The State of Credibility in America

WHO AMERICA TRUSTS AND BELIEVES

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-making. It's shaped by one's words, actions, and others' testimonials about them.

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.

State of Credibility: leadership, trust, SalesCred, SalesFuel

Credibility
Perceptions

INCLUDING
  • Credibility Trends
  • By Demographic
  • By Employment Status
  • Sales and Marketing Tactics
  • and Its Impact
voice of the sales rep, ,salesperson, salespeople, sales intelligence, sales hiring, sales staffing, employee retention, employee motivation, salesfuel, teamtrait, salescred

Leadership Credibility

INCLUDING
  • Employee's CEO
  • HR Department
  • Small Business Owners
  • Impact on Motivation and Stress
  • and What to Do About It
AdMall, health care marketing, healthcare marketing, content marketing, patient education, hospital marketing, doctor marketing

Most Trusted
Brand Types

INCLUDING
  • Health Care and Medical
  • Home Services
  • Financial Services
  • Automotive and more
  • and How to Improve It
B2B BuyerSCAN, AI Intelligence, B2B Intelligence, sales intelligence, Voice of the Buyer

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-reported U.S. adults who were screened to mirror the U.S. adult population in terms of age group, gender, race, and ethnicity.  1,079 U.S. adults completed our 10-minute online survey. In this survey, U.S. adults told us which professionals and types of businesses they believe are most credible. They also responded to questions about workplace credibility and told us their impressions of and experience with AI.

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

What is the primary goal of the State of Credibility survey? 

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.

How does personal credibility impact consumer purchasing decisions? 

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-term customer loyalty.

What role does leadership play in fostering workplace trust? 

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.

How should sales teams adapt to current levels of consumer skepticism? 

Sales professionals must prioritize authentic communication over aggressive tactics to regain buyer confidence. By focusing on genuine problem-solving rather than just closing deals, representatives can establish the long-term credibility needed to succeed.

In what ways do current AI attitudes influence brand perception? 

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-centric interactions.

Why is trust building considered a competitive advantage in modern marketing? 

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.

Does the survey address how employees view trust within their own companies? 

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.

What are the most significant factors that damage consumer trust? 

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.

How does the research help businesses tailor their messaging? 

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.

Is there a measurable link between company credibility and sales performance? 

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.

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More Insight from This Study