Trust Score Optimization Checklist for Startups
Trust Score Optimization Checklist for Startups
Startups don’t get second chances — especially when it comes to trust. Whether you're bootstrapped, backed, or somewhere in between, this trust score checklist is your no-BS guide to building a startup that *feels* legit and converts like crazy.
Before diving in, check your current trust status at https://offerghost.com and use this checklist to close every credibility gap.
✅ Foundational Setup
- ✔️ SSL certificate (HTTPS enabled)
- ✔️ Branded domain name (no .xyz or .weebly please)
- ✔️ Professional email address (no gmail.com)
- ✔️ Clean, mobile-friendly website design
✅ About & Transparency
- ✔️ Real About page with founder/team info
- ✔️ Clear brand mission or story
- ✔️ Social media profiles linked and active
- ✔️ Contact page with working email or form
✅ Legal & Policies
- ✔️ Privacy Policy (GDPR-compliant if needed)
- ✔️ Terms & Conditions page
- ✔️ Return or refund policy (if product-based)
- ✔️ Cookie notice (for EU/UK visitors)
✅ Social Proof & Reviews
- ✔️ At least 3 public testimonials (real people only)
- ✔️ Trust badges or client logos (if applicable)
- ✔️ Embedded reviews (Trustpilot, Google, etc.)
- ✔️ Case study, success story, or user spotlight
✅ Authority Signals
- ✔️ Featured in press, blogs, podcasts, or directories
- ✔️ Verified Google Business profile (even for online businesses)
- ✔️ Backlinks from relevant or authoritative websites
- ✔️ Founder profile on LinkedIn (public + optimized)
✅ UX & Performance
- ✔️ Page speed optimized (check PageSpeed Insights)
- ✔️ No broken links, missing images, or 404 errors
- ✔️ Easy site navigation (no clutter, no confusion)
- ✔️ CTA buttons that are obvious and trustworthy (e.g., “Start Free Trial” > “Click Here!”)
✅ Bonus Trust Builders
- ✔️ Live chat or chatbot enabled
- ✔️ User-generated content or video testimonials
- ✔️ A blog or FAQ section that answers real concerns
- ✔️ Secure payment gateways (Stripe, Razorpay, PayPal)
Tools to Help You Stay Trusted
- OfferGhost – monitor trust score + get optimization tips
- Sitechecker.pro – check for technical SEO & UX issues
- Trustpilot / Yotpo – collect and showcase reviews
- Hunter.io – verify professional emails & team transparency
Conclusion
You don’t need to be perfect — but you *do* need to look trustworthy from the very first click. This trust score checklist is your startup’s armor in a world full of skeptics. Nail these points, and you’ll gain the confidence of customers, partners, and even Google’s algorithm.
Run your next audit at https://offerghost.com and turn startup anxiety into conversion-ready authority.
Comments
Post a Comment