It's easier today for anyone to start up a website and compete in virtually any industry - shared web hosting is incredibly affordable (even more so when using a coupon or web hosting rebate), open source design templates and scripts can reduce the design and programming skills required to create a site, and plenty of self-serve advertising options are available for generating traffic.
Given the low barrier for entry, it is vital that your business website quickly gain the trust of your visitors.
Follow these 5 tips for quickly building credibility on your website and reap the reward of increased sales or conversions:

1. Display Full Contact InformationDifferent people are comfortable using different forms of communication - supplying the information needed to allow your customers to contact you in the manner that THEY prefer builds immediate trust.
   Even if they don't need to contact you, and can purchase online, seeing your telephone number and physical address, along with electronic contact form or email address creates the feel of a solid company.
   
2. Offer Live Contact / Live SupportWhile the number of visitors who will use a live contact feature may be minimal, its presence creates the appearance of a large, stable business.
   Live Support software can be surprisingly affordable as well.
   
3. Include a Privacy PolicyAgain - this may not be clicked on frequently by your site visitors, but its mere presence can serve to reassure your visitors.
   
4. Include Logos of Member Associations and AccreditationsYou have to be careful when implementing this one, as it can junk up your site when done improperly and actually have a negative impact, but well-placed logos that speak to your credibility can go a long way in the eyes of your visitors.
   
5. Include an Up-to-date News SectionAdding company news to your site with regular frequency gives the instant appearance of organization and helps to keep your site fresh and interesting.
   If you aren't going to keep up with news information (try to post at least one new item per week), I would recommend skipping this step.