Fraud Blocker

Easy Ways to Build Customer Trust on a New Ecommerce Website [+Insider Secrets]

Are you launching a new ecommerce website and want to earn customer trust?

No matter how good your new product might be, it’s really challenging for new websites to compete with the likes of Amazon and Tiktok – so, how do you build enough trust to make it happen?

According to the Cohn & Wolfe “Authentic Brands” report (2017), they found that 87% of global consumers believe it is important for brands to “act with integrity at all times.”

With numbers that decisive, it seems Integrity and authenticity matter more to shoppers than innovation or unique products. So, why does trust matter? Here’s why: 

Why Trust Matters:

  • Trust helps turn visitors into buyers.
  • Customers are more likely to return and recommend your store.
  • Trust reduces cart abandonment and increases sales.

What if you have no customer reviews yet?

If you’re starting from ground zero, you’re going to need some tips on how to get things into gear.
Here are four proven ways to build trust and boost sales, even if your store is brand new:

“Building trust on a new ecommerce website is about authentic storytelling, transparent customer service, and delivering on promises. Today’s online shoppers value integrity and real social proof above all else. We’re going to use our experience as a 3PL to explain exactly how to start from the ground up.”

Jake Tripp

Director of Marketing, Launch Fulfillment

how to build customer trust on a new ecommerce website

1. Share Your Brand’s Story on Your Website for Ecommerce

People connect with stories, not just products. That’s why social media marketing is so effective. It’s because people connect with the stories about the product and why someone chose to bring it to market.

The tips:

Key Terms:

  • Brand narrative: The story behind your business, including its purpose and values.
  • Ethos: Building an emotional connection with your audience.

Example:

If you sell rock climbing shoes, talk about your passion for climbing and how it inspired your products.

This is a great starter video for those who need help with marketing their small business on social media. You can’t solely rely on a website – you need to do both.

(video credit: Hubspot Marketing)

Get in Touch to Find Out More

2. Create and Share Quality Content on Social Media and Product Site

Content helps educate and engage your audience. In order to build trust, you need to prove to your audience that you know what you’re talking about when it comes to your product or industry. 

A great way to do that is by sharing quality content. Here’s what we mean:

 

The Tips:

  • Write blog posts that solve customer problems.
  • Share guides, tips, or stories related to your products.
  • Focus on helping, not just selling.

Key Terms:

  • Content marketing: Sharing useful information to attract and keep customers.
  • Authority: Being seen as a trusted expert in your field.

Example:

A post like “10 Best Climbs on the West Coast” is more helpful than “Why You Should Buy Our Shoes.”
how to build customer trust on a new ecommerce website

3. Show That Your Ecommerce Brand Website Is Secure

Customers need to feel safe when shopping. Even if you use a third-party merchant, you are ultimately responsible for what happens with your customer’s personal and financial information.

The Tips:

  • Display security badges (like McAfee or GeoTrust).
  • Use SSL certificates (look for the padlock in the browser bar).
  • Offer trusted payment options (PayPal, Apple Pay).

Key Terms:

  • Trust signals: Visual cues that show your site is safe.
  • SSL certificate: Technology that encrypts data between your site and the customer.

Why it matters:

48% of US shoppers have abandoned a purchase due to security concerns.
how to build customer trust on a new ecommerce website

4. Be Transparent About All Ecommerce Costs

Honesty builds trust and reduces returns. When it comes to our business in the 3PL industry, we have to maintain complete transparency with our brands. 

The Tips:

  • Show clear product descriptions and high-quality images.
  • List all costs upfront, including shipping and returns.
  • Make your return policy easy to find and understand.

Key Terms:

  • Transparency: Being open and clear about your business practices.
  • Return policy: The rules for sending products back.

Stats:

  • 66% check the return policy before buying.
  • 74% will abandon a purchase if return shipping isn’t free.

Pro Tip:

If you use a fulfillment partner, provide order tracking and delivery updates for extra peace of mind.

Get in Touch to Find Out More

how to build customer trust on a new ecommerce website

TL;DR For Building Trust with a New Ecommerce Website

Building trust takes time, but these steps will help you start strong:

  • Tell your story.
  • Share helpful content.
  • Show your site is secure.
  • Be open about costs and policies.
By focusing on honesty, security, and value, you’ll earn customer confidence and grow your ecommerce business.
how to build customer trust on a new ecommerce website

Best Practices & Key Considerations for Earning Trust Online

Trust isn’t built overnight. It’s earned through every detail, from your product pages to your post-purchase emails.

Treat every customer like a future advocate, and your reputation (and sales) will grow. If you need a reliable fulfillment partner, get in touch with us and we can help you scale your ecommerce website without the headache of backend logistics.

FAQs for Building Trust with Ecommerce Websites

What is lack of trust in e-commerce?

Lack of trust in e-commerce refers to customer doubts about a website’s security, authenticity, or reliability, which can prevent them from making purchases.

What is the role of trust in e-commerce?

Trust in e-commerce encourages customers to share personal information and complete transactions, directly impacting sales and loyalty.

Is e-commerce low risk?

E-commerce is not inherently low risk, as customers face potential issues like fraud, data breaches, and unsatisfactory products.

 

All The answers

References

Avoiding the pitfalls of cross-border e-commerce delivery. SupplyChainBrain RSS. (n.d.). https://www.supplychainbrain.com/blogs/1-think-tank/post/31650-avoiding-the-pitfalls-of-cross-border-e-commerce-delivery

Beyond the Road. (n.d.). What Documents Are Required For International Shipping?. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smFTLhddENk

Edwards, K. (2024, March 19). How international shipping methods have changed in the age of ecommerce – e-commerce germany news. E. https://ecommercegermany.com/blog/how-international-shipping-methods-have-changed-in-the-age-of-ecommerce

Segal, T. (n.d.). Delivered duty unpaid (DDU): What it is and how it works. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/delivereddutyunpaid.asp

Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, July 8). Customs declaration. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customs_declaration

 

 
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Jake Tripp

Jake Tripp

Director of Marketing, Launch Fulfillment

I’m an award-winning content strategist and marketing director at Launch Fulfillment. I specialize in helping 3PL brands with content along with any other full-stack marketing needs for ecommerce companies. I help brands nationwide to communicate their values and build loyal audiences.

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