10 Proven Methods to Make Your eCommerce Site More Trustworthy in 2025

Trust is a huge factor when it comes to eCommerce, and for good reason.

In a digital marketplace where customers cannot physically examine products or interact with sales representatives, their confidence in a brand plays a pivotal role in decision-making.

Do you know that over 67% of online customers have abandoned their shopping carts due to suspicion? Concerns about online shopping have surged since the early days of eCommerce, making trust more important than ever.

Simply adding trust seals is not enough either. Less than 2% of visitors even pay attention to SSL security padlocks, and these seals often fail to convey genuine reliability. So, what can you do to build trust with your customers? 

In the sections that follow, we will explore practical strategies to enhance your eCommerce site’s trustworthiness. We will share ten proven methods that you can easily implement.

By adopting these strategies, you can create a safe and reliable shopping experience that not only attracts new customers but also fosters long-term loyalty.

The Problem of Trust in eCommerce

Contrary to popular belief, trust in eCommerce is becoming an increasingly pressing issue, even as online shopping gains popularity.

Gen Z Consumers Are the Most Skeptical

One of the major drivers of this skepticism is the growing awareness of online privacy and cybersecurity concerns, particularly among younger consumers. Research indicates that 34% of Gen Z shoppers believe eCommerce sites lack credibility.

In contrast, trust levels among the matured demographics are notably higher: Only about 17% of respondents aged 40 and above express distrust in online stores, while the figure is slightly higher at 22% for Millennials.

Younger customers, as the digital natives we know, are particularly sensitive to the subtleties of an eCommerce site. They often avoid websites that contain typos or have unattractive designs. Also, they are quick to spot unusual domain names or intrusive pop-ups, and they actively seek out positive reviews before committing to a purchase.

Cart Abandonment Is An Issue

Moreover, more than 67% of customers have abandoned their shopping carts due to something that raised their suspicion.

This highlights the balance of trust in eCommerce: While it takes time and positive experience to build trust, a single, significant mistake will lead consumers to shop elsewhere easily.

Trust and Post-Purchase Experience

In the realm of eCommerce, trust is not merely established at the point of sale. Rather, it is an ongoing journey that evolves throughout the customer relationship.

Customers provide valuable insights through their feedback. Brands that actively solicit and act on this feedback demonstrate their commitment to improvement. This responsiveness fosters trust, as customers feel heard and valued.

Especially in the digital age, information spreads quickly. In fact, a single negative experience can tarnish a brand’s reputation – which is not unheard of at all.

It also means that trust encompasses your entire eCommerce experience. In the following, 10 proven strategies will be discussed, including quick fixes that can be conducted on one’s own, and other areas where TrackingMore can help.

Pre-Purchase Stage

When it comes to enhancing the trustworthiness of your eCommerce site, some quick fixes can yield immediate results. These changes may be subtle, but changes the overall perception of the brand in profound ways.

1. First Impressions Matter

First impressions matter, and high-quality visuals can impact customer perceptions. Ensure your product images are clear, well-lit and professionally presented. This attention to detail conveys professionalism and boosts customer confidence in their purchases.

From experience, the best eCommerce stores are often visually directed and clearly themed. When designing your eCommerce storefront, consider the feelings and emotions you want to evoke. If your goal is to instill trust, think about how the combination of words and visuals can enhance that perception for customers.

Remember, the more they feel good, the more likely they are to trust your brand.

Case Study: DJI

DJI stands out as a prominent partner of TrackingMore with a huge focus on the eCommerce channel, especially during its ongoing global expansion.

The online shopping experience on DJI’s website is a key highlight. Visitors are immediately captivated by DJI’s visually striking layout, which emphasizes a sophisticated and futuristic aesthetic. Each product page is meticulously designed, providing detailed descriptions that resonate with tech-savvy consumers.

For instance, the latest model, the DJI Matrice 400, showcases a great slogan: “Engineered for Excellence, Designed for Versatility.” This tagline reflects the brand’s deep understanding of its audience, individuals who value quality, advanced technology, and a variety of applications for their drones.

The website’s major theme colors, futuristic greys, blacks, and whites, create a cohesive and modern look. The high-contrast visuals enhance the overall impression, ensuring that first-time visitors are left with a lasting impact.

Finally, DJI features product videos and testimonials throughout the site, showcasing real-world applications of their drones in action.

