How Displaying Accolades Boosts Authority
Showcasing Industry Awards and Certifications
With so many things happening online that are not quite what they make out to be trust has become everything. Consumers are doing more research than ever before, scouring websites, reviews, and even your social media from five years ago (yes, that Instagram post from 2019 is still being judged). When potential customers arrive at your site, they’re looking for signs that you’re not just another pretty homepage but a reliable business that delivers.
One of the most powerful ways to build that trust and establish credibility is by showcasing your industry awards and certifications. Let’s be real: Awards and certifications aren’t just for show – they’re your golden ticket to saying, “Hey, we know our stuff!” Let’s explore exactly how these accolades can help boost your authority.
1. Building Trust with New and Existing Customers
Trust is the glue that keeps customers coming back for more. But building that trust, especially with new customers, can be tricky. Think of awards and certifications as trust shortcuts – they’re like the fast lane at the airport, but for credibility. When a visitor lands on your site and sees logos of well-recognized awards or certifications, it’s like you’re waving a giant “We’ve Been Vetted by Experts” flag. It’s not bragging (well, maybe a little), but more importantly, it’s reassuring.
Best-in-Class:
Take Salesforce, for example. They proudly flaunt their Forbes Cloud 100 ranking and ISO 27001 certification on their site, letting you know that they don’t just talk the talk – they walk the well-certified walk. These badges of honour reassure clients that Salesforce holds itself to the highest standards, especially when it comes to security and innovation.
2. Boosting Brand Authority and Reputation
Sure, awards look great on a trophy shelf (or a website), but they’re much more than shiny objects. They position your business as a leader. Whether you’ve won for innovation, sustainability, or just being an all-around great business to work with, awards and certifications set you apart. For smaller businesses, awards can level the playing field, putting you in the same league as the big players. And for those bigger players? It’s a great way to keep that reputation sparkling.
Visual Suggestion:
Show off a few snaps of your team celebrating an award win – people love to see a business that knows how to celebrate success. Add a section on your site where you can casually drop a few logos of your certifications and awards. Nothing says “We’ve got this” like a visual wall of honour.
3. Improving SEO and Visibility
Here’s the thing about awards – they don’t just make you look good. They actually help people find you. When you win an industry award, it’s likely that local news, blogs, and industry platforms will write about it. These articles often include valuable backlinks to your website, which Google loves. And when Google’s happy, everybody’s happy.
Good backlinks from reputable sources are like the social currency of SEO. The more you get, the more your website rises through the search engine ranks. Not to mention, customers are much more likely to click on a site that proudly displays its accomplishments.
Best-in-Class Example:
Stanley/Stella, the ethical clothing brand, showcases their B Corp status and Fair Wear Foundation certification as part of their sustainability commitment. These aren’t just badges of honour; they’re conversation starters. News articles, ethical fashion platforms, and eco-conscious blogs love linking back to them, boosting Stanley/Stella’s SEO and visibility.
4. Standing Out from Competitors
Let’s be honest, the online marketplace is crowded. It’s like trying to stand out at a costume party where everyone’s dressed as a pirate. How do you differentiate yourself? Awards and certifications can be your shiny hook. Customers comparing multiple businesses are more likely to pick the one that’s been recognised by experts.
Certifications, in particular, show you have the technical skills to back up your claims. In a crowded industry, they’re the nudge that makes customers say, “Okay, I trust these guys.”
Visual Suggestion:
Create an “Achievements” page on your site with all your awards and certifications in one place. It’s like your business’s greatest hits album – easy for customers to browse and appreciate all your hard work (and a sneaky way to remind them why they should choose you).
5. Establishing Authority in Content Marketing
Awards aren’t just for show – they’re fantastic for content. Whether it’s a blog post, a social media update, or a case study, weaving in your awards and certifications reminds your audience that you’re the real deal. It’s subtle but effective.
For instance, writing a post on sustainability? Drop in a mention of your B Corp status. Talking about technical expertise? Mention that recent industry certification you bagged. It’s a great way to build authority without having to scream it from the rooftops (though if you want to, we won’t judge).
Best-in-Class:
Eileen Fisher, the sustainable fashion brand, seamlessly incorporates their B Corp and Fair Trade certifications into their content. It’s not front-and-centre in every post, but when the topic calls for it – like sustainability or ethical production – they don’t shy away from reminding customers of their commitment to doing things right.
So, there you have it. Showcasing your industry awards and certifications isn’t just about patting yourself on the back – though you totally should. It’s about building trust, standing out from the competition, and improving your visibility online.
Need help figuring out how to showcase your awards and certifications without feeling like you’re showing off? We’ve got you covered. Reach out to us at letstalk@usual.ie, and let’s make your achievements shine!
