BBB Book of Trust: How accreditation can boost your business (2nd Edition)

Book of Trust How becoming accredited can boost your business

We’re glad you’re here.

Are you ready to commit to marketplace ethics?

In today’s competitive market, BBB Accreditation gives consumers confidence that they’re dealing with an ethical and vetted business.

With the BBB Book of Trust, you’ll understand the benefits of BBB Accreditation and the value of showing your customers that your company operates honestly and with integrity.

Visit our website BBB.org/Sacramento

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Table of Contents Welcome to the BBB Book of Trust!

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In this book you’ll find valuable resources covering programs and services we provide to Accredited Businesses. You’ll learn about:

BBB Standards for Trust

The BBB Business Profile

BBB Business Profile

Promoting your BBB Accreditation Benefits exclusive to our Accredited Businesses And more!

BBB Accredited Businesses represent honesty in the marketplace. In 2020, more than 140 million consumers visited BBB.org, and 70% of them say BBB Business Profiles helped them decide who to buy from or hire for their next project.

We’re committed to helping our Accredited Businesses take full advantage of the benefits that come with BBB Accreditation. Together, we can build a more trustworthy and prosperous marketplace. If you have any questions about accreditation, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Why BBB Accreditation matters

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Accredited Business Testimonials

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Get a Quote Tool Submit a Guest Blog

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Video Programs

15

Torch Center Coworking Space

17

Advantages of BBB Partnerships

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Staff Information

Better Business Bureau®

Serving Sacramento & Northeast California 10399 Old Placerville Rd., Sacramento, CA 95827 bbb.org/sacramento

Why BBB Accreditation?

Trust matters.

Look at the impact the BBB brand has on consumers in North America. Displaying the BBB logo adds these numbers to your company’s image. It’s a quick and easy way to convey your commitment to ethics and trust.

Brand Impact

82%

of people are familiar with BBB*

88%

of consumers who are familiar with the BBB letter grade are more likely to purchase from a business with an A rating or higher*

70%

of consumers familiar with the BBB Accreditation seal are more likely to perceive the company as a good business*

81%

of consumers who are familiar with the BBB seal are more likely to trust that the business is honest and ethical*

*Source: IABBB 2021 Consumer Survey

One-third of consumers

who visited BBB.org came to look for a specific Business Profile.

70%

said the information at BBB.org helped them decide whether or not to engage with the business.

84%

of those individuals believe the information helped them save money by avoiding a potential bad business or negative experience.*

* Web-intercept survey with 4,822 random visitors to BBB Business Profiles at BBB.org from December 16, 2020 to Jan 4, 2021

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BBB Standards for Trust The BBB Standards for Trust are eight principles that summarize important elements of creating and maintaining trust in business. Our BBB Accreditation Standards are built upon these criteria.

Build Trust

Establish and maintain a positive track record in the marketplace.

Advertise Honestly

Adhere to established standards of advertising and selling.

Tell the Truth

Honestly represent products and services, including clear and adequate disclosures of all material terms.

Be Transparent

Openly identify the nature, location, and ownership of the business, and clearly disclose all policies, guarantees and procedures that bear on a customer’s decision to buy.

Honor Promises

Abide by all written agreements and verbal representations.

Be Responsive

Address marketplace disputes quickly, professionally, and in good faith.

Safeguard Privacy

Protect any data collected against mishandling and fraud, collect personal information only as needed, and respect the preferences of consumers regarding the use of their information.

Embody Integrity

Approach all business dealings, marketplace transactions and commitments with integrity.

Commitment to the BBB Standards for Trust means you support an ethical marketplace.

Sharing accreditation with customers and potential customers conveys this message in a way that is hard to replicate without the 100 years of effort that have gone into building the BBB brand.

ACCREDITED BUSINESS TESTIMONIALS

What our Accredited Businesses have to say...

I wanted my clients to feel protected, so when they choose our company, they have that protection, to assure them that they can trust us. Some clients have mentioned that they found us on the Better Business Bureau website. They say just because we were there, they gave us a call.

Just the simple fact of being Accredited.

Being accredited with the Better Business Bureau has helped us gain the customers’ trust. I have received calls from people who found us on the website (BBB. org) and went with us (Superhero Painting) because they trust the BBB and so they trust us.

Nemesio Jimenez Owner Super Hero’s Painting and Decoration

Nemesio Jimenez Super Hero’s Painting And Decoration

Accredited since 2018

Partnering with the BBB gives our members and company an objective review of how we respond to complaints.

As a company that deals with individuals with tax matters it’s extremely important that tax payers know we are a company to be trusted.

...working with the BBB will provide a fair assessment of whether we are truly acting in good faith to resolve every concern and help us build trust with both our current and future members.

