Day 15: Several of you have contacted me since my Day 6 Blog, Every Picture Tells a Story, Don’t It? You wanted to know other ways to build trust by way of your website other than the four proof points I referenced, which were using client pull quotes throughout your website, video testimonials, perception, attitude and satisfaction research, and case studies.

But first, I have a few surefire ways to destroy trust for those who enjoy the macabre, the disturbing and the appalling. To destroy trust, utilize a tremendous amount of stock photography throughout your website. This might take a few moments to accomplish, so if you’re looking for a way to obliterate trust, use the stock photo above. I believe this lovely young lady is the true Internet sensation with more impressions than Frank Caliendo. For a little added juice, put your stock photography on a template or themed website, and stick a canned newsletter under the category Resources. That should just about do it.

But, if you’re looking to gain trust, here are a few more suggestions to consider. Use logos. Yes, use your logo and others, too. The logos of your clients are of tremendous importance. People want to know the businesses you’re doing business with, even their competitors. Industry knowledge is critical to many decision makers, so don’t hold back. And by all means use the logos of any awards, achievements, recognition from trade groups and certifications that you might have earned. Of course product reviews and social proof is important, but so are press pick-ups. Press releases are ineffective for building trust, but when your releases appear in a trusted periodical, now you have something worth showing.

And I can’t possibly forget to mention, as I’m half way through 30 Days of Blogging, blogging. Want to build trust? Do what I’m doing. Want to toss it out the window? Blog once. Or blog twice, three months apart.