Be transparent. Never ever trick the user

Part 4 of 8 | January 10, 2019 | by Claudio Torres

Be transparent. Never ever trick the user

In the offline world, with companies of brick and mortar, advertising sometimes exaggerates - to say the least - in the qualities of a product or service. I am not here to discuss business ethics, but merely to say that traditional advertising has long been known for stretching the truth.

On the Internet, however, transparency is not optional - it is mandatory. The online consumer is savvy, connected, and empowered with tools to verify claims instantly. Fake reviews, misleading product descriptions, and deceptive pricing are quickly exposed and shared across social networks.

The speed at which information travels online means that any attempt to trick or deceive users can backfire spectacularly. A single dissatisfied customer can reach thousands through social media, review sites, and forums.

Build your digital presence on honesty and authenticity. Be transparent about your products, services, pricing, and policies. When mistakes happen - and they will - acknowledge them openly and work to make things right. This approach builds trust and loyalty that no amount of clever marketing can replicate.

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