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
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Torch Center Coworking Space
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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
“
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How BBB Accreditation benefits my business
Things I like about BBB
81%
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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
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Builds customer trust
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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
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$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%
Source: HubSpot, State of Inbound Marketing Trends 2022
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