Why It Matters and How to Build It
When it comes to marketing, there's one thing that's more important than anything else…
What is it?
Well, it's called the know, like, and trust factor.
If you read my blogs or hear me talk, you'll know that I mention this all the time. So, I thought it was about time to delve into this amazing factor, why it matters for small businesses, and how you can start building it today!
Let's start with what is it.
What is the know, like, and trust factor?
Nah – it's not Champagne… but that can help!
First of all the know, like and trust factor is about building relationships with your clients and ideal clients (your target market).
I know it seems obvious, but simply put, the know, like, and trust factor is exactly what it says it is.
It is how well your ideal clients (both existing and future) know, like, and trust you. And you do that through building relationships.
Know, like, and trust factor – right there.
So, why is the it so important for small businesses?
Why the know, like, and trust factor is so important
Basically, it's so important because if people don't know who you are, they're not going to like you, and they definitely won't trust you.
And if they don't like and trust you, then they're not going to buy from you or engage your services.
Mike drop!
Let's delve a little deeper.
Building relationships
First, building relationships and creating connections – it's what the know, like, and trust factor is all about.
If people don't know who you are, how are they going to be able to like or trust you?
Answer: Well, they're not going to. You won't have any form of relationship or connection with them, so they won't trust you or your product or service. And that means they are highly unlikely to buy from you.
If your ideal clients don't know who you are or what you're about, they're simply not going to be interested in doing business with you.
On the other hand, if your ideal clients do know who you are and they like what you stand for, then they're much more likely to feel a connection with you and therefore trust you. And that means they are more likely to buy from you.
And the higher the level of like and trust, the easier it is for your ideal clients to make that decision to buy from you or engage your services.
Now I'm not saying the relationship is that all your clients are going to be your new BFF. It means that your ideal clients feel like you:
- are speaking to them in their language
- demonstrating that you understand them
- “get” them and what their lives are like
- your products and services can help them – it's what they need in their life
That's what building a relationship (in business and marketing) is about.
Standing out
Second of all, it's important because it helps you stand out from your competition.
If your ideal clients (your target market) don't know you exist, they're not going to be able to compare you to other businesses in your industry.
But when they know, like, and trust you, they're much more likely to choose you over your competition.
I'll say that again.
When your ideal clients know, like, and trust you (and your products or services) they are much more likely to choose you over your competition!
Most likely because you have developed a relationship with them. (As explained above.)
Growing
Finally, it's important because it can help you increase your sales and grow your business.
When it comes to sales, it can be the difference between a customer making a purchase or moving on to someone they perceive as more trustworthy.
Also, when people know, like and trust you, they are more likely to recommend you to others.
Of course, establishing trust takes time – you can’t just expect people to hand over their hard-earned cash without getting to know you and your product or service first. But if you can find ways to speed up the process, you’ll be well on your way to making more sales and growing your business.
Building the know, like, and trust factor for your business
So, how can you start building the know, like and trust factor in your business?
Here are a few ideas:
- Start by creating a strong online presence. Make sure your website is up to date and that you're active on social media.
- Share your story. Why did you start your business? What are your values? What makes you different from your competition?
- Be consistent. Consistency is key. Make sure you're always putting your best foot forward and that your clients can count on you to deliver what you promise.
- Provide value. What can you offer your ideal clients (target market) that will help them solve a problem or achieve their goals?
- Be genuine. People can spot a fake from a mile away, so make sure you're being authentic in everything you do.
Building the know, like and trust factor takes time, but it's worth it. If you focus on creating relationships with your ideal clients and providing them with value, you'll be well on your way to success.
There you have it!
The know, like, and trust factor is important for small businesses because it helps you build relationships with your ideal clients, stand out from your competition, and increase sales.
If you focus on creating a strong online presence, sharing your story, being consistent, and providing value, you'll be well on your way to building the know, like, and trust factor in your business.
