As consumers become savvier with their pre-purchase habits, it is important for all businesses to make a solid impression online. Trust has to be earned before a consumer

makes a purchase from a website. Small businesses can have the same impact on new customers as large corporations do by using their website to promote trust in their business.

In order to help your website send a trustworthy message to all consumers, BBB recommends the following simple steps:

Display the BBB Dynamic SealOne of the best ways to send a clear message that your company is trustworthy is to display the BBB Dynamic Seal. The seal includes your BBB Rating along with a direct link to your BBB Business Review. If you have not installed the BBB Dynamic Seal, visit www.bbb.org/online/business/dynamicseal.aspx or call Accredited Business Services at 512-445-4748.

Keep Your Writing Strong and ConciseMany consumers do not want to read long blocks of writing when they visit a website. Instead of providing every detail about the products you sell on your website, highlight your services with short, strong sentences. Make sure someone in your office proofreads for typos or grammatical errors before publishing.

Include High Quality PicturesPictures are a great way to show the quality of work you perform, but if they are fuzzy, pixilated or too small, it

can have a negative effect on how consumers perceive your business. Invest in a digital camera to produce higher quality photos which are much better than what you can take with a phone. A good camera model will cost around $100.

Embed Videos to Add a Personal Touch Use videos to demonstrate your products, give a tour of your business or provide customer testimonials. Consumers visiting your website will feel like they have met you and your employees before they ever visit your business. The same digital camera you take pictures with will most likely have a video option that can work well in most settings.

Promote Secure Purchasing According to a recent study from Internet security group, KikScore, 60 percent of consumers who did not complete an online purchase did so because they were not sure the website was secure. If your business accepts or collects payment through your website, be sure to highlight it is a secured transaction. Display a security seal or create a button or graphic which explains clicking on it will take the customer to a secured checkout page.

Austin • Centroplex • Corpus Christi • Laredo

Permian Basin • San Antonio • Victoria • Waco

May 2012

VOL

62 No. 5

Simple Steps to Create More Trust on Your WebsiteHighlight your strengths and keep the message clear to attract new customers

®®

For more tips on promoting the trustworthiness of your business, visit centraltx.bbb.org/advantages-of-accreditation.

NewMarchAccreditedBusinesses

2

®

AUSTIN5-D Systems, Inc.A & J ContractingAAA RoofingAAA Water RescueABH GlassAll Around Irrigation, LLCAmazon BackyardsAmberger AutomotiveAnthony Ribera General ContractorAppliance ExpressArroyo ElectricAustin ComfortZone LLCAustin Green & ConservationAustin Marble Company, Inc.BaseballChi.com LLCBell and Son Hole DrillingBig Boys Collision Center IncBlue Diamond TournamentsBorgelt LawBudget Banners & SignsCapitol City CarpentryCoolhead Tech LLCCulligan of San MarcosD & B Tree Company, IncDayton ContractingDeLeon & Washburn PCDigDug Construction, LLCDowning HomesDr. William G. Kaylakie DDSEcomajik Green ProductsEmerald IrrigationEnergy GuysFlores & Lopez Law FirmGary R Brown CPA, LLCGeneration America LLCGlobal Environmental Services LLCHero Painting ServicesHill Country Class 3Hill Country PlansHillco Trees & LandHometeam Pest DefenseInnovative Aftermarket Systems

L.P.Jeanene Smith MA, LPC, LMFTKanga Room SystemsKorgone Web Design, LLCLogic Mechanical IncLonestar Beverage SystemsMaxwell ManufacturingMcDaniel PropertiesMenduni Martindill PLLCMEP Construction ServicesMidland Map Company, LLCMystikal MotionsNocturnal Custom CabinetsOne Call PlumbingPlanet Fitness

Pool Scrubs of AustinPrecise Custom Homes, Inc.Pressed 4 TimeRandy Evers Roofing &

ConstructionRogers-O’Brien Construction

Company, Ltd.Rooftech SolutionsSan Marcos Interpreting ServiceSchlueter Electronics &

