More Than Just a Warm Fuzzy
Being awarded with the trust-seal certification is very much about having an ethical attitude toward how the organization intends to act and appear on the Internet.
Most people have no problem giving credit card details to large, online stores like Best Buy, Macy’s or Nordstrom — and to the largest, most reputable nonprofits — simply because they know them and know they’ve been around for a very long time. They know they’re real — and that’s key! But without that longevity — even with it, since the nonprofit world still is fairly new to the concept of raising money online and even the largest organizations lack a real track record —
most organizations need to convince visitors that their Web sites are safe and serious places to trust their information.
How it works
After your Web site has been approved by the trust-seal company, the seal typically will be placed at the bottom of the page. Visitors to your site can click on the mark/icon and will be notified that you basically are who you say you are and that the trust-seal company vouches for the way you do business online. Your name, address and seal-certification details will be shown on this certificate, thus giving the visitor that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes with feeling safe about an online transaction. FS
Soren Grau is founder, principal and managing member of Los Angeles-based Internet trust-mark certification company e-icon.
