When you’re running a business, trust is everything. Customers want to know they can count on you. One way to show you’re trustworthy is through BBB Accreditation. But is it right for your business? Let’s break it down.
What Is the Better Business Bureau (BBB)?
The Better Business Bureau has been around since 1912. It’s a nonprofit group that helps customers find businesses they can trust. The BBB looks at how businesses treat their customers. They give ratings from A+ (the best) to F (the worst).
When a business gets BBB Accreditation, it means they’ve met certain standards. They promise to be honest, solve problems quickly, and treat customers fairly. At COSMarketing Agency, we’re proud to be BBB-accredited. You can check out COSMarketing Agency’s BBB listing page to see our rating and reviews.
How BBB Accreditation Helps Your Brand
BBB Accreditation is like a seal of approval. When customers see that BBB logo, they know you’re serious about doing good work. This is huge for your brand reputation. People are more likely to choose a business they trust over one they don’t know much about.
Your online reputation gets a big boost, too. The BBB website ranks high in search results. When people search for your business, your BBB profile often shows up near the top. This gives customers another place to read good things about your company.
Trust leads to more sales. When customers feel confident about your business, they’re more likely to buy from you. They’re also more likely to tell their friends about you. Word-of-mouth marketing is powerful, and BBB Accreditation helps make it happen.
The Pros of BBB Accreditation
Customer Confidence: The BBB logo tells customers you care about quality. This is especially important for businesses where you meet customers face-to-face.
Better Search Results: Your BBB profile can show up when people search for your business online. This gives you more visibility.
Complaint Resolution: The BBB helps solve problems between you and your customers. This can prevent small issues from becoming big problems.
Marketing Tool: You can use the BBB logo in your marketing. It’s a simple way to show you’re trustworthy.
Networking: BBB members can connect with other local businesses. This can lead to new partnerships and opportunities.
The Cons to Consider
Monthly Cost: BBB Accreditation isn’t free. You’ll pay a monthly fee based on your business size. For small businesses, this can be $50-200 per month.
Strict Standards: You have to follow BBB rules. If you don’t, you could lose your accreditation.
Public Reviews: All BBB reviews are public. Bad reviews will be visible to everyone.
Time Investment: You need to respond to complaints and maintain your profile. This takes time.
Who Should Get BBB Accreditation?
BBB Accreditation makes sense for almost all businesses, but some need it more than others.
Blue-collar businesses need this. If you’re in cleaning, pest control, construction, landscaping, plumbing, or similar work, BBB Accreditation is crucial. These businesses often work in people’s homes. Customers want extra proof they can trust you.
Any business where you meet customers in person should consider BBB Accreditation. This includes restaurants, retail stores, service companies, and professional services. That extra layer of trust can make the difference between getting a customer or losing them to a competitor.
Online businesses can benefit too. Since customers can’t meet you face-to-face, the BBB logo helps build trust through your website.
When to Wait
If you’re just starting, you might want to wait. Save your money first. Make sure you have enough cash flow to handle the monthly fees. It’s better to wait a few months than to sign up and then have to cancel because money is tight.
How to Use Your BBB Accreditation
Once you get BBB Accreditation, don’t hide it! Put that logo everywhere:
- Email signatures – Every email should show you’re BBB accredited
- Website design – Put the logo on your homepage and contact page
- Blog posts – Mention your BBB rating in relevant articles
- Social media – Share your BBB updates and include the logo in your profiles
- Business cards – Show you’re accredited right on your card
- Flyers and brochures – Include the BBB logo on all printed materials
- Vehicle wraps – If you have company vehicles, add the BBB logo
The more people see your BBB Accreditation, the more it helps your business.
Making Your Decision
BBB Accreditation is a smart investment for most businesses. The trust it builds usually pays for itself through more customers and higher sales. If you work directly with customers, especially in their homes or businesses, BBB Accreditation should be at the top of your list.
To learn more about what COSMarketing Agency, our BBB Accreditation, and to schedule a FREE marketing assessment, you can call 407-334-9378, email us at COSMarketingAgency@gmail.com, or use the calendar link below.
