Let’s be honest—building trust is hard. Especially when you’re juggling a million things just to keep your business running.
If you’ve ever wondered why your competitor shows up first on Google (even though you’re clearly better), or why customers don’t always remember your name after that first visit—it’s not just you. Branding and visibility can feel like an uphill climb.
But here’s the thing: when people trust your brand, they’re more likely to choose you. And when Google sees that trust reflected online? You move up in search results.
This guide is all about creating a local brand that people believe in—and that Google wants to promote.
Why Trust is Your Local Superpower
For small and medium-sized businesses, trust isn’t optional—it’s everything.
- 90% of consumers say trust in a brand is a key factor in their purchasing decisions. (Edelman Trust Barometer, 2023)
- Google’s local algorithm looks at things like consistent reviews, website credibility, and accurate listings to determine rankings.
So, yeah—trust isn’t just good for business. It’s good for search engines, too.
Start With What You Can Control: Your Online Presence
Your website and Google Business Profile are your digital front doors.
Ask yourself:
- Is your contact info consistent across platforms?
- Does your website load quickly and work on mobile?
- Are your hours accurate on Google and social?
Try this:
Google your business name right now. What comes up? What’s missing? What needs a refresh?
If your answer is “Uh… I’m not sure,” that’s OK. That’s where you start.
Be Findable AND Familiar
Trust starts with visibility. People can’t trust a brand they don’t see.
Social media helps you stay visible in the day-to-day.
Email marketing helps you stay in their inbox and mind.
Google helps people find you when they need you most.
Together, these platforms reinforce your brand—if you keep things consistent. That means:
- Same logo and colors across platforms
- Voice that feels authentic (no robot-speak)
- Regular updates, even if they’re simple (consistency builds familiarity)
Pro tip: Show your face now and then. People trust people, not logos.
The Review Ripple Effect
If you’re not asking for reviews, you’re missing out—big time.
- Reviews influence 87% of consumer decisions (BrightLocal, 2023)
- Google factors both quality and frequency of reviews into your local ranking
Try this:
Send a quick text or email after a sale with a link to your Google or Yelp review page. Keep it simple. Make it easy.
Don’t have time to follow up consistently? That’s where automation or a service partner ( hi) can help.
Build Authority One Post at a Time
You don’t have to be a content machine. Just show up with value regularly.
Blog posts, short videos, or even quick tips on social can:
- Answer customer questions
- Show what makes you different
- Improve your SEO over time
Example:
You own a bakery. A quick post on “3 Tips for Storing Fresh Bread” not only helps your customers—it tells Google you’re the expert.
What Google Loves = What People Trust
Here’s the thing: Google’s algorithm is smarter than ever. And it’s increasingly focused on real signals of trust:
- Accurate info
- Helpful content
- Genuine engagement
So when you focus on building trust with real people, you’re also doing what Google wants.
No Time to Do It All? You’re Not Alone.
You’ve got enough on your plate. Between running operations, managing staff, and keeping customers happy, it’s easy to let branding and online presence slide. But every day you wait is a day your competitor gains ground.
Ready to take the guesswork out of marketing? Let’s chat—your time matters, and so does your success.
Reach out to ElevateYourBrand today and let’s make your brand the one they trust (and Google recommends).