Let’s get one thing straight: people don’t trust easily online. When was the last time you entered your credit card info on a website without hesitating for a second?
For eCommerce stores, trust is gold. You could have the best products in the world, but if people don’t trust your site, they won’t buy. That’s where trust badges come in.
Trust badges are like little signals on your website that scream, “Hey, it’s safe to shop here!” They make visitors feel secure, and that’s no small thing. In fact, nearly 61% of customers won’t complete a purchase if the site lacks trust logos.
So, let’s dive into the 7 ways trust badges can boost your eCommerce store’s conversion rates. But before we do that, let’s get clear on what trust badges are and why they matter.
What Are Trust Badges?
Let’s start with the basics. What are trust badges? In simple terms, trust badges are small icons or symbols displayed on your website to reassure visitors that your store is trustworthy and secure.
They can range from payment security logos to customer satisfaction seals. The idea is simple: these badges provide an extra layer of credibility that can push a visitor from “just browsing” to “buying.”
Trust badges can come in various types. Here are some of the most common trust badges types you'll see on eCommerce sites:
1. Payment Security Badges
Payment security badges indicate that the store uses secure methods to process customer payments. These are among the most commonly recognized trust badges and can have a significant impact on a customer’s decision to make a purchase.
Take a look at Gymshark. On their checkout page, you’ll find payment security badges for Visa, MasterCard, and PayPal. This reassures customers that their transactions are safe.
Image source
2. Third-Party Endorsements
These badges come from well-known security companies like Norton, McAfee, or Google. They indicate that a third-party has vetted your website and confirmed it meets their security standards.
For example, Holabird Sports, an athletic gear retailer, displays the TrustedSite badge. It reassures shoppers that the site meets the latest security standards. The badge adds an extra layer of trust for first-time buyers.
Image source
3. Money-Back Guarantee Badges
A money-back guarantee badge is powerful because it tells customers that you stand behind your product. If they’re not happy, they get their money back. This badge works wonders for reducing buyer hesitation, especially for first-time visitors who aren’t familiar with your brand.
Check out Goli, a supplement brand. They proudly display a money-back guarantee badge on their homepage and product pages.
Image source
This lets potential buyers know that if something isn’t quite right, they can easily return the product and get a refund. It takes the risk out of the transaction, and that’s a big win for conversions.
4. Free Shipping Badges
Free shipping is a huge incentive for online shoppers. A badge highlighting this perk can make a customer feel like they’re getting extra value, which often tips the scale in favor of making a purchase.
Warby Parker includes a badge stating “Free Shipping & Returns” on its product page.
Image source
This badge encourages customers to take the leap and try out their eyewear. It's because they know they can have it shipped for free and returned at no extra cost if they’re unsatisfied.
5. Industry Certification Badges
In niche industries, you can use certification badges from well-known authorities. These show that your products or services meet specific standards, which can go a long way in building credibility.
If you browse the website of Bombas, you’ll see a Certified B Corporation badge on their footer.
Image source
Having this certification confirms Bombas' commitment to meeting high environmental and social standards. For shoppers who prioritize these values, the presence of these badges can be a deciding factor.
6. Customer Review Badges
Customer reviews and ratings are especially important for new customers who are visiting your site for the first time. When they see that others have had good experiences, they’re more likely to convert.
Take the example of Allbirds, a popular shoe company. They have a "Customer Reviews" badge on their product page, showing thousands of positive reviews. This badge is a subtle but powerful nudge, telling new customers, “Look, all these people love our shoes—why wouldn’t you?”
Image source
Another example is from Adagio Teas. It displays a Google Reviews badge, showcasing the feedback from real customers. A lot of people trust Google’s reviews because of their authenticity. Seeing this badge can give shoppers an extra boost of confidence.
Image source
Now that you know what trust badges are, let’s look at how they can skyrocket your conversion rates.
1. Reduce Abandoned Carts
Every eCommerce store faces the issue of cart abandonment. In fact, a study done by Statista revealed an average cart abandonment rate of 70%. One of the biggest reasons? Customers don’t feel secure.
Image source
However, adding trust badges can increase buyer confidence. You can add trust badges that emphasize secure payments and money-back guarantees.
In another study by Baymard Institute, 25% of shoppers abandon their carts because they don’t trust the site with their credit card info. A simple secure payment badge can change that.
Image source
2. Boost First-Time Buyers' Confidence
Imagine you’re shopping on a website you’ve never heard of before. No matter how good the product looks, there’s still a lingering doubt in your mind about the legitimacy of the store.
But if your store has trust badges indicating that the store is credible and has been verified by trusted third parties, you'll have a higher chance of gaining potential buyer's trust.
Studies found that showing a trust badge can increase conversions by up to 42%. That’s not something to ignore, especially if you’re running a newer Shopify store. Those secure checkout badges make people feel safe, and safe people buy.
3. Influence Last-Minute Decisions
Are you familiar with “last-mile anxiety?” It's when a customer is on the final checkout page but hesitates before committing to the purchase. This is where trust badges like a money-back guarantee or secure checkout come in handy.
That little extra push from a trust badge can tip the scales in your favor, convincing the customer to go ahead and complete the order. It’s all about making them feel like the risk is low and the reward is high.
After all, who doesn’t love a money-back guarantee?
5. Improve Your SEO Rankings
Trust badges can indirectly help your SEO rankings. How? By increasing your conversion rates and reducing bounce rates.
When visitors see a trustworthy website, they’re more likely to stay longer and interact with your content. The longer visitors spend on your site, the more Google sees your site as valuable, which can boost your search engine ranking. In short, more trust equals more engagement, which equals better rankings.
7. Strengthen Your Brand’s Reputation
Lastly, trust badges help build your store’s reputation. Over time, a trustworthy brand becomes a household name that people recommend to friends and family.
And guess what? That reputation is worth its weight in gold.
By consistently using trust badges, you’re sending a message that your store is reliable, secure, and customer-friendly. This long-term investment pays off in repeat customers and organic word-of-mouth marketing.
How to Leverage Trust Badges
For the best results, trust badges should be placed strategically on your website. The most common places include your homepage, product pages, and checkout pages.
Each of these spots serves a different purpose in guiding customers toward making a purchase. For instance:
- On the homepage, you can use third-party endorsement or customer satisfaction badges to make a strong first impression.
- On product pages, a money-back guarantee or free shipping badge can reduce hesitation.
- On checkout pages, security and payment badges are crucial to make the final step in the buying process feel secure.
If you're already using Debutify Theme, you can easily add Trust Badges on your website. It's just one of it's over 70 widgets you can take advantage of.
Trust Badges: Conversion Powerhouse
Trust badges may be small, but their impact on your eCommerce store’s conversion rates is huge. By building trust, simplifying decisions, and easing customer anxieties, they become a powerful tool in your conversion arsenal.
So, whether you’re using trust badges on Shopify or another platform, remember this: trust is the currency of eCommerce. And trust badges are the key to earning it.