Glynis Miller Customer Advocate Manager TaxAudit

Glynis Miller TaxAudit

Accredited since 2010

Catch full testimonial videos and BBB Stories at: www.youtube.com/@bbb.sacramento 6

1 That we are a reputable THE business VALUE OF BBB ACCREDITATION

What the BBB Seal symbolizes

2 That we are a trustworthy business

Value of BBB® Accreditation 3 That we are an honest business

34%

Attracting new customers

IABBB Research, 2022 Survey of BBB Accredited Business

How BBB adds value

How BBB adds value

7%

g up with r demand

“

Customers safer Customers feelfeel safer doing doingwith business withwho business someone is BBB Accredited. someone who is BBB

statementofoftrust. trust.

AA statement

Ourcustomers customers Our relyrely on on BBB BBBselecting when selecting when companies.

my business

“

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companies.

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our We work workvery veryhard hardforfor good reputation, and BBB our good reputation, supports showsand that! and BBB and supports shows that!

usiness

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Trust Trust is is everything everything toto aa new customer. new customer.

How BBB Accreditation benefits my business

Things I like about BBB

81%

“

I Ifirst BBB first joined joined BBB because because I believe believe inin their mission. mission. their

1

BB is a useful eference for 2 siness matters

What the BBB Seal symbolizes

Increases the credibility of my business 79% BBB helps businesses like mine

Demonstrates integrity in our business practices Accredited Business status on BBB.org

3

Builds customer trust

4

Enhances my visibility as a reputable business

Use of Accredited Business Seal

Shows we care about our customers

The Value of5 BBB Accreditation, a survey of 13,000 business owners, learn more at BBB.org/get-accredited

“

BBB promotes promotes trust BBB trust and integrity. and integrity.

That we are a reputable business That we are a

BBB Customer BBB Dispute trustworthy business Reviews Resolution

That we are an honest business

Accredited Businesses agree

86%

BBB protects consumers from unscrupulous businesses

81%

BBB is a useful reference for business matters

79%

BBB helps businesses like mine

The Value of BBB Accreditation, a survey of 13,000 business owners, learn more at BBB.org/get-accredited

EXCLUSIVE ACCREDITED BUSINESS BENEFITS

Stand out online with a BBB Business Profile

BBB Business Profile

Quality Content A major ranking factor for your listing is content.

A complete BBB Business Profile boosts Accredited Business’ SEO, making their company stand out from competitors, and helps potential customers make an informed decision about doing business with them.

The better the content on your Profile, the better your chances are of ranking high in organic search engine results.

Our Engagement Team can help you set up your BBB Business Profile!

Ray Montoya

Accredited Business Support Specialist

2022 BBB.org Local Website Traffic TOTAL VISITS

1,318,084

UNIQUE VISITS

1,000,076

Top BBB.org Content

38% BBB Business Profiles 18% BBB directory 14% 9%

TOTAL BUSINESS PROFILE VIEWS IN 2022

1,682,858

Near me Leave a review

Source: IABBB 2020 Annual Report

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EXCLUSIVE ACCREDITED BUSINESS BENEFITS

Get quick referrals

Get a Quote Tool Consumers can request a quote directly from your BBB Business Profile. You can add the Get a Quote button to your website to make it easy for customers to find your profile.

Once a request is received, it’s forwarded directly to your email or phone. This is a great way to get referrals quickly.

The Get a Quote button drives traffic to your BBB profile.

Market your expertise and stand out from the crowd

Submit a Guest Blog for BBB.org Writing a Guest Blog is an exciting opportunity to be featured on the homepage of the BBB of Northeast California website. It’s also an excellent opportunity to gain recognition and market yourself on the web and on social media.

Guidelines • All entries should be between 400-700 words.

• Blogs cannot act as a sales pitch for your business.

• Articles must focus on a specific topic, give tips to

consumers or businesses, or focus on a scam related to your industry.

• Guest Blogs are scheduled on a first-come first-serve basis and are published no more than once a week.

EXCLUSIVE ACCREDITED BUSINESS BENEFITS

How you could get quick reviews

Customer Review Solution Did you know that 9 out of 10 consumers read an online review before making a purchase*?

With Your Reviews, a mobile and desktop app that allows you to request a customer review with a single click, you can just enter your customer’s name, mobile number, and click send.

Our Customer Reviews are a little different from other review sites. BBB takes the extra step to confirm that a marketplace interaction took place between the reviewer and the business, then BBB gives the business an opportunity to respond to the review. BBB also offers our Accredited Businesses the opportunity to gain more positive customer reviews with the Your Reviews app. It’s free for Accredited Businesses to use.

The Your Reviews App As a benefit of BBB Accreditation, you can get BBB Customer Reviews in three easy steps!

1. Download the app for your mobile device or computer.

2. Text your customer a request for a review.

3. Your customer gets a direct link, writes the review, leaves a star rating, and then it’s sent to BBB. Visit yourcustomerreviews.com to learn more!

Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC. *TrustPilot 2020

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EXCLUSIVE ACCREDITED BUSINESS BENEFITS

Exclusive videos and photos for our Accredited Businesses

Video and Photo Opportunities My BBB Story*

Using your custom videos to your advantage.

Accredited Businesses eligible after six months accreditation.

MY BBB Story videos are a way to showcase your business, employees, and your dedication to trust and transparency in the marketplace.

Here are some great ways you could utilize and promote these videos.

Pro Tip and Feature Friday Videos*

Accredited Businesses eligible after three months accreditation.

Your Website

Pro Tip videos are a way to gain exposure for your business online while educating viewers.

Once your video is complete, BBB will send you the YouTube link. Paste that code into your web builder, or send it to your web developer.

Film one of your employees giving your consumers or businesses tips about your industry or area of expertise, and our Production Team will edit it to be featured on our social media for #FeatureFriday!

Social Media

Video links will be provided via email. Simply paste a link into a Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter post so all of your followers can see it. Tag us and we’ll share it.

Monthly Events

YouTube

If you have a channel of your own, we can give you the video file to upload.

Accredited Businesses are welcome to attend our monthly video and headshot events.

Business Feature

Professional Headshots

Request to be featured on our social media platforms. Posting your video can be an option!

Accredited Businesses can get free photos of their employees the 2nd Tuesday of each month.

Profile Videos

Accredited Businesses eligible immediately after accreditation.

A simple short-form clip featuring your business alongside the Accredited Business Seal to be uploaded to your BBB Business profile. *Subject to availability

Scan Here

Take a look at some of the videos our Production Team has put together for our Accredited Businesses!

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EXCLUSIVE ACCREDITED BUSINESS BENEFITS

BBB Business Tip

How businesses can use video to attract customers Video is vital for local businesses. Today, it’s easier than ever for you to produce video content. Video marketing is engaging and captures your audience’s attention, so it’s essential to figure out how best to incorporate video into your marketing strategy. Here are some quick tips: Think about your own experiences. Visually show customers what you’re selling, helping them see what they’re missing out on if they don’t make a purchase.

Your video doesn’t have to be planned, polished, and perfect. In fact, a rugged video might make you feel more authentic to your audience.

If customers post videos with your products on social media, reshare their content. Repurposing video content gives you free marketing material and helps your customers feel appreciated.

Film your brand story, local guides, customer stories, product launches, or tutorial videos.

Webinars were the most popular live events for businesses in 2022.

60% of businesses said they hosted webinars last year, and 30% said they held webinars at least once a month.

90% of marketers using short-form video will increase or maintain their investment this year.

Source: Hubspot, State of Marketing Report 2023 Wistia, State of Video 2023

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Video is the most popular and effective media format for the fourth year in a row.

Source: Hubspot, State of Marketing Report 2023

EXCLUSIVE ACCREDITED BUSINESS BENEFITS

Boost your online exposure

Get Featured with BBB With over 11,000 followers, this exclusive program for Accredited Businesses gives you an opportunity to boost your online exposure.

BBB Business Tip

How social media can help local businesses generate revenue Nearly everyone uses social media. To turn your social media presence into a profit, you need to connect with your desired clients, curate a compelling profile, and learn how to use the unique features of social media to your benefit. Here are some ideas to get you started: Target your desired audience based on general demographics, geographical location, and hobbies or interests.

Offering discounts or giveaways for your business’s products or services across your social media feeds is a great way to connect with your customers.

Collaborate with other local businesses or influencers. Co-marketing is a growing trend, as 74% of companies have made brand partnerships a priority, according to Hubspot.

By creating high-quality content, some brands get up to a 350% return on investment (ROI) for low-budget ads.

Source: Creatopy

EXCLUSIVE ACCREDITED BUSINESS BENEFITS

Spaces for any of your business needs

Torch Center Coworking Space Conference Rooms • Spaces are reserved on a first-come,

Conference Rooms

Desks & Office Spaces

first-served basis.

• Accredited Businesses get 8 hours per month free for Conference Room Rentals.

Desks & Office Spaces • Spaces are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.

6 Conference Rooms

Wi-Fi Access

5 - 69 Person Capacity

Kitchen Access

Wi-Fi Equipped

8am - 5pm, Mon - Fri

Kitchen Access

• Must sign up for minimum of 3 months.

• There will be an initial set up fee of

Surround Sound

$50 per person.

Projectors

• Can be utilized on a monthly basis.

