Know what you want to purchase but are skeptical about the business? Want to understand how you can know if a website is legit? You’re not alone.
With 13.4 million scam pages and phishing in 2023, a significant rise of 27.8% in global phishing activities from 2022, buyers need to do a thorough website reviews check before considering buying from a business.
But where to check if a website is legit?
In this article, we’re helping you understand how to check if a website is legit.
As a business owner, you can take notes and improve your credibility with these tips.
How to Know If a Website Is Legit
From ensuring secure connections to checking scam reviews websites, here are the top 11 ways to check if a website is legit.
1. Check for Secure Connections
When browsing online, the first and foremost thing you should do to guarantee a website is legit is to check for a secure connection. Here’s how you can do it:
- Start by looking at the URL — ensure it begins with “https://” rather than “http://”. HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, indicating that the site uses encryption to protect your data. It is a combination of HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and SSL (Secure Socket Layer) / TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocol.
- Next, click the padlock icon in the address bar to verify the SSL certificate’s validity. This certificate is like a digital passport that authenticates the site’s identity and ensures all data passed between the web server and browsers remain private.
- Lastly, study the payment options if you plan on making a purchase. Reputable sites often use secure payment gateways like PayPal or credit card processors with robust security measures. If a website only offers unconventional payment methods, consider it a red flag.
For example, look at the multiple payment options Amazon provides:
2. Analyze Website Design Quality
Right off the bat, a website’s design quality may not seem crucial in determining its legitimacy. However, no serious business would like to have a lackluster website to bring them sales.
So, start by examining the layout. A professional, clean design with a logical structure shows the site is trustworthy. For instance, reputable websites like Apple feature intuitive navigation and uncluttered interfaces to enhance user experience.
Remember to pay attention to grammar and spelling.
Legitimate businesses invest in their online presence. They ensure their content is well-written and error-free. Frequent typos or awkward phrasing can be red flags, suggesting a lack of professionalism or even a potential scam.
For example, the websites of established brands like The New York Times or BBC maintain high standards in their written content, reflecting their credibility.
Also, notice the website’s logical structure that enhances CX.
Consistency in branding elements is another key aspect to consider when determining the legitimacy of a website. Reliable websites have a cohesive look and feel, with uniform fonts, color schemes, and logo usage across all pages. This consistency builds trust and reinforces brand identity.
A site that seems disjointed or uses mismatched elements might appear inauthentic. Consider the branding consistency of ecommerce giants like Nike, where every page and piece of content adheres to the brand’s visual guidelines.
This becomes even clearer when you compare their websites based on region. For example, the above image shows Nike US, while the one below shows Nike Japan.
The websites follow a similar structure and CTA buttons to offer a consistent experience to their consumers regardless of region.
3. Verify Contact Information
Verifying a website’s contact information is one of the easiest yet most effective ways to determine its legitimacy.
Here’s how:
- Start by looking for a genuine business address. Reputable sites usually list a physical address that can be verified through Google Maps or a quick online search.
- A functional phone number is another key indicator. Try calling the number to see if it connects to a real person or business voicemail. Legitimate businesses will have working phone lines to assist customers.
- Finally, check for a valid business email contact. Send a test email to see if you receive a timely and professional response. Businesses that care about their credibility will ensure all these contact details are accurate and easy to find.
For instance, well-known ecommerce companies like Lululemon provide clear, accessible contact information, reinforcing trustworthiness among their existing and potential customers.
4. Look for Trust Seals and Certifications
Trust seals and certifications are your best friends when determining a website’s credibility. Do you know those badge badges from Norton, McAfee, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) you see on reputable sites? They’re there for a reason.
These recognizable trust badges show the site has undergone rigorous security checks, ensuring your personal and financial information stays safe. In fact, InFlow tested trust seals for ecommerce and found a bump in conversions in most cases where websites had these seals.
Another layer of security comes from verified SSL certificates. You’ll often find badges from trusted authorities like DigiCert or Comodo. These certificates mean your data is encrypted, keeping the hackers at bay. Think of it as having a digital bouncer protecting your private details.
Business accreditation is another significant tell. For example, a site accredited by the BBB has met specific standards of trustworthiness and reliability. For instance, looking for a home builder around you? To feel confident that you’re in good hands, either directly look for a BBB seal on the website or go to the BBB website and search for the concerned business name to see their rating like below.
And for an extra layer of assurance, don’t forget to check the website’s review page. Customer feedback can give you the inside scoop on a site’s reputation.
For example, Jeda Logistics, an Australian logistics company, added Trustmary’s review widget to build trust in potential patrons and boost its online reputation by increasing reviews in 3 months.
Try to Find a Contact Form
Is there a contact form on the website?
I recommend reaching out to the business to see whether they respond, and how legit the answer sounds like.