DJI’s website exemplifies a well-thought-out strategy that aligns with its brand ethos and market aspirations, making it a benchmark for eCommerce in the tech industry.

2. The Importance of Customer Stories

Customers want to see evidence of product purchases and how others interact with your brand. Building engagement fosters trust and creates a sense of community around your products.

One effective strategy for enhancing your eCommerce site is to prominently display authentic reviews and ratings on product pages. This practice extends beyond third-party review sites, providing potential buyers with immediate access to social proof.

By including testimonials, along with photos or videos from satisfied customers, you add a personal touch that resonates with visitors. For instance, DJI excels in encouraging reviews across various platforms, such as social media, blogs, and product tryouts, thereby enriching the customer experience.

Another simple yet impactful strategy is to encourage user-generated content (UGC). This not only fosters a sense of community but also provides you with authentic content to present on your site. When customers see others sharing their positive experiences, it reinforces their trust in your brand.

3. Have a Clear Returns & Exchange Policy

You would not believe how many eCommerce businesses forget this step.

The gap is clear: nearly two-thirds of customers (65%) will only shop from a website with a hassle-free returns process. More than a third of customers (35%) expect to be able to return an item without having to contact customer service.

To effectively address this need, it is important for one to display clear, concise return policies prominently on your website. A dedicated “Returns” page is a straightforward solution that requires minimal effort. This page should outline the steps for initiating a return, the time frame for returns, and any conditions that apply.

When customers know they can easily return an item if needed, they are more likely to make a purchase. A hassle-free return process not only builds trust but also enhances the overall shopping experience, encouraging repeat business. By eliminating the fear of being stuck with an unsatisfactory purchase, you empower customers to shop with confidence, knowing that their satisfaction is a priority for your brand.

4. Streamline the Checkout Process

If they encounter complications or feel uncertain during checkout, they may abandon their carts and look elsewhere. The most common reason online shoppers abandon their cart is because of additional costs like shipping, taxes and fees (47%).

A simplified and user-friendly checkout process is essential for reducing cart abandonment rates. By minimizing the number of steps required to complete a purchase and offering guest checkout options, you can create a smoother experience for your customers.

Adding Estimated Delivery Dates (EDDs) during the checkout process can further improve customer confidence. By providing clear information about when an order is expected to arrive, you set realistic expectations. Many modern tracking solutions offer AI-powered EDDs that deliver accurate predictions, making them valuable tools rather than mere gimmicks. This information helps convey certainty to customers, reducing any hesitation they may have about finalizing their purchase.

Post-Purchase Stage

Many brands often neglect the post-purchase experience, failing to recognize its critical role in defining customer loyalty and long-term trust. After a purchase is made, customers are not only looking for confirmation but also for ongoing communication and support.

5. Promote Shipment Visibility

Nowadays, customers expect timely updates about their orders. Shipment visibility plays a vital role in meeting these expectations, as it allows customers to track their purchases in real-time. When sourcing post-purchase solutions, prioritize on those that emphasize transparency and effective tracking.

At TrackingMore, we are dedicated to enhancing the post-purchase experience through our suite of tracking solutions. Our services provide real-time updates on shipment status, ensuring customers are informed every step of the way.

Our solution offers end-to-end tracking across 1,400+ carriers and 90+ airlines, and chosen by over 10,000 enterprises since 2014. Our customers’ testimonials reflect strong support of our product’s effectiveness in alleviating their WISMO inquiries, optimizing operations and long-term loyalty.

The reason behind our statistical success is straightforward: Customers value knowing exactly when to expect their orders. This transparency reduces anxiety and significantly enhances their overall experience, leading to increased satisfaction and trust in the brand.

By prioritizing shipment visibility, we support businesses build stronger relationships with their customers, ultimately driving repeat purchases and loyalty.

6. Real-time Tracking Page

As previously discussed, a post-purchase experience is crucial. In fact, 4 in 5 customers check their orders after making a purchase.

What better way to enhance that experience than by offering a customizable branded tracking page for customers to monitor their orders?

With our solution, customers can track their orders with just one click. No more redirecting traffic to a carrier site. Instead, you can keep shoppers engaged on your website by empowering them to check the status of their parcels directly on a professional-looking branded tracking page.

