Launching a new business can be both exciting and overwhelming. 

But one of the biggest challenges start-ups will face on their journey is building credibility in a crowded and competitive marketplace. Establishing trust is vital in the early stages, and having a strong reputation is paramount for attracting customers, securing contracts, and standing out against competitors.

Michael Baron, Managing Director of BWS, is breaking down the 5 must-know ways to build credibility as a new business: “Building credibility as a new business can feel daunting, but it can be an exciting way to build from the ground up. It’s crucial to stand out, gain trust, and establish authority in your industry, and with the right strategies, your new business can thrive.”

1. Testimonials 

Sharing testimonials is one of the best ways to showcase your business’s skillset, and build trust. Even in the early stages, you can harness the power of testimonials; they act as social proof that your business not only states what it intends to do, but delivers. 

Seeking testimonials from your first customers or collaborators is a fantastic way to share your positive feedback, but also understand your customer needs better. You can learn from your feedback – what’s working well, what could be improved – and continue enhancing your customer experience. 

Testimonials transcend internal actions, sharing endorsements in your marketing materials and across social media, and on your website, establishes you as a credible, reliable business, and reassures potential customers. 

2. Showcase your expertise 

Credibility comes with demonstrating both knowledge and professional standards. 

One of the best ways to demonstrate that you are both an accredited business, and an expert voice, is to build relevant accreditations, certifications or memberships to accredited bodies, and showcase these accomplishments. 

Showcasing your expertise is a fantastic way to build credibility as a new business. Creating thought-leadership blog posts to publish on your own website, offering free workshops or an expert-led podcast, and appearing in guest articles and credited publications is a fantastic way to signal to potential customers and partners that you’re a genuine source of expertise. 

3. Building a network

Networking is one of the most important ways to succeed as a business, especially in the early stages. Credibility comes from both visibility and connections, businesses should gain trust through networking with customers, suppliers, and collaborators. 

Attending industry events, sharing valuable content, and joining online communities ensures you’re consistently active in the relevant spaces. You can learn from and alongside like-minded people, engage with your audience, and foster genuine relationships with people in the field. Businesses can’t survive without community, so being actively engaged and proactively relationship-building is vital in the early stages. 

4. Strong online presence 

We live in a digital era; the digital presence of a business is more important than ever. A strong online presence is a handshake for a new business. Giving a strong first impression online by showcasing services and products, sharing testimonials, success stories and milestones, and engaging with customers and fellow businesses is vital. 

Consistently posting engaging, high-quality content is key for a new business – reinforcing its reliability and relevance, and reaching potential customers and collaborators. 

5. Reliable customer service

Many new businesses underestimate the power of delivering on their promises, and with that comes reliable and personalised customer service. Responding promptly to enquiries, meeting deadlines, and consistent branding all build trust for the customer. 

Earning respect is paramount. Consistently delivering on your intentions demonstrates that you can be counted on as a business, and builds a credible reputation for repeat custom. 

About Bid Writing Service

BWS (Bid Writing Service) is an award-winning  Lancashire-based consultancy specialising in helping businesses secure funding, contracts, and growth opportunities through expert bid writing and tender support. They offer superb customer service and a targeted, tailored approach.