceitful brand intentions. What they want is truthful messaging that honestly reflects your company’s values.

Being honest lets people know you don’t have anything to hide. Being honest and open about your company’s operations can go a low way for your customers. Social platforms, especial visual ones like Instagram, give you the perfect platform to reflect your company’s principles and answer customer queries.

Mistakes are bound to happen. If a mistake happens, address it promptly. A bad review can hurt your business but resist the temptation to delete it. It’s best to respond to a complaint or mistake with a positive message. The steps you are taking to remedy or resolve the situation can create a positive compelling story. This approach can be a powerful demonstration that you listen to your customers and you aren’t trying to hide anything.

Be Socially Responsible

A good way to build trust with your customers is to let them know that your company is not just about profits but also giving back to the community. Social media is the perfect platform to communicate to your audience about any charitable or volunteer initiatives your company has taken. I’m not saying that you should brag about your efforts, that can turn your audience off, but you can deliver the message in a way that shows your company cares and encourages them to make their own contributions.

You won’t gain your followers trust overnight. You’ll need to put in a lot of commitment and effort to build trust and credibility on social media with your business brand. If you can establish a trusting relationship with your audience, the payback can be significant. Your followers will be more likely to stick with you, and you’ll have a better chance at converting those followers into long-term, paying customers.