RefrigerationScott & CoonerSCproservices, LLCSlay Pools & MoreSolar Protection ScreensSouthern’s Fine DiningSteve Reitz Company, Inc.Sunset Glass TintingSurety Title CoSwank Enrichment CenterTaylor Made CabinetsT-Byrd Painting & Construction

ServicesTexStar JanitorialToluca GraniteTurfologyUBuildIt BastropVictory PlumbingZed’s Restaurant

CENTROPLEX/WACOABS Bookkeeping & Tax Srvc IncAccountable Taxkeeping Systems

IncAlamo Sign CompanyAlfina’s Place Inc.Carbajal Realty IncHaden Family DentistryM’s Therapeutic MassageOliver Brothers Transmissions

Copperas CovePerez MaintenancePhysicians Hearing CenterPrecision Landscaping & Lawn

MaintenanceRalph Melendez PaintingRose RealtyTexas TanTranquil Retreat HomeTrey’s Fuel Injection Service IncWaco Ear Nose and ThroatWinkler Insurance Agency

CORPUS CHRISTI/VICTORIAAdaptive Driving AccessAdvance Paving and ConstructionAKH ConstructionBart Floerke Insurance Agency

Call Albert Landscaping LLCCBT Business GroupCustom Home ExteriorsGuardian Angels Caring ServiceJones Tilley Roofing & Sheet Metal

CompanyNate Inc.Oasis PoolsPayless Insurance AgencyPoolz and SpasPro Pool & Spa ServiceRJ Contracting and PaintingSaga Broadcasting, LLCSmith Ranch InvestmentsThe Tortuga ClubTropical Pools & SpasWanner Law FirmWerner’s RestaurantYoga Studio of Corpus Christi

PERMIAN BASINNectar ComputersNight Owl DetectiveSlaton Waterfalls & PondsTree SpecialtiesVersatech Electronic Tax Center

SAN ANTONIO/LAREDOEfren A. Moreno MDA-Affordable Foundation Repair &

ConstructionAbility Med SupplyAGS GraniteAll About Fence & RepairAll Pauls Plumbing CompanyAllTex Pest ControlAztec Tax Services & ConsultationBreezy by Nature LLCBuilders Interior ProductsCakes & More Bake ShopCaminero ConstructionCasias Tire ShopClearPoint Financial Solutions, Inc.Cortez Roofing, IncDel Norte FoodsDuncan Mann Fine HomebuildingDustless Air Filter CompanyE.E.R.C. Contracting ServicesElectric Motor BearingsFaith Roofing & Remodeling LLCFast Gorilla MarketingFelux Custom Homes and

RemodelingFitness Pro DirectFive in One Construction &

RemodelingFuller & CompanyFuller Home Construction

George’s Sewer ServiceGerardo Noriega Architect LLCGFS Servco, LLCGreen Air CoGWM Insurance BrokersHealthTech Products, LLCHy O SilverImperial Custom BuildersIron Horse RVKeltic DrillingKolorkist CleaningKris Dental PCLand AlterationsLaredo Lawn ServiceLaw Offices of Carroll & Hinojosa,

PLLCLGI Homes - Canyon Crossing

SubdivisionLittle Blessings EC Learning CenterLopez Contracting & RemodelingMission Trading CoMontano ElectricMr. Clutch Car Care CenterMy RepairmanNewman Glass CoNoribilt PerformanceOld Mine JewelryParadise Car Wash & Detail CenterPena’s Air Conditioning &

ContractingPool WavesQuality Security ProductsQuest PlumbingRainbow Station Learning CenterRoyal Tax ServicesSan Antonio PlumbingSelect Transmission & AutomotiveSouth Texas FenceStatewide Service Co.Ted’s Home RepairTrinity Glass and Aluminum, LLCTropical PoolsUniversal Auto Hail RepairUniversal Pursuit

3

Special thanks to our Corporate Partners!

