by Lindsay Pietroluongo
Learn about Better Business Bureau accreditation and why it means so much for brands today.
When it comes to building trust with consumers, few designations are as impactful as BBB accreditation. The Better Business Bureau has been recognized as an authority in verifying businesses for decades.
Businesses that earn a BBB seal of accreditation are considered reliable and trustworthy, two must-have characteristics for developing a strong brand reputation today.
In this article, we’ll explain what the BBB and its accreditation are, as well as how your company can become accredited. We’ll also explain why the BBB seal matters to much to businesses.
NetReputation provides information and services to help you protect your digital presence. Call us at 844-461-3632 to learn more, or fill out the contact form below for a free consultation.
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What Is the Better Business Bureau?
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a private, non-profit, non-governmental organization that provides unbiased and verified information about businesses. The BBB also handles customer complaints and, in some cases, offers remediation help to settle disputes.
What Is BBB Accreditation?
BBB gives businesses its accreditation seal for meeting certain requirements and following specific guidelines. For example, BBB-accredited businesses must adhere to eight trust standards:
Source: BBB
Other requirements of businesses to be given the BBB seal include operating for a minimum of six months and adhering to safe transaction processes online.
According to the website, businesses with BBB accreditation have been screened and are “held to higher standards for customer service, transparency and ethical business practices.”
When searching the BBB, you can opt to search for accredited businesses only or both accredited and non-accredited companies.
You can take control of your online reputation, whether you’re working on your personal reputation or your professional digital presence. Call us at 844-461-3632 for more information.
How To Get a BBB Seal of Accreditation
In this section, we’ll explain how to apply for — and hopefully be granted — BBB accreditation.
If you’re not ready to apply for BBB accreditation but want to learn more about it, fill out the form on this page to request information.
Step 1: Navigate to the BBB accreditation application form
The BBB accreditation application form has three parts. It takes between 10 and 20 minutes to complete. Get started by accessing the form here.
Step 2: Provide your contact information
On the first page of the form, fill out your contact information, including:
- Email address
- First name
- Last name
- Phone number
- Job title
You’ll also answer a question about whether or not you’re the business owner or decision-maker for the company.
Click the green Continue button when you’re done.
Step 3: Find your business in the BBB database
Use the search tool to find your business by name and location. If your business is already in the BBB’s system, the form will be auto-populated with business information. This also prevents duplicate entries from being created.
If your business information is not in the system, you can add it manually.
Step 4: Enter your business information
Next, you’ll enter your business information, including:
- Business name
- Business entity type
- Primary business website
- Company email address
- Business phone number
- Business street address
- General business category
When you’re done, click the Continue button. You can also select Save and Return Later if you’re not ready to complete the form.
Step 5: Answer eligibility questions
Next, you’ll answer a number of eligibility questions, such as:
- How long you’ve been in business
- The date when your business began operations
- Last year’s revenue
- Number of employees at your company
- Reason for wanting BBB accreditation
Step 6: Make your payment and submit the form
When you’re finished answering the eligibility questions and have proceeded to the next step, start by checking the I Agree… checkbox at the top. Then, provide your business name, full name, email address and phone number.
BBB accreditation requires annual dues. Even though there’s a Pay Later option, the BBB website says that dues must be collected when the application is submitted.
The amount you’ll be required to pay per year depends on the size of your business and other factors. For example, the cost for a sole proprietorship with one employee is approximately $73 per month or $820 per year.
Make your payment selection to finish the application process.
What Happens After I Apply for BBB Accreditation?
Once you’ve submitted your application, it will be vetted against the BBB standards and rating system to determine if it’s eligible for accreditation.
You may be contacted via email or phone by the BBB within three weeks. This will happen if the BBB needs you to answer more questions before proceeding.
The BBB will make a recommendation to its Board of Directors to approve or reject your application based on its findings. You’ll then be notified of the BBB’s decision.
Why Your Business Should Be BBB Accredited
Every company wants to reach potential customers. Having BBB accreditation opens the door to consumers by showcasing that your business is ethical and has been vetted according to BBB standards.
There are a number of advantages to earning BBB accreditation, including the following:
Business Tools
The BBB offers business tools, resources and other benefits to its accredited companies. This gives you extra support for running your company and competing in a tough marketplace.
Improved Visibility
When you’ve achieved the BBB seal, you’ll be listed as a BBB Accredited Business. This puts you in front of more customers looking for what your business offers.
Get a Quote Program
Consumers are able to instantly request a quote online from accredited businesses. By visiting your customized business page on the BBB website, they’ll be able to contact you directly.
At NetReputation, we work with individuals and businesses to help them build and take control of their online reputation. Give us a call at 844-461-3632 to learn more.
Final Thoughts About Accredited Businesses
If you’re able to get BBB accredited, it’s important to adhere to the BBB’s standards so you can keep your accreditation for years to come. For example, you’ll need to respond quickly and professionally to customer disputes in order to keep your BBB seal.
Aside from keeping your accreditation, following these types of business practices is smart for appealing to your target audience. Consumers want to do business with companies they trust. Having a seal from the BBB is just one of many trust signals potential customers use when choosing products or services.
We offer ORM solutions for individuals as well as businesses. Get started today with a free consultation with one of our experts. Call us at 844-461-3632 or fill out the contact form below.
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