Given that content marketing is driven by the three factors of know, like, and trust, you’re probably learning how to establish trust in interpersonal interactions. And if you’re not succeeding with your content if you’re not hitting all three, you probably aren’t.
Traditional marketing places a lot of emphasis on awareness-building in the marketplace. Mission did, right? Just add some clever messaging to elicit some amount of liking.
It seems that simply being aware of a brand is enough to inspire trust. Even though there isn’t a difference between a particular product and a generic one, we do tend to favor well-known brands.
However, trust becomes crucial when deciding between two or more brands. One advantage content marketers have over rivals who don’t learn how to develop relationships and who don’t produce superior content and freely share useful information is this.
And if done properly, it can be a significant benefit.
Why building trust in relationships is important
Trust is one of the most important foundation stones in any relationship. It takes time to build trust, but it can be easily destroyed. Once trust is lost, it’s hard to regain.
Why is trust so important in relationships? Trust gives us a sense of security and makes us feel safe. It allows us to be vulnerable and open with another person. Without trust, we would constantly be on guard, always suspicious, and never able to fully relax and enjoy our relationships.
Building trust requires honesty, communication, and consistency. We need to feel that we can rely on our partners to be truthful with us and to keep their promises. We need to be able to share our deepest thoughts and feelings without fear of being judged or rejected. And we need to know that our partner will be there for us, even when things get tough.
3 ways to build trust in a relationship
An appeal to the authority, integrity, and trustworthiness of the speaker or writer is known as an ethos in terms of persuasive strategies that date back to the time of Aristotle.
And when content marketing is done correctly, that is exactly how you establish trust in interpersonal interactions.
Aristotle also believed that likability and selflessness, which he termed “disinterested goodwill,” were essential elements of an effective ethos.
Disinterest in this context doesn’t imply that you don’t care if the conclusion is positive; rather, it indicates that you serve your audience whether or not the outcome is positive for any single person.
1. The “reluctant conclusion” technique
When it comes to relationships, sometimes the best way to get what you want is to not want it at all. That may sound counterintuitive, but it’s called the reluctant conclusion technique and it’s a way to build trust in a relationship.
The idea is that when you seem uninterested in something, the other person will become more interested. It’s a way to create a sense of suspense and make the other person feel like they have to work a little harder for your attention.
The best part about this technique is that it can be used in any situation where you want to build trust or create a deeper connection. Whether you’re trying to get your partner to open up more emotionally or you’re trying to get a friend to confide in you, appearing reluctant will make them feel more comfortable doing so.
2. The “personal sacrifice” approach
Building trust in a relationship can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that personal sacrifice is often required. If you’re willing to put your partner’s needs before your own, it can go a long way in showing them that you care.
There will be times when you’ll have to put your partner’s happiness before your own, and it’s important to be okay with that. It might not always be easy, but it will show them that you’re committed to the relationship.
If you’re able to make sacrifices for your partner, it will build trust and strengthen your bond. It’s an important part of any healthy relationship, so don’t be afraid to do what it takes to show your partner that they can rely on you.
3. The “Abraham Lincoln” technique
When it comes to building trust in a relationship, the Abraham Lincoln technique is one of the best ways to go about it. Named after the 16th president of the United States, this approach involves being honest and transparent with your partner from the very beginning.
One of the most important things to remember when using this technique is that it’s not about winning somebody over or proving yourself to them. Instead, it’s simply about being open and honest about who you are and what you want from the relationship.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should share every single detail of your life with your partner from day one. But it does mean being honest about things that are important to you and making sure that your actions always match up with your words.