Do you think your website design influences the users' impression? Studies show that it takes them less than a second to form an opinion about a web page, and if they find it reliable, they’ll consider browsing it. But if they have doubts, off they go. The scrutiny doesn’t end with the way your homepage is designed. As they browse through the website, they continue to judge various aspects, from the overall appearance to the product description and contact section. If at any time, they find the content unattractive or their security endangered, 40% of them will exit the page. The appearance of the website can lose you a lot of traffic. And while many articles can tell you how to enhance the aesthetics of the site, few provide guidance on how to make it look trustworthy. If your visitors feel your website is a scam, you’d find it impossible to turn them into customers.
This article covers some tips on how to make a website look more reliable, so it looks like a safe destination for your clients.
Choose a reputable domain
The first thing your visitors observe when they get to your website is the domain name (or as many of you know it the web address). To attract their attention, make it memorable.
How can you do it?
Your domain should include the main keyword. For example, if you provide PR services, sydneyprmaster.com sounds like the right choice because it makes clear to users what the page is about.
Pick a high-quality domain extension. Even if the Internet allows you to be playful with the domain extensions, it’s best to stick with the traditional .com .uk (or specific to your country).
Check if your brand name is a copycat. You may think that you’ve been creative when you chose the name of the business, but it looks like someone else already trademarked it. So, think of something else if you don’t want to face a sue and get your web page down. For clients, a website with a copied name sounds anything else but reliable.
Select the right content management system
A content management system is one of the tools used to build a website and manage content. Top-notch ones provide advanced protection, support fast processing, and oversee the program code.
When building a website, pick a robust content management system because vulnerabilities may appear in time, and only an effective content management system can prevent security issues. These systems receive periodic upgrades to support the software, and their latest versions withstand the most recent threats and hacking techniques.
The most popular content management system platforms of the moment are WordPress and Joomla because they are user-friendly, and they enhance security. Their features are convenient for the user because they can operate modifications for both development and marketing tasks.
High-quality web design
Adobe revealed that Internet users prefer websites designed to look beautiful, over pages that were created to look elementary. This means the aesthetics of the website matter, and its something you should pay attention to.
At the end of the day, the first impression your site makes comes from its design. Illegible text, crowded elements, colours that hurt the eye, distressing colour combinations, and excessive ads are only some of the things that can deter a client from your website.
How can you make your website’s design look more aesthetically pleasing?
Use unique pictures and illustrations. Nothing shows your lack of interest more than stock photos. That’s why well-known brands use high-quality unique photos and illustrations. Take pictures for each of your products, present your team members, and work with designers to create original content for your web pages.
Place the call to action in a visible spot. All your pages should include a primary call to action that asks your visitors for a specific action. For example, if you want your clients to check your latest collection of sneakers, place a clear call to action on the homepage to make it easy for users to notice it.
Create an attractive layout. The layout of the website should align with your brand image. Work with a design agency to add elements to your website that enrich the visitors’ experience and make the site more pleasurable to browse. Don’t consider your website a blank wall for text. It’s a mix of elements that creates a multimedia experience for your clients.
Post trustworthy content
People browse the Internet because they need information. They land on your website for the same reason. At least in the case of first visitors, they check your link because they need a solution for their problem. Buying your products or signing up for the newsletter is of secondary importance for them. So, strive to attract them for the content you post.
When they like the information you offer, they may consider your call-to-action and buy what you offer.
How can you post high-quality content on your website?
Work with a team of professional copywriters. Your website is more than a place where you showcase your products. It’s a resource that explains how they function, engages clients, and retains audiences. A copywriter would know how to create content that communicates the right messages to your clients, better than you. Because while you know best your products, they know best how to create reliable content that captures people’s attention.
Double-check everything you post. Make sure each piece of content you post is accurate. If you public wrong information, you harvest mistrust, and your visitors won’t respond to your call-to-action. They may even rate your website as a misleading resource.
Keep your word. Show your clients you’re trustworthy. When you make promises and claims about your products, make sure they’re real. Don’t misrepresent a product because it alienates clients and tarnishes your reputation.
The bottom line
Your website is the reflection of your brand, and you can gain your clients’ support if you promote the idea your website is a reliable source of information. Work with experts to design a platform that makes your business look reputable.
Online Threat Alerts Security Tips
Pay the safest way
Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.
Guard your personal information
In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.
Be careful of the information you share
Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with
Know who you’re dealing with
Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.
Check your accounts
Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.
Don’t believe promises of easy money
If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.
Do not open email from people you don’t know
If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.
Think before you click
If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.
Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond
If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.
Be careful with links and new website addresses
Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.
Secure your personal information
Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.
Stay informed on the latest cyber threats
Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.
Use Strong Passwords
Strong passwords are critical to online security.
Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs
Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.
Update the operating systems on your electronic devices
Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.
What if You Got Scammed?
Stop Contact With The Scammer
Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.
Secure Your Finances
- Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
- Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
Check Your Computer
If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.
Change Your Account Passwords
Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.
Report The Scam
Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.
Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:
- Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
- Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
- Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.
How To Recognize a Phishing Scam
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.
Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:
Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might
- say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
- claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
- say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
- include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
- want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
- say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
- offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real
About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)
Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.
By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.
With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.
Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.
Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).