• 24-Hour memberships are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Dedicated Desks

Dedicated Office 14

OTHER WAYS WE SUPPORT ACCREDITED BUSINESSES

Torch Center Coworking Space Map 10399 Old Placerville Road Sacramento, CA 95827

ENTRY

STORAGE

115*

STORAGE

DEDICATED AND NON-DEDICATED DESKS

KITCHEN

ENTRY

STORAGE CONFERENCE ROOM

CONFERENCE ROOM

ENTRY TRAINING/CONFERENCE ROOM

STORAGE

ENTRY

107*

108

STORAGE

109*

Conference Room Rates Name

Goggin

Capacity

60

Normal Hourly Rate

After Hours Hourly Rate

(Reg/AB**)

(Reg/AB**)

$115/$75

$150/$95

111

112

ENTRY

110

Torch Center Coworking Space Rates Membership Type

Open Seating

Dedicated Desk

(Reg/AB**)

(Reg/AB**)

Placer

16

$55/$35

$85/$55

Shasta

8

$40/$30

$65/$50

Day Pass

$10 Day/Free

Not Available

Butte

8

$40/$30

$65/$50

Business Hours

$90 Month/Free

Not Available

Sacramento

8

$40/$30

$65/$50

24/7 Access

$145/$75 a Month

$225/$125 a Month

For more information, to schedule a tour, or reserve a space, contact us at (916) 443-6843.

Conference/Training Room

Dedicated Desks Offices displayed with an asterisk(*) indicate a private entry. **AB = Accredited Business

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OTHER WAYS WE SUPPORT ACCREDITED BUSINESSES

Immediate social media highlight

Welcome Wednesdays We create a dedicated social media post every month highlighting all businesses accredited within the previous month. These posts get significant engagement rates.

This post offers immediate online exposure for all new Accredited Businesses.

Connect with us!

Social media directly influences purchases

85%

43%

of customers use social channels for discovery and consideration or purchase.

of customers were influenced by a company’s social post when shopping, and 30% report they were influenced by paid social ads.

38%

of customers use online reviews to research brands, products, or services they’re interested in buying.

Source: Forrester

Which social media platform has resulted in the biggest ROI this year?

25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%

Facebook

Instagram

Source: HubSpot, State of Inbound Marketing Trends 2022

LinkedIn

TikTok

YouTube ROI: Return on Investment

ADVANTAGES OF BBB PARTNERSHIPS

Benefits and services offered by our partners

BBB Partnerships

Jumpstart This partnership is with The California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Mexican Consulate (Sacramento office), and the Health Education Council.

• Entrepreneurship classes offered in Spanish and English.

• Classes range from financial management and literacy, marketing, public speaking, and other business fundamentals.

• Helped over 1,500 businesses within the last 3 years.

• It’s free!

Small Business Development Center (SBDC) • Our local chapter is Capital Region SBDC (covers all our territory) • All their services are free • One-on-One Advising • Their assistance can range from financial assistance, to marketing, expansion, etc.

• Funding Assistance (home of the PPP and Eidl Loans) • Trainings and Workshops Sac State Carlsen Center • The Carlsen Center is open to the public outside of CSUS students.

• Offers online and in-person training and entrepreneurial classes.

• Offers free consultations with professors and some of Sacramento’s best known business owners.

• Most of their courses are free, but as an Accredited Business, discounts are available.

Other Partners

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ADVANTAGES OF THE BBB ACCREDITED BUSINESS SEAL

Show customers you care. Show the seal.

Using the BBB Seal From social media and your website to vehicle decals and magnets, there are many ways you could showcase BBB Accreditation.

Displaying the Accredited Business Seal shows your commitment to trust and honesty in the marketplace.

Website Email Signature Business Location Social Media Company Vehicles Print and Digital Ads Business Cards and Invoices Videos

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OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Get to know our Leadership Team

Lynn Conner CEO

Dan Stiner

Director of Standards & Marketplace Ethics

Having been a small business owner myself, I know how difficult it can be to make a business successful. I am passionate about helping businesses grow, improve and succeed beyond their wildest imaginations!

Together we can reach places we could never reach alone.

“I’m excited to help businesses distinguish themselves as marketplace leaders by honoring and upholding BBB Standards for Trust.”

Celia Surridge

“It is a true honor to be able to help Accredited Businesses market themselves using the tools we provide and see their businesses flourish as a result.”

Marketing & Comms Manager

If you have questions about accreditation or our programs and services, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

(916) 443-6843 • info@sacramento.bbb.org Follow us on social media!

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We understand the importance of trust, especially when it comes to caring for your loved ones. That’s why we decided to seek the Better Business Bureau’s Seal of Trust. The Seal is a humbling acknowledgment. The BBB is a respected institution, and their approval gives our community peace of mind.

Damian Gutierrez

VP of Fiscal Operations Pacific Homecare Services Accredited Since 2009

Better Business Bureau® Serving Sacramento & Northeast California 10399 Old Placerville Rd., Sacramento, CA 95827 8am to 4pm Tues - Thurs, Monday & Friday by appointment only bbb.org/sacramento