ReciprocalLink.Com / Web Development Articles / Always Include Contact Information Always Include Contact Information On the Internet, public perception means a great deal. Perception can influence peoples' opinions of your site's trustworthiness (that said a mouthful!) As most people are reluctant to purchase from previously unheard of companies, it is important for you to do everything in your power to earn their trust. If people trust your website, you may encourage people to make purchases; otherwise, people may not wish to risk their money on your offers no matter how good they may be. Thus, it is quite true that a website can either make or break a sale. When designing your websites, remember that creating trust is vital. Trust cannot be bought; it has to be earned. There is a simple way to increase the chances people will trust you enough to purchase your products or services. Whenever you ask for money, do not shy away from providing *any* of your contact information. In fact, let it all out. Provide your e-mail address so people can instantly rattle off questions. Yes, it may increase the time you spend at Eudora(tm) or Outlook(tm), but it may increase your prospects. If you run a business, provide your business telephone number so people can ask you questions. If you do not have someone to answer your phone 24/7, either list your hours or make sure you can record callers' questions so they may be answered later. Provide your postal address so people can write for more information. Make sure that if this is the same as your ordering address, you state that people can write to the same address with questions they have about your products or services. Will the above suggestion win over everyone's trust? Not likely. People know that scam artists and other illegitimate people can provide fake contact information very easily. You, however, would be doing a great disservice to your business by not listing all of the ways you can be contacted. Your goal is to make it easy for your customers to find you, isn't it?