What Are Trust Badges & Why Do You Need Them?

As any online business knows, building trust with your audience is crucial in converting casual website visitors into loyal customers. Of course, the best way to establish a trusting relationship is to provide high-quality content and be of service to your audience.

However, you can also add trust badges to your website as a subtle way to communicate the legitimacy of your brand. These visual cues can significantly impact a customer’s decision to engage with or purchase from your website.

In this post, we’ll explore the role and importance of trust badges, provide examples of these symbols, discuss their design and placement, and explain how they influence consumer behavior. We’ll also explore how and where you can obtain trust symbols for your site.

What is the Role of Trust Badges?

Trust badges are small icons or symbols displayed on websites to reassure visitors that the site is secure, credible, and trustworthy. These badges serve as trust signals, conveying critical information about your business practices, security protocols, and customer service standards.

For instance, a trust badge might indicate that your site uses SSL encryption to protect sensitive data or that your business complies with specific industry standards. These trust seals help reduce bounce rates and cart abandonment while increasing conversions by alleviating concerns about safety and legitimacy. They give customers peace of mind and are one of the many ways to build trust.

Here are a few additional reasons why they’re so important:

• Increase Confidence: Trust badges tell visitors they can share their information or make a purchase without fear or fraud. With so many questionable websites online, potential customers want to know you’ll protect their data, and they want to know they’ll receive what they’re paying for.
• Improve Credibility: They signal that your business is legitimate and complies with recognized industry standards. This can help people see you as a leader in your industry and could be why someone purchases from you rather than a competitor.
• Reduce Cart Abandonment: According to reports, 85% of customers look for trust badges when purchasing. Without them, potential buyers could take their money elsewhere. Including them on your checkout pages could encourage customers to make their purchases.
• Boost Conversions: If fewer customers abandon their carts, your conversion rates will soar. A clear display of trust from one of these badges can encourage hesitant buyers to act, ensuring your business continues to turn a profit.

6 Examples of Trust Badges

There are various types of trust badges, each serving a unique purpose. Here are some of the most common examples you might see on other websites or want to add to your own:

Source: Eshop Box

1. Secure Payment Badges

These badges indicate that your payment process is secure and encrypted. Examples include logos from payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, or Visa Secure. These symbols are especially effective when displayed on checkout pages because they’ll help many buyers feel more comfortable submitting their credit card information.

2. SSL Certificate Badges

An SSL badge shows that your website uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption to protect data. Visitors recognize this as a sign that their personal and payment information is safe. As a result, they may be more inclined to make a purchase knowing they can trust you with sensitive details.

3. Money-Back Guarantee Badges

These badges promise customers that their money will be refunded if they are unsatisfied with their purchase. This assurance reduces perceived risk. It also provides peace of mind for those buying from you for the first time.

4. Free Shipping Badges

62% of online shoppers won’t purchase if free shipping isn’t available. Meanwhile, 48% of consumers will abandon their cart if they discover additional shipping charges. If your business offers free shipping, include a badge on your product and checkout pages to inform buyers. There’s a good chance they’ll add more items to their cart, knowing they don’t have to worry about extra fees.

5. Third-Party Endorsement Badges

Trusted organizations, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), McAfee, or Norton, issue these badges. They act as a stamp of approval from a recognized authority.

6. Customer Review Badges

Badges showcasing ratings or reviews, such as “Verified by Trustpilot” or “5-Star Reviews,” highlight positive customer experiences and build social proof. When potential buyers see that other customers have been satisfied with your product or service, they’ll feel more confident purchasing.

Trust Badge Design, Size, and Placement

The effectiveness of trust seals doesn’t just depend on having them. Their design, size, and placement are equally critical. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

• Design: Ensure the design is simple and recognizable. To boost authenticity, use colors and logos consistent with the issuing authority. Avoid badges that look unpolished or overly generic, as they can have the opposite effect and undermine trust.
• Size: The badge should be large enough to be noticeable but not so big that it disrupts your site’s layout or looks out of place. If you display multiple badges, use uniform sizes to maintain a clean and professional appearance.
• Placement: To give a positive first impression, highlight security or third-party endorsement badges prominently on the homepage. To reassure buyers, display trust symbols related to secure payment or SSL encryption near the payment fields on checkout pages. Place badges in the footer to ensure they’re visible across all pages without cluttering the design.

How Trust Badges Affect Customer Behavior

Trust badges play a vital psychological role in influencing customer decisions. For one, they can aid in reducing anxiety.

Many online shoppers hesitate due to fears of fraud, identity theft, or product quality issues. Trust badges address these concerns by providing visible proof of safety and legitimacy. This can encourage impulse purchases since customers will feel confident in your website.

Customers who feel secure during their first transaction are more likely to return, increasing lifetime value. Trust badges from reputable organizations lend credibility to your brand, fostering a positive image and encouraging word-of-mouth referrals.

How and Where to Obtain Trust Badges

Getting trust badges involves partnering with relevant authorities or implementing specific technologies. Here’s how you can acquire them:

• Secure Payment Badges: Partner with recognized payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, or Square. Once you integrate their payment systems, most will provide logos or badges for your site.
• SSL Certificate Badges: Purchase an SSL certificate from providers like Let’s Encrypt, GoDaddy, or DigiCert. After installation, you can display their accompanying trust seal.
• Money-Back Guarantee Badges: Design your badge or use templates to communicate your refund policy. Make sure to align this with your terms and conditions.
• Third-Party Endorsement Badges: Apply for certifications from organizations like the BBB or secure antivirus partnerships with companies like Norton or McAfee. These often require compliance checks or annual fees, so ensure your site is prepared beforehand.
• Customer Review Badges: Use platforms like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, or Yelp. After collecting reviews, integrate their badge or widget on your site.
• Custom Badges: Create custom badges highlighting unique selling points, such as “Locally Owned” or “Sustainably Sourced.” Use a professional designer to ensure quality.

Build Trust and Grow Your Online Business

Trust badges are more than just visual elements. They’re powerful tools for building credibility, reducing customer anxiety, and boosting sales. By understanding their role and strategically implementing them, you can create a secure and trustworthy shopping experience that encourages conversions and loyalty.

Here at Hushly, we offer various solutions to take your business to the next level. Our software has everything you need, from our landing page builder to A/B website personalization and abandonment capture.

Book a demo today to experience it firsthand.