Better Business Bureau seal of Approval

Does it make a differnce?

[lgn]

We are looking at applying for the Better Business seal of approval, for web sites.

Anybody done this, and has it made a differnce in conversion rates?

[pmac]

I have both the reliability seal and recently got the privacy seal as well. (Be prepared to jump through hoops to get it) I think it really adds an air of credibility to your site.

If you are really serious about e-commerce, it is a small price to pay for such a recognized brand of trust.

Oh, and as an added bonus, you get a real nice link from the BBB. :)

[digitalghost]

I just recommended getting the BBB seal to a client after watching conversions rates increase by nearly 2% sitewide. Tracked conversions on that particular site for a year, and within 3 days of adding the seal noticed the increase in conversion rates. Average conversion rates were 3.32 percent before the addition of the seal, (from search engines) and 4.01 percent from PPC campaigns before the addition of the seal.

Conversion rates remain a consistent 5-6% throughout the site with the goal being 9%. (we wish) :)

[sleet]

BBB is restricted to US & Canada, is it not? Anyone any experience with Which Web Trader seal in UK/Europe?

[Big_Brother]

The BBB listing is certainly one that yields authority and trust, although some folks feel they are at easy risk for a smear campaign with the BBB due to the ruthless retail markets they service. However, if all is calm, then I think its an invaluable -- and FREE -- tool to help bolster credibility.

Another interesting concept is a listing with your local Chamber of Commerce. This is nothing new and of similar credentials to the BBB, but I've found some Chamber of Commerce websites will list your URL. What a nice perk, and we can all use the extra PR for the proverbial icing on the cake of credibility.

The drawback is a listing with the Chamber of Commerce costs money (sometimes big bucks depending upon your area) whereas the BBB is free. Me thinks the CoC will welcome your membership & yearly fee, but at the rate they charge in some states, it'll be difficult to pump more commerce back into them. :)

-- Big Brother

[pmac]

Hello Big_Brother, and welcome to WebmasterWorld!

The BBB online program is not free unfortunately. The fee for the reliability seal will vary depending on the local BBB branch, but count on a one time fee of close to $200.00 USD. The privacy seal fee is based on your annual sales, and ranges from $200.00 USD per annum for sites with less than 1 million in yearly sales.

[Dante_Maure]

I think its an invaluable -- and FREE -- tool to help bolster credibility.

75$ application fee plus a minimum of $200 per year.

Though for any decent size business that can realize the same 2% boost in conversions outlined above... that's a very well invested $275. :)