Breaking Down Trust and Credibility to Help Grow Your Wellness Business

I’m sure you’ve heard time and time again that to grow your business you need to build trust and credibility with your dream clients.

Trust and credibility are the bedrock of any successful business, when people seek out wellness professionals, they are looking for guidance, support, and sometimes even healing. Establishing trust with your dream clients means they will feel comfortable and confident in the services you offer, leading to stronger relationships and a more loyal client base.

But trust and credibility are built over time, so you might ask yourself how am I going to do that when I’m just starting out?

Well my friend, let me share with you two key principles that can help you here: transparency and consistency.

And here are some practical tips that can help you apply these principles in your own wellness business:

1. BE TRANSPARENT ABOUT YOUR EXPERTISE

Transparency starts with being honest about your qualifications, experience, and the limits of your expertise. It’s important to communicate clearly what you can and cannot do for your clients. This openness not only builds trust but also sets realistic expectations.

Share your journey and experiences that led you to the wellness industry—people connect with stories and authenticity.

Example: Consider a holistic nutrition coach. Instead of claiming to be a cure-all for any health problem, a transparent coach might say, “I’m here to support your journey towards a healthier lifestyle. While I can provide guidance on nutrition and wellness habits, I always recommend consulting with a healthcare professional for specific medical concerns.”

2. SHARE YOUR PROCESS AND APPROACH

Clients want to know how you work and what they can expect when they engage with your services. By sharing your process and approach, you demystify what you do and help potential clients feel more at ease.

Use your blog, social media, or even a welcome email to outline your process. This could include what a typical session looks like, any tools or materials clients need, and how you support them throughout their wellness journey.

Example: Yoga teachers who offer online classes can build trust by sharing how they structure their sessions, what kind of experience students can expect, and any preparation needed before joining a class. They can create a blog post or a video walkthrough on their website.

3. CONSISTENT COMMUNICATION IS KEY

Consistency in communication is essential for building trust. This doesn’t mean you have to be available 24/7, but it does mean setting clear expectations and being reliable in your interactions. Whether it's responding to inquiries, following up with clients, or posting regularly on social media, consistency shows that you are dependable and committed.

Create a communication plan that outlines how and when you will interact with your clients and audience. This might include setting specific days and times for checking emails, scheduling social media posts, or even setting up automated responses to manage expectations.

Example: A successful wellness coach might have a consistent schedule for posting helpful tips, client testimonials, or wellness advice on social media. They might also have a system in place for responding to client emails within 24 hours. Consistency in these actions builds a reliable and trustworthy brand image.

4. BE OPEN ABOUT YOUR OWN WELLNESS JOURNEY

Sharing your personal wellness journey, including the ups and downs, can make you more relatable and trustworthy, especially if what you experienced will be of service to others. People appreciate authenticity and vulnerability because it shows that you are human, just like them. It also helps to demonstrate that you genuinely understand the challenges they might be facing.

Use your blog, social media, or even during client sessions to share bits of your personal story. Make sure to tie your experiences back to the services you offer, showing how they have informed your approach to wellness.

Example: A wellness expert might share stories about their own struggles with anxiety and how yoga and mindfulness, or else, helped them. By being open about their journey, they show their audience that they are not alone and that overcoming wellness challenges is possible. And what’s best than being an expander for others?

5. PROVIDE VALUE THROUGH FREE CONTENT

One of the best ways to build trust and credibility is by providing valuable content for free. This could be through blog posts, videos, social media tips, or downloadable resources. Offering free content shows that you are knowledgeable and generous, which can build goodwill and trust with your audience.

Develop a content strategy that includes a mix of free resources and insights related to your area of expertise. Make sure this content is easily accessible and shareable to reach a wider audience.

Example: A meditation coach might offer a free guided meditation session on their website, or a nutritionist might share healthy recipes and meal plans. This free content not only helps establish credibility but also gives potential clients a taste of what they can expect if they decide to work with you.

6. SHOWCASE CLIENT TESTIMONIALS AND SUCCESS STORIES

Nothing builds trust like social proof. Sharing testimonials and success stories from past clients can help potential clients see the real impact of your work. Make sure to get permission from your clients before sharing their stories, and keep their personal information private unless they’ve agreed to share.

Regularly ask satisfied clients for testimonials and make it easy for them to provide feedback. Display these testimonials prominently on your website, social media, and in any marketing materials.

Example: A fitness trainer could share before-and-after photos of clients (with their consent) along with a brief story about their journey. This not only showcases the results you can help clients achieve but also builds credibility through real-life examples.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Remember, trust is built over time. Be patient, stay true to your values, and your dream clients will see you as a reliable and credible wellness professional. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to strengthen your existing brand, these tips can help you build lasting trust with your clients and community.