If the answer comes within seconds, you’re dealing with a bot.
5. Examine the Website’s Domain Age
Typically, older domains suggest stability and reliability, as scammers often use newly created sites to avoid detection. You can use domain age lookup tools like Whois to find out when a domain was registered and how long it’s been active. This quick search can reveal valuable information about the site’s history.
Additionally, check the registration details. Legitimate businesses usually have transparent and consistent registration information, including the owner’s name and contact details.
The website could be dicey if this information is hidden or constantly changing. For instance, popular sites like Etsy have been around for over a decade, which adds to their credibility.
Taking a few minutes to examine the domain age and registration details can help you avoid fraudulent websites.
6. Assess Customer Reviews and Ratings
Start by reading reviews on reputable sites on G2 or Trustpilot. These platforms often provide unbiased, detailed feedback from actual users. Look for consistent feedback across multiple reviews. If most customers share similar experiences, whether positive or negative, it adds credibility to the reviews.
Alternatively, check the website directly to see customer reviews. With Trustmary’s widgets, businesses can easily import reviews from across platforms and add them to their website with popular integrations.
Be wary of websites with only glowing reviews. A mix of positive and constructive criticism is more believable and indicates a genuine user base.
For instance, if you’re starting a dropshipping business, you might consider adding Trustmary’s widget to highlight a variety of your customers’ experiences.
7. Recognize Fake Reviews
Fake reviews can harm businesses and mislead consumers. Identifying these phony reviews is crucial to ensuring you’re dealing with a legitimate website. One common theme is identical or generic reviews. It is probably false if you see multiple reviews with the same wording or vague praise.
Overly positive language is another great indicator. While some customers may genuinely have excellent experiences, excessively glowing reviews without mentioning minor issues can be suspicious. Real reviews often include a mix of pros and cons.
Inconsistent reviewer details can also signal fake reviews. Check if the reviewers have a history of leaving feedback on various products and websites. If the profiles lack detail or only post positive reviews for a single site, they might not be real.
8. Verify Business on Review Platforms
To ensure a business is legitimate, verify its presence on reputable review platforms like G2, Trustpilot, and Capterra. These platforms provide comprehensive reviews and ratings from real users which helps you get an accurate picture of the business’s reliability.
Check the review page to see if it includes a mix of ratings, comments, and responses from the business. A well-rounded review page often indicates that the business values transparency and customer feedback. Look at G2 as an example:
It includes ratings, reviews, pros and cons for each business listed.
Additionally, look for consistency in reviews across multiple platforms. Consistent positive feedback adds credibility and provides a broader perspective on customer experiences. For instance, if a software company has high ratings and detailed reviews on all three platforms, it suggests a strong track record of customer satisfaction.
9. Look Up Business on Social Media
An active social media presence with regular posts and updates indicates that the business is engaged and responsive. Look for genuine follower interactions in the comments and messages. If a business has meaningful engagements and addresses customer inquiries and complaints, it’s a sign of authenticity.
Consistent business updates across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are also key indicators. For example, an e-commerce site like Warby Parker maintains an active and vibrant social media presence.
They frequently post stories, reels, and carousels and interact with their followers, which helps build trust and community.
10. Search for Online Business Listings
Google My Business is an easy way to verify a business’s legitimacy. This verification often includes customer reviews, business hours, and location details, which can help confirm the business’s authenticity.
Next, look for listings on industry directories. Reputable businesses typically list themselves in industry-specific directories like Yelp or niche-specific directories. Accurate and consistent business information across these platforms means a business is legitimate.
For example, a company like Allbirds has a verified Google My Business profile and can be found on various industry directories. They provide detailed information about their product categories, company details, and social media links, which builds trust with potential customers.
11. Check for Return and Refund Policies
Look for clear return instructions that outline the process step-by-step. Reasonable refund policies that don’t impose excessive conditions or stringent time limits are a customer-friendly business.
Ensure the site provides detailed terms and conditions regarding returns and refunds. These should be easy to find and understand.
For instance, Patagonia is well-known for its customer-centric return policy, offering free returns and exchanges within a generous time frame. This transparency and customer-friendly approach help build trust with their customers.
Checklist for Checking Website’s Trustworthiness
Verifying the legitimacy of a website helps you avoid scams and ensures a secure online experience. So,
- Ensure a secure connection by looking for HTTPS and verified SSL certificates.
- Evaluate website design quality for a professional layout, proper grammar, and consistent branding.
- Confirm contact information such as genuine business addresses, working phone numbers, and valid email contacts.
- Review customer feedback across multiple platforms to check for consistent and authentic reviews.
Always be vigilant and use available tools and resources to verify a site’s credibility before making any transactions or sharing personal information.
Are you a website looking to showcase your trustworthiness? Try collecting authentic customer feedback and reviews and displaying them on your website with Trustmary.
