"In the world of Internet Customer Service, it’s important to remember your competitor is only one mouse click away." - Doug Warner.

Introduction

Imagine this – you’re the proud owner of a bustling e-commerce store. But how do you stand out in the vast sea of online businesses?

How do you earn the trust of potential customers scrolling through your products? This is where PR and trust marketing swoop in to save the day.

The Importance of Trust in E-commerce

Did you know that "88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations," according to Forbes [1]? Trust plays a significant role in the growing e-commerce world. Shopify tells us e-commerce sales will skyrocket to $5.4 trillion by 2022.

But to tap into this goldmine, you need credibility because 61% of consumers read online reviews before clicking that 'buy' button.

How PR Elevates Your Brand

So, how do you build this trust?

This is where the power of PR comes into play. "In the age of digital media, the most important asset is your brand's credibility," says Forbes.

You're not just boosting your credibility when your brand gets featured on distinguished outlets like Forbes, Entrepreneur, Yahoo Finance, Inc, Fast Company, and others. You're also reaching out to potential customers in the most trusted way possible.

The Power of Podcasts

If you think podcasts are only for leisurely listening, think again. In a survey by Podcast Insights, 54% of podcast consumers said they're more likely to consider the brands they hear advertised on podcasts [5]. This showcases the immense potential of podcasts as a platform for gaining visibility, establishing authority, and fostering trust among potential customers.

PR and Trust Marketing: A Winning Combo

Pairing PR with trust marketing creates a blueprint for success. Being featured in top-tier outlets enhances your brand’s authority, while trust marketing allows you to connect personally with your customers, improving customer acquisition and retention rates.

Tackling Potential Objections

Some might argue that securing these features independently is daunting, even impossible. Or, you might be asking yourself, "Will this investment actually translate into sales?"

According to a Nielsen Global Trust in Advertising report, 83% of respondents say they completely or somewhat trust recommendations from people they know, while 66% trust online consumer opinions. This trust directly influences purchasing decisions, proving the significant return on your PR and trust marketing investments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PR and trust marketing are not just buzzwords in e-commerce. They are powerful tools to gain credibility, reach wider audiences, and, ultimately, increase sales. If you want to learn more about how you can achieve this growth and have it facilitated by a team of experts that get results, click 'Become a Top Trusted Authority' anywhere on this page.

Sources:

[1] Forbes article: [https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2017/12/18/how-fake-reviews-can-hurt-your-business-and-how-to-prevent-them/?sh=6a3a8c14108d]

[2] Shopify blog: [https://www.shopify.com/enterprise/global-ecommerce-statistics]

[3] E-commerce Platforms: [https://ecommerce-platforms.com/ecommerce-selling-advice/build-online-store-steps]

[4] Forbes article: [https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescommunicationscouncil/2018/03/15/why-public-relations-is-important-for-your-business/?sh=6b8046764c32]

[5] Podcast Insights: [https://www.podcastinsights.com/podcast-statistics/]

[6] Nielsen Global Trust in Advertising Report: [https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/report/2015/global-trust-in-advertising/]