Are you a truly trusted brand? Check out these 5 ways to evaluate whether your brand is winning over today’s highly aware and informed consumer:

1.You’re believed
Trusted brands are seen as genuine, sincere, “one of us.” The brands effectively act as an ally in someone’s life and the part they play is not questioned – or at least it hasn’t been until recently.

According to Prof. Steven Van Belleghem, author of The Conversation Company and The Conversation Manager, consumers are prepared to commit to up to five brands as long as they believe the brand adds value to their lives or society in general. The brands that have consumers’ trust need to fight harder than ever to keep it.

2. You’re Included
Trusted brands are supported as much for what they stand for as what they sell. It is interesting to look at why people follow brands on Facebook in the first place. According to MediaPost, the single biggest reason (49%) is “to support the brand I like.”

Other key reasons for becoming a Fan of a brand include: “to share my personal good experiences” (31%); “to share my interests/ lifestyle with others” (27%); and “seeing my friends are already a Fan or Liked” (20%). People trust brands that feel most like them.

3. You’re pursued
When you have customers beating down the door to know what you’re going to release next, then you know your brand is absolutely trusted for its taste and currency. What you offer has become far more to people than just something they buy. It has become something that they are proud to own.

4. You’re forgiven
With a wealth of information available today and many channels to spread news, the days of consumers not finding out about a crisis are over. Trusted brands retain the loyalty of consumers when they act swiftly, decisively and sincerely to address not just the reality but also the perception of the mistake. People are more inclined to trust brands that are disarmingly open.

5. You’re copied
This is a sign that your brand is seen as the go-to and/or that your ideas are highly attractive. Take it as a sign that competitors, consumers and others clearly trust your judgment. The advantage you have, and the most powerful counter-strategy you can draw on, is that they can’t read your mind.