Have You Claimed Your BBB Business Review?Enhance your company’s profile with BBB and ensure your information stays up-to-date

COVERT AUTO GROUPCAGContinental Automotive Group

Consumers are turning to BBB more than ever before for information on local businesses. This year alone, your BBB has provided more than half a million reports to consumers looking

to spend their money with trustworthy businesses. To ensure your company’s information is 100 percent accurate, take control of your BBB Business Review by claiming your listing today. As a BBB Accredited Business, you have the ability to stand out from the crowd by uploading photos and videos to your BBB Business Review, as well as customize your business description, products and services and refund and exchange policy. You can also fine tune details about your business, such as hours of operation and the areas you serve. Help your potential customers make an informed decision by keeping your information up-to-date. BBB staff will verify your business e-mail address is correct before publishing any changes.

O�cial variations of the Castle & Cooke Mortgage, LLC logo:

Need Help? Check out our step by step video tutorial

located on the Sign In page or contact BBB Accredited

Business Services at 512.445.4748 or

info@centraltx.bbb.org.

1. Go to centraltx.bbb.org

2. Click on Check out a Business or Charity

3. Enter your business’ name and click Search. Click on your company name to pull up your BBB Business Review

4. Hover your mouse over For Businesses in the blue bar and click Claim this Review

5. Enter your e-mail address and select No, I am new

6. Fill out your information and create a password

7. Follow the directions as prompted and use your verification code. This code is the same as your Members Only login password provided by BBB.

8. Log in and edit your business information

Follow these simple steps to claim your BBB Business Review:

Better Business Bureau, Inc.1005 La Posada DriveAustin, TX 78752

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

AUSTIN, TX

PERMIT NO. 60

BetterBusinessBureau Trust Talk | May 2012

Trust Talk is published by Better Business Bureau 1005 La Posada Drive, Austin, TX 78752. Trust Talk is published for executives and employees of BBB Accredited Businesses in its 79-county service area. All rights reserved: the contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or part without written consent of the publisher. References to or mention made of any company, product or service herein is not to be interpreted, per se, as statements derogatory of such company, product or service, but as information obtained from sources believed to be reliable for the use of BBB Accredited Businesses and subscribers. Because the matters contained in this Trust Talk concern matters of the utmost public importance and concern in providing a free flow of information to our companies concerning business enterprises in the Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin area, BBB encourages BBB Accredited Businesses to contact their local BBB with any follow-up material concerning the reports in this newsletter or any other matter to assist BBB in fulfilling its function of improving the economic system through informed decision-making.

Return Service Requested®

®

Impa

ct &

Influ

ence

Rep

ort

Inside this issue

1

2

3

4

4

Simple Steps to Create More Trust on Your Website ..........

New Accredited Businesses …….….............................................

Have You Claimed Your BBB Business Review? ..................

March Activity Report ............................................................................

In March 2012, your BBB...Increased total Accredited Business locations to 10,918Provided customers with 165,772 BBB Business ReviewsHandled 1,850 disputesAssisted 6,693 people over the phoneHosted 452,878 website page viewsSent 1,709 Request a Quote customer referrals to Accredited Businesses

In March 2012, your BBB was mentioned 489 times by 67 local media outlets including…

Get news as it happens! Join BBB’s press release list at centraltx.bbb.org/press.

BBB Corporate Office1005 La Posada DriveAustin, TX 78752

Contact BBB

P: F: @:

512.445.4748 512.445.2096info@centraltx.bbb.org

youtube.com/user/CentralTexasBBB twitter.com/CentralTexasBBB facebook.com/YourBBB watchyourbuck.com

Find BBB on...

Roofing ContractorsPlumbersHome Builders Auto Repair & Service Swimming Pool Contractors, Dealers, Design Landscape Contractors Fence Contractors ElectriciansContractors - GeneralConstruction & Remodeling Services

Marc

hTo

p 1

0 I

nq

uir

ies

RevocationsadsLED Inc: Unresolved complaint(s)

Bo Farmer Air Conditioning: Unresolved complaint(s)

Budget Automotive Repair: Failure to respond to one or more customer complaints filed with BBB

Hillsboro Storm Shelters: Unresolved complaint(s)

Js Auto Sales: Unresolved complaint(s)

Lamar Plumbing, Inc.: Unresolved complaint(s)

Moss Electric: Failure to maintain required licensing

PMI Moving: Failure to maintain required licensing

The Freeman Company: Failure to respond to one or more customer complaints filed with BBB