TheBuzzBlast Highlights Poll Showing 98% of Consumers Trust Small Businesses More When They’re Featured in the Media

According to a new, unscientific poll conducted by The BuzzBlast, 98% of consumers say they’re more likely to trust a small business or online store after seeing it mentioned in the media. The findings shed light on a growing trend among Shopify owners, eCommerce brands, and digital entrepreneurs — media exposure is rapidly becoming one of the most powerful tools for establishing credibility and converting browsers into loyal customers.

In today’s crowded online marketplace, small businesses face an uphill battle for consumer attention. With millions of websites and Shopify stores competing for clicks, trust has become one of the most valuable forms of currency. Shoppers are cautious, often checking reviews, testimonials, and social proof before making a purchase. According to TheBuzzBlast, being featured in a credible media outlet — whether a local newspaper, national magazine, or reputable blog — can create the final push a potential customer needs to feel confident hitting “Buy Now.”

While the poll wasn’t conducted as a formal scientific study, it reflects an undeniable truth in digital commerce: people trust what they see in the media. For many small business owners, that trust translates directly into measurable growth. A single feature or interview can help transform a new or unknown brand into one that feels familiar and legitimate.

“The idea that media exposure builds trust isn’t surprising — it’s proven,” said John Watson, Editor-in-Chief of The BuzzBlast. “When consumers see a small business or Shopify store featured in a reputable outlet, they automatically assume that business is credible and established. It’s human nature. That’s why at TheBuzzBlast, our mission is to make that level of visibility accessible to everyday entrepreneurs.”

TheBuzzBlast’s findings align with what marketing experts have long understood: earned media functions as a form of social proof. When a customer sees a product, founder, or brand featured in a news article or interview, that coverage acts as a third-party endorsement — far more powerful than any paid ad. It sends a clear message that the business is worth talking about.

For online retailers, this kind of validation can have a ripple effect. Media coverage can increase organic traffic, improve conversion rates, and strengthen the perception of legitimacy. Shopify stores and independent eCommerce sellers in particular benefit from these trust signals, as customers often hesitate to buy from lesser-known sites. Displaying a “Featured In” section on a homepage, or highlighting a quote from a media article, can quickly turn hesitation into confidence.

“Trust is the new transaction,” added Watson. “Every purchase is built on belief — belief that the product works, that the business is real, and that it will deliver on its promises. Media features act as digital endorsements that reassure customers they’re making a safe choice.”

Beyond direct sales, media exposure also strengthens a brand’s long-term reputation. Articles, podcast appearances, and interviews provide searchable proof that a company exists, is active, and is recognized by others. These features show up in Google results, helping brands occupy more digital real estate and boost their SEO. That’s something traditional ad campaigns simply can’t replicate.

TheBuzzBlast has quickly become a trusted resource for small business owners looking to bridge the gap between their online storefronts and the public eye. The company connects entrepreneurs with real media opportunities — from interviews and expert quotes to full-length feature articles — designed to enhance their authority and visibility. By helping small businesses earn coverage, not just pay for ads, TheBuzzBlast empowers them to tell their stories in authentic, credible ways.

Watson explained that TheBuzzBlast was created to level the playing field for smaller brands that don’t have access to big-budget PR firms. “You shouldn’t have to be a Fortune 500 company to earn recognition,” he said. “We believe every business with a genuine story deserves to be seen and heard. Whether you’re running a Shopify boutique, a local service, or an online startup, the right media exposure can transform your brand’s trajectory.”

The poll results reinforce that sentiment. Out of the respondents surveyed, nearly all agreed that media visibility increases their willingness to trust and purchase from a brand. Even though the poll was informal, the overwhelming response indicates a widespread consumer mindset that media exposure equals legitimacy.

As more entrepreneurs recognize the connection between visibility and trust, The BuzzBlast plans to expand its offerings. New initiatives will include educational webinars, case studies, and media training programs aimed specifically at small business owners and Shopify sellers. The company also intends to launch a new “Visibility Accelerator” program designed to help businesses strategically position themselves for media attention — even without prior PR experience.

According to TheBuzzBlast, these tools will make it easier for entrepreneurs to understand not only how to get featured, but how to leverage that coverage across social media, email marketing, and their websites for maximum impact. Media exposure, once reserved for large companies with big budgets, is becoming democratized — and The BuzzBlast aims to lead that movement.

In a digital world built on perception, the takeaway is simple: being seen builds belief. For small business owners, credibility isn’t just earned through great products or excellent customer service — it’s earned through recognition. And as this poll shows, that recognition often starts in the media.

About The BuzzBlast
TheBuzzBlast (also known as The BuzzBlast) is a U.S.-focussed digital media and PR service that helps small businesses, Shopify owners, and eCommerce entrepreneurs gain visibility and build credibility through authentic media exposure. By connecting clients to press opportunities, interviews, and features, TheBuzzBlast helps brands turn attention into authority and trust into measurable growth.

TheBuzzBlast: https://TheBuzzBlast.com

Contact:
John Watson
Editor-in-Chief
TheBuzzBlast