Sole traders - credibility vs retaining privacy

by Yurka
4 replies
I just launched my first membership site - super excited! It was a soft launch to a selected number of the subscribers of my newsletter (mainly people i know) so that I use them as guinea pigs and get feedback before the big launch.

One of the feedbacks I got was that the site lacked company registration number and address and/or people involved and if they did not know 100% that it was me behind it then they would not have joined at all.
At the moment I operate as self-employed sole trader (from my dining table) and see no need to register as a company for the time being.
I value my privacy and don't particularly want to plaster my name and (HOME!) address freely on internet but at the same time I want to look credible to my customers and instil trust.

Those of you who operate as sole traders - how do you retain privacy while appearing credible?
#credibility #privacy #retaining #sole #traders
  • Profile picture of the author Yurka
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9131216].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Steve King
      Hi Yurka

      Have you thought about a virtual office address.

      That way you wouldn't have to disclosure your home address and it may add something to your offering, maybe not in terms of more credibility, but more an element of it's a real business rather than a faceless entity.

      I don't have my adress details on my sites, but I always make a point of having a picture of me so people can make a human connection.

      Although that may be dependant on your niche, I work in IM so it's not a problem to have me attached to my sites.

      Hope this helps

      cheers
      Steve
      Signature

      Promote My Video Coaching Program to Receive 50% Commisssions & an opportunity to earn up to $167 per member - click here for my affiliate program and here for my salespage

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9131240].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Yurka
        Great idea, Steve, off to investigate !
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9134718].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author rakhwas
          Originally Posted by Yurka View Post

          Great idea, Steve, off to investigate !
          knowledge is the key to success, i look at it this way.

          Mistakes leads to experience, experience leads to success.

          Try some things out, and test some things, that way you will find what works for you!
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9134729].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author RSK3000
            I'm a little surprised that this is an issue - presumably you will have your home address in the emails that you send to your list so its not exactly private.

            And obviously, your address may also be stated on your domain name whois file.

            If you need to include your address then it could be placed in your private members area so it won't be indexed by search engines. Alternatively, get a copy of Microsoft Paint and create a .jpeg image with your name and address on it and put that on your site - call it something like image1.jpeg so that even if it is indexed it will never be found.
            Signature

            Blog Post: Why You Need Multiple Streams Of Income, NOW!
            For more internet marketing hints and tips follow me on Twitter - @TheIncomeSherpa

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9134783].message }}

Trending Topics