5 seconds or less…that’s all the time your website has to make a positive impression on visitors!  In this series we are looking at ways to create instant online trust and credibility to encourage site visitors to stay longer.

In the last article we talked about the power of pictures to create an immediate sense of credibility. Logos are similar to pictures in that they create instant “visual” meaning.  Displaying partner, association etc. logos on your website provides strong visual clues to your visitors about the validity of your web presence.

Here are five ideas of the kinds of logos to show on your site that create instant credibility and trust:

1) Do you accept credit cards? Display the logos of MasterCard, Visa or American Express.

2) Certifications provide instant meaning to visitors. Instead of just noting certifications in the about section, display the logo(s).

3) Logos of Partners -Do you partner with other companies to deliver service or products? Again in addition to writing about them, show the logos.

4) Member of the Chamber, Industry Trade Organization, Business Networking Group…yep you guessed it…show the logo on your site.

5) Awards or Honors-Have you or your company received any awards or recognition for your work? In addition to press releases or other articles, don’t forget to display the logo(s) on your site!

Logos can serve as powerful messengers to your site visitors.  They help to tell the visual story of your company and serve as an instant reference!  Leading to credibility and the first steps to building an online relationship!