Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
In the fast-paced world of social media and online platforms, trust and credibility are the glue that holds successful personal and professional relationships together.
Building trust with an audience has become much easier in today’s world, but those bonds don’t happen by accident. You must be actively involved and genuinely interested in connecting with your customers.
Here are five strategies that I have found helpful in building trust and credibility, and in turn, they have opened up many new business opportunities and relationships.
1. Social: Regular posts with a personal touch
Having a regular and personal online presence is key to building trust and credibility. When you post often and share your own stories, ideas, and experiences, you show your audience that you are real and accessible. It makes people more likely to engage with you.
For a while, you can share with little or no commitment. It will probably take some patience and consistency before your relationships and credibility grow.
Also, make sure your posts are related to your field or area of interest and don’t hold back from showing your personality. It not only makes your online presence more human, but it also shows your enthusiasm for what you’re doing. If you continue to share helpful content and engage with your audience, they’ll be more likely to trust you and connect with you.
Related: 10 Laws of Social Media Marketing
2. Podcasts: A Great Stage to Showcase Your Expertise
Podcasts are a favorite for sharing knowledge and opinions in today’s world. By appearing as a guest on podcasts, you can show off your expertise and reach new people. This helps you build credibility and gives listeners a chance to get to know you and your brand.
To get started, search for podcasts in your field and contact the hosts. Tell them about your expertise and how you can bring value to their audience. You’ll want to make sure you’re sharing insights and stories that are relevant and helpful to the topic and audience of the podcast.
3. Newsletters: Your own personal newsletter
Sending out a regular newsletter is a great way to keep your audience informed and engaged. By sharing industry news, ideas and updates, you show your expertise. A well-designed newsletter also keeps your brand in the minds of your audience and encourages them to continue engaging with your content.
To make your newsletter as effective as possible, make sure it looks good, is clean and easy to read, and contains useful content that your target audience will find interesting.
Be consistent with your newsletter, whether you send it twice a week or once a month. And always be open to feedback from your followers.
Related: 9 Ways to Grow Your Small Business Through Social Media
4. Books: A lasting statement of your expertise
Writing a book is a great achievement that can really boost your credibility and help you leave your mark as an expert in your field. By writing bestselling books, you can share your knowledge with a wider audience and make a lasting impression that can lead to new connections and opportunities.
When you write a book, make sure you have a clear message and purpose. Identify your target readers and write a compelling story they will relate to. I just submitted my fourth book to our publisher for final edits and it’s coming out this fall. Be prepared for the hard work and dedication it takes to write, publish and promote a bestselling book – but remember, the payoff can be incredibly rewarding.
5. Authenticity: the key to lasting relationships
One of the best ways to build trust and credibility is to genuinely and thoughtfully engage with your audience.
Take the time to respond to comments and messages you receive, whether on social media, email or other platforms. Show that you appreciate their interaction and be open to answering questions or addressing concerns. This level of interaction shows that you value your audience and are committed to building strong, lasting relationships with them. It also helps make your brand more human and accessible.
Related: The Business of Harnessing the Power of Social Media
Building trust and credibility in today’s digital world requires you to be proactive, genuinely engaged, and committed to delivering value to your audience. By using these five strategies, you can build a solid foundation of trust and credibility that will lead to more business opportunities and relationships.
Take full advantage of the power of technology and the wealth of platforms at your fingertips. You don’t have to do everything, but it is very important to choose at least one strategy and stick to it. Success doesn’t happen by accident, and you can’t do it all on your own – you need the support and connections of others.
As you build trust and credibility, you will find that your network grows and you will have new opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. Be grateful for the connections you make along the way and for the support of those who choose to interact with your content. By doing this, you’ll not only build trust and credibility, but you’ll also create a loyal community of followers who will stick around to see what you share next.