If you’re planning to set up an online store, there’s one crucial thing to keep in mind: Google can either drive your business to success or leave it in the shadows. Here’s the reality: most of your customers are going to find you through the internet. If they can’t discover your store, they won’t visit your website, and naturally, they won’t buy anything. You could have the most extraordinary products on the planet, but if your website isn’t easily found, it won’t matter.
This brings us to the burning question many business owners have: Do customers trust Google when making a purchase?
The simple answer is yes. Google has become the go-to search engine for billions of users looking for answers, products, and services. So, how does this impact you as an online business owner?
Why the Top Three Search Results Matter
Think about the last time you wanted to buy something online. What was your first step? Most likely, you searched for it on Google. Once you saw the results, did you scroll all the way down the page or beyond the first few results? Probably not. Instead, you clicked on one of the first three websites Google showed you. It’s easy to assume that Google knows what you’re looking for and gives you the best options at the top, right?
This is important for you as a business owner. People trust that Google is showing them the best websites for their search. While they may do some comparison shopping, they almost always start by checking out the top recommendations. If you want people to buy from your online store, you need to make sure you’re on the first page of Google—and ideally, in one of those top three spots.
How to Get to Page One of Google
Naturally, the next question is: How do you get your website to rank at the top of Google?
The truth is, getting there takes work, but it’s possible with the right strategies. There are two main ways to get your website to rank high on Google: PPC and SEO.
Many successful websites use a combination of both strategies to see the best results. Here’s a breakdown of each approach:
PPC (Pay-Per-Click)
PPC, or pay-per-click advertising, is a quick way to get to the top of Google’s search results. If you’ve ever noticed those ads at the top of the search results page, that’s PPC in action. With this strategy, you pay a fee every time someone clicks on your ad and visits your website.
PPC can deliver fast results, but it comes at a cost. The price you pay depends on how competitive your industry is and the keywords you’re targeting. If you’re not careful, PPC can become expensive, and not all customers trust ads, so they might skip clicking them altogether.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
SEO is a more long-term and sustainable approach to ranking high on Google. Instead of paying for clicks, you optimize your website so that it naturally appears at the top of search results. This involves improving the content on your site, using relevant keywords, speeding up page load times, and building quality backlinks.
SEO takes time to show results, but it’s a cost-effective strategy in the long run. More importantly, customers tend to trust organic search results more than ads because they feel that these websites have earned their spot through relevance and quality.
The Power of Online Reviews
Getting to the top of Google is important, but there’s another major factor that affects whether people will actually buy from you: online reviews. When customers are deciding whether to trust a business, they often look at reviews from other people who have already purchased from you. Positive reviews can make or break that trust.
That’s why it’s essential to deliver excellent service and ask happy customers for feedback. The more positive reviews you accumulate, the more credible your business looks, and the more likely it is that new customers will trust you and make a purchase. On the flip side, negative reviews can discourage potential customers, so it’s important to address any issues quickly and maintain high standards.
Can Customers Trust Google for Purchases?
Yes, customers trust Google when they’re making purchases. Google’s top search results often shape how people shop online, and that’s why your business needs to show up there. Whether you invest in PPC ads for immediate visibility or focus on long-term SEO for organic growth, your goal is to be seen—and trusted.
And don’t forget: once they find you, potential customers will look at your reviews. Building and maintaining trust doesn’t stop at being on the first page of Google; it continues with offering a great experience that makes people want to leave glowing reviews.
By putting effort into your SEO strategy, running effective PPC campaigns, and encouraging positive customer feedback, you can make sure that when people trust Google to guide their purchases, they find and trust your business too.
