Do People Really Trust Advertising Anymore?
It’s a question every business owner asks: Do people actually trust advertising?
According to Nielsen and Ambassador research, only 47% of consumers believe advertising is credible, and more than 57% think ads are exaggerated. That means if you’re relying on ads alone to build trust, you’re fighting an uphill battle.
At Intaglio Creative, we help businesses cut through the noise by building campaigns that people actually engage with and believe. The truth is, the most effective advertising today blends authentic voices, smart targeting, and a mix of digital and traditional channels.
Here’s a look at which types of advertising consumers trust most—and how we help companies like yours make the most of them.
1. Recommendations and Testimonials
Word-of-mouth still reigns supreme. People trust friends, family, and peers more than any ad. That’s why we encourage businesses to:
Collect testimonials and reviews from happy clients.
Use them in your Google Business profile, website, and social media.
Build referral programs to turn loyal customers into advocates.
When paired with professional campaigns, authentic voices give your advertising instant credibility.
2. Online Reviews and Reputation
It may surprise you, but strangers’ reviews often carry more weight than polished ads. A string of five-star Google reviews can do more for your credibility than a billboard ever could.
We help businesses monitor, manage, and respond to reviews, while also using them strategically in ad campaigns, email marketing, and social posts. Good reviews = stronger ads.
3. Email Marketing (When Done Right)
Customers don’t trust spam—but they do trust emails they signed up for.
At Intaglio Creative, we design and manage email campaigns that deliver real value:
Newsletters with helpful content
Exclusive promotions
Event invites and updates
When targeted to the right audience, email builds trust and keeps your business top-of-mind.
4. Paid Digital Ads: Google Ads, LSAs, and Beyond
While traditional ads like TV, radio, and print still have their place, today’s most effective ad dollars are often spent online.
We help businesses run:
Google Ads (PPC campaigns): Appear at the top when prospects are searching for exactly what you offer.
Local Service Ads (LSAs): Google-verified ads that earn immediate trust with the green check badge.
Paid Social Campaigns: Reach highly targeted audiences on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
The key is smart targeting. Instead of blasting ads to everyone, we ensure your campaigns reach the right people—those already looking for your products or services.
5. Multi-Channel Campaigns Work Best
No single advertising channel is enough anymore. Trust comes from consistency and reinforcement across multiple touchpoints.
That’s why we often combine:
Digital campaigns (Google Ads, LSAs, paid social)
Email marketing
Print materials (direct mail, brochures, postcards)
Content marketing (blogs, SEO, testimonials)
This integrated approach ensures your brand shows up wherever your customers are—online and offline.
Building Trust Through Advertising
At the end of the day, trust doesn’t come from a flashy ad alone. It comes from:
Great products and services
Strong customer experiences
Consistent, authentic communication
Advertising amplifies all of that—but only when it’s done thoughtfully.
How Intaglio Creative Can Help
At Intaglio Creative, we specialize in advertising that earns trust and gets results. From Google Ads and LSAs to social campaigns, email marketing, and print integration, we build strategies that connect with your audience and move them to act.
Ready to create advertising that people believe in? Contact Intaglio Creative today and let’s design a campaign that builds trust and grows your business.
