Google offers numerous products and services that help small businesses attract new customers and develop a loyal customer base. Small businesses can list their business information on Google Places, a rapidly growing small business directory that now carries as much clout online as organic business listings. Google + enhances the social media presence of small businesses that want to notify customers of pending discounts and offers. Google’s growing influence on mobile marketing allows small businesses to tap connect in real time with customers who exclusively download information via their mobile devices.
Now, Google has introduced a program that will strengthen your small business online store. We know that online shopping has increased in popularity over the past ten years. Ecommerce platforms have improved to the point that both ease of transaction and security have become minor issues. However, many online shoppers are still wary of online stores that they do not recognize. Because of the unfamiliarity of the online stores, online shoppers move on to trusted sites where they know their personal information remains safe behind an impenetrable firewall. Google has introduced a service that will help your potential customers gain confidence in the security of your online store.
Google created the free Google Trusted Stores program to eliminate the uncertainty that customers face when deciding which online store to browse. Whenever your customers see the Google Trusted Stores badge, they will not only know your online store is secure, but that they also are shopping with a reputable retailer that will help them make informed purchasing decisions. Google has tested the new program in conjunction with 50 online merchants to work out the kinks. The Trusted Stores program has received incredibly positive feedback from customers and it has increased merchant sales online.
The Google Trusted Stores badge only goes to online merchants that provide superior customer experiences. Google’s online seal of approval will tell customers whether a merchant is trustworthy, offers free shipping, provides quick and reliable service, and has top-notch security. If you have any problems with a Google Trusted Store, Google will intervene and try to get to the root of the problem. The search engine giant’s customer service department will bring you and the merchant together in order to resolve any transaction related issues.
Google’s test results prove that the Trusted Stores program helps businesses of all sizes to increase online sales. For instance, Wayfair saw a 2.3% increase in its online sales, after only a month in the program. Beau-coup, which is a specialty online gifts retailer, reported an online sales increase of 8.6%. The sales increases come on the heels of this new Google service. The company eagerly awaits sales results after six months, when most customers become acclimated to Trusted Stores badges.
Like most Google small business products and services, Google Trusted Stores is a free program for both online shoppers and retailers. The company will continue to fine-tune how it markets this service to customers, so expect some minor changes over the next month or two before the program rolls out in its final version. Sign up for Google Trusted Stores today and attract new customers, increase sales, and differentiate your brand from the competition. Your small business needs every competitive advantage it can get to become your industry’s online sales leader. Don’t forget to check our our recent article on “how to be 1 on Google Search” and you can also get a free seo site report while you are at it.
