How badges and labels on your shopify store can build trust with new shoppers

In e-commerce, first impressions matter. When a new shopper visits your shopify store, they may be excited by the products you offer, but trust is often a key factor that determines whether or not they will complete a purchase. Building trust with new visitors is essential for converting them into loyal customers. One simple but effective way to do this is by using badges and labels strategically throughout your store. Here's how these small elements can have a big impact on increasing trust with new shoppers.

Carl Andersen

8/24/20243 min read

1. highlight credibility with verified labels

When new shoppers come across your store, they want to know that your products are reliable, and that others have had positive experiences with your brand. Adding badges such as “verified purchase” or “top rated” on product pages can instantly reassure potential buyers. These labels signal to shoppers that the products have been vetted by other customers, which creates a sense of credibility.

For example, a badge like “verified purchase” indicates that the reviews on the product are from actual buyers, not just random ratings or bots. Similarly, a “best seller” badge can imply that many people are purchasing and trusting the product, which can give new shoppers more confidence in their buying decision.

2. build trust through transparency

Transparency is one of the most effective ways to build trust with new shoppers. Labels like “money-back guarantee,” “100% authentic,” or “secure checkout” clearly communicate important details about your store’s policies and commitment to quality. These badges reassure customers that they are making a safe purchase, even if it's their first time shopping with you.

For example, a “secure payment” badge next to your checkout button lets customers know their personal information is protected, while a “free returns” badge on a product page might convince someone who is hesitant to take a risk. By being upfront about these benefits, you’re helping new visitors feel more at ease and reducing any perceived risks associated with their purchase.

3. use social proof to reinforce trust

People trust the opinions of others, especially when making a purchase online. Badges like “customer favorite,” “highly rated,” or “popular item” serve as social proof and validate the quality of your products in the eyes of new visitors.

When a shopper sees that a product is labeled as “most popular” or “top seller,” they feel reassured that others have had a positive experience with that product. This not only alleviates some of the hesitation that comes with buying from a new store but also leverages the power of group influence to encourage a purchase.

4. showcase certifications and quality standards

Badges can also be used to highlight certifications or quality standards that are important to your brand and your customers. For instance, if your products are organic, fair trade, eco-friendly, or cruelty-free, using labels like “certified organic,” “eco-friendly,” or “ethically sourced” can build trust with shoppers who care about these issues.

These badges serve as quick indicators that your brand values align with those of your customers. For a new shopper who may be considering multiple stores, seeing that your products are certified or meet specific standards can be the deciding factor that tips the scale in your favor.

5. create a sense of security with trust seals

Trust seals are badges from recognized third parties that verify your store’s security and legitimacy. These might include SSL certificates, payment provider logos (such as Visa, MasterCard, or PayPal), and industry-standard badges like “norton secured” or “mcafee secure.”

New shoppers are particularly cautious about entering their credit card information on a site they haven’t used before. By displaying trust seals on your checkout page, you are signaling that their payment information is secure, which can greatly reduce anxiety around purchasing from a new store.

6. leverage limited-time and exclusive offer badges

Urgency can drive trust in an indirect but powerful way. When you use labels like “limited time offer,” “exclusive deal,” or “limited stock,” you create a sense of scarcity that can motivate new shoppers to take action. These badges don’t just push for a quick sale—they also suggest that the deal is special, exclusive, and worth seizing before it’s too late.

By using these labels thoughtfully, you encourage new shoppers to trust that they are getting something valuable and unique from your store, making them feel confident in their decision to act fast and purchase.

Conclusion

Building trust with new shoppers is critical to the success of any e-commerce business, and badges and labels can play a key role in this process. Whether you are highlighting customer reviews, displaying trust seals, or showcasing product certifications, these small visual elements provide reassurance and confidence to new visitors who may be unfamiliar with your store.

By integrating badges and labels that emphasize credibility, transparency, social proof, and security, you help to eliminate doubt, encourage positive purchasing decisions, and foster long-term relationships with new customers. Ultimately, these small but impactful design choices can turn first-time visitors into loyal repeat buyers.