It doesn’t take long for someone to form an opinion about your brand, and in fact, most people make up their minds in just a few seconds. That’s why first impressions matter so much, especially in crowded industries where customers have more choice than ever.
So how do you build trust right from the start, before anyone’s even read your about page or tried your product? It’s about how your brand looks, sounds, and feels the moment someone sees it, and with that in mind, keep reading to find out more.
Look Like You Mean It
People naturally trust brands that look like they know what they’re doing. That doesn’t mean you need to be high-budget or try to show off, but it does mean the visuals (like your logo, colours, typography, packaging, and photography, for example) should feel like you’ve chosen them for a precise reason.
In other words, nothing should feel like a placeholder, and if you’re using default fonts or clashing colours, it suggests the brand hasn’t quite worked itself out, but when the design is consistent, clean, and considered, it tells people you’re serious, and that builds trust.
Be Clear About What You Do
One of the fastest ways to lose a customer’s confidence is to confuse them, which is why you need to keep things simple and definitely make sure your website and packaging clearly say who you are, what you offer, and why it matters.
If someone has to scroll or squint to work out what you do, they’ll likely move on – and they probably won’t come back – but if it’s obvious, friendly, and focused, they’ll feel like they’re in the right place, and that’s the first step to building trust.
Work With The Right People
It’s not always easy to build this kind of trust on your own, especially if you’re close to the brand. That’s where outside help comes in, and why it’s important to choose the right people to work with.
Vesper Studio, a Wine, Beer, Spirits creative agency, is one example of a team that specialises in this exact thing; they understand what makes consumers stop, look, and trust a bottle, brand, or product, and how to get that feeling across at first glance.
Sound Human
Your tone of voice says a lot. If it’s stiff, confusing, or overly salesy, people might wonder whether they can rely on you, but when your brand sounds warm, honest, and human, it’s easier for people to feel a connection.
That doesn’t mean it has to be informal – just natural. Speak like someone who knows their stuff and cares about the customer because the more relatable you sound, the more trustworthy you seem.
Get The Details Right
Trust comes from the small stuff as much as the big stuff. Broken links, clunky checkout processes, spelling errors, and so on, all chip away at credibility, whereas smooth navigation, carefully written copy, and well-thought-out design all add up to a brand that feels trustworthy.
It’s the same with packaging and labels – if they look rushed or mismatched, people might hesitate to buy, but if they’re clean, clear, and professionally finished, they’re more likely to be something people want.