Our tracking page offers customization from colour, language, size and mobile that fits through most of your tracking needs, and we also have a dedicated team that can customize your tracking page further if you need so.

7. Shipment Notifications

Interestingly, email notifications can be leveraged alongside the tracking page to drive upsell opportunities. By providing timely updates and personalized offers during the tracking process, businesses can transform private traffic into increased sales.

Typically, a shipment notification email that includes all relevant shipment details, such as item descriptions, order numbers, and shipping information.

While customers can visit your site or tracking pages to learn about order statuses, automated shipment notifications provide a more proactive and effective approach. TrackingMore, with its robust tracking API and suite of features, provides real-time updates throughout the shipment process, keeping customers informed about their orders’ whereabouts.

This includes notifications for delays, exceptions, and returns that require further attention, ensuring a seamless post-purchase experience.

By sending email and SMS shipping notifications automatically at every delivery checkpoint, you give your customers a sense of assurance. This communication keeps them engaged and informed throughout the delivery process.

Compliance

Trust badges serve as indicators that your site adheres to high standards of data protection and operational excellence.

8. Add Badges & Certifications

Incorporating trust badges, certifications, and security icons, such as GDPR compliance and ISO 27001 certification, on your eCommerce site is essential for reassuring customers about the safety and reliability of their transactions.

This extends to choosing a tracking partner. When selecting a tracking partner, it is crucial to consider the implications of data security.

Given the third-party nature of tracking services, your data security can be at risk. By partnering with a tracking provider, such as TrackingMore, that demonstrates both internal and external processes are verified by GDPR and ISO 27001, you elevate your brand’s trustworthiness in the long run.

Customer Support

When a customer enters a brick-and-mortar store, a sales clerk is ideally available to assist with any questions or concerns. The same principle applies to an eCommerce store, providing immediate and accessible customer support can significantly enhance the shopping experience.

9. Live Chat + Tracking Solution

To effectively manage customer expectations and reduce the volume of “Where Is My Order?” (WISMO) inquiries, consider integrating a live chat feature on your website. This allows customers to receive instant assistance while they shop, answering their questions in real time. You can choose to develop it in-house, but if you are directing to third-party services, the market has different offerings that you can selectively choose from.

On the other hand, it is important that these customer support teams are not overloaded with process-heavy tasks like order tracking. Partnering with a tracking provider like TrackingMore can alleviate the burden on your support staff. With automated shipment notifications and real-time tracking updates, customers can get the information they need without having to reach out for assistance.

Recently, there has been a growing trend to enhance AI customer support agents by integrating API or webhook systems that push logistics updates directly to customers.

This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also allows your support team to focus on more complex inquiries, ensuring that they are available to help when needed.

Mistake to Avoid in eCommerce

Certain pitfalls can undermine your efforts and drive potential buyers away by creating negative associations with your brand. These cues can make your site appear untrustworthy or unprofessional, ultimately deterring potential customers.

10. Avoid Negative Cues

When shoppers browse online, they quickly pick up on certain cues that can make them feel suspicious about a site. Among these, obligatory signups and typos or grammatical errors stand out as the most noticeable.

Many users prefer a hassle-free shopping experience, so when they encounter obligatory signups, it can be a major turn-off.

Typos and grammatical errors also play a significant role. When shoppers see mistakes, it can signal a lack of professionalism and attention to detail. Such errors can make customers question the credibility of a brand.

Additionally, a poorly designed website can create an uninviting atmosphere. If users find navigation difficult or the layout confusing, they may hesitate to make a purchase. This is especially important for mobile users, who expect a seamless experience on smaller screens.

Regarding SSL certificates, while trust seals may not hold the same weight as they once did (i.e. less than 2% of visitors even notice these SSL security padlocks), still, having that SSL certificate displayed can show that you take security seriously. It is a small but effective way to add an extra layer of safety to their shopping experience.

Final Words

From fears about stolen credit cards and identity theft to worries about business legitimacy and the misuse of AI, shoppers have a lot on their minds when it comes to shopping online.

As you work to build and maintain trust with your customers, remember that addressing their concerns at every stage of their journey is key. With the right strategies and trust indicators in place, you can boost confidence, reduce cart abandonment, and ultimately drive more sales. Practically, think about TrackingMore and another series of actions such as live chat function, compliance and operational processes mix to instill trust.