What is a trust signal?

Let’s say you’re interested in a book you aren’t familiar with—this book, for example.

Before you buy it, you wonder, “Can I trust this author?” Can you trust that their book will be worth your money and your time?

The author, in turn, tries to prove their trustworthiness in a number of ways:

An accomplished and relevant biography

Glowing praise from well-known people on the cover

Five-star reviews on Amazon

Acclaim on social media by people you follow

Coverage in news media outlets you know and respect

These are examples of trust signals, the points of evidence that individuals, companies, and brands use to win one another’s trust.

Mastering these signals is the single best way to build, grow, and protect your brand in today’s post-truth world—where trust is the most precious commodity of all.