54.1% of 1,045 U.S. adults surveyed believe people are somewhat or noticeably less credible compared to the previous year.
That's just one of the many trends revealed by SalesFuel's latest State of Credibility in America study commissioned by SalesCred and TeamTrait. In the March 2026 wave, the study was expanded to explore the credibility of marketing and advertising by several industry verticals. For adults engaged at a paying job, our study also explored perceived credibility in the workplace.
Credibility, determined by factors like being known, likable, helpful, and trustworthy, heavily influences who we trust for advice and information for daily decision-
These insights highlight which professions, companies, and roles should bolster their credibility, offering a roadmap for leaders, coaches, consultants, and branding experts in realms where credibility is crucial.

Credibility
Perceptions
INCLUDING
- Credibility Trends
- By Demographic
- By Employment Status
- Sales and Marketing Tactics
- and Its Impact

Leadership Credibility
INCLUDING
- Employee's CEO
- HR Department
- Small Business Owners
- Impact on Motivation and Stress
- and What to Do About It

Most Trusted
Brand Types
INCLUDING
- Health Care and Medical
- Home Services
- Financial Services
- Automotive and more
- and How to Improve It

Credibility
of AI
INCLUDING
- AI Adoption
- Accuracy of AI Output
- Responsible and Ethical Use
- Trust in Technology
- and What to Do About It
Sample Top- Line Findings
EXCLUSIVE RESEARCH FOR INFLUENCE AND IMPACT
Methodology
SalesFuel conducted its third State of Credibility study in February 2026. The sample consisted of self-
SalesFuel will use this data to analyze credibility trends, compared to the findings from our 2023 survey on the same topic. The insights we develop will be used to develop our training materials and services on the topic of sales credibility. Contact us if you have additional questions about the study's methodology.
State of Credibility FAQs
The survey aims to uncover how Americans define and assign trust in both personal shopping experiences and professional workplace environments. It provides essential insights for companies looking to improve their trust building strategies in a skeptical market.
Credibility serves as a foundational pillar for consumers, as people are significantly more likely to buy from brands they perceive as honest and reliable. Maintaining high standards of integrity is essential for effective branding and long-
Effective leadership is the cornerstone of a credible organization, as employees look to management to set the tone for transparency and ethical behavior. When leaders prioritize accountability, it strengthens internal culture and boosts overall productivity.
Sales professionals must prioritize authentic communication over aggressive tactics to regain buyer confidence. By focusing on genuine problem-
Public sentiment regarding technology is shifting, and consumers are increasingly wary of how AI is used in marketing and customer service. Brands must be transparent about their AI attitudes to avoid alienating customers who value human-
In an era of information overload, consumers gravitate toward companies that consistently prove their reliability. Marketing campaigns that emphasize authentic values and proven results help differentiate a brand from its competitors.
Yes, the report highlights the disconnect between management and staff regarding workplace transparency. Improving internal communication and leadership accessibility are identified as key drivers for increasing employee engagement and retention.
Misleading advertising, poor customer service, and lack of accountability are the primary factors that erode credibility. Once this trust is broken, it requires significant effort and consistent, positive actions to repair the relationship.
The data helps organizations identify the specific traits that their target audience values most, allowing them to refine their branding efforts. By aligning messaging with these expectations, companies can build deeper connections with their customers.
Absolutely, as higher levels of institutional trust directly correlate with increased conversion rates and customer lifetime value. Companies that invest in credibility as a core business strategy consistently outperform those that ignore the importance of consumer sentiment.


