In a market where trust is everything, proving your company takes security seriously can make the difference between winning or losing a deal. But detailed compliance reports like SOC 2 aren’t designed for public sharing.
That’s where SOC 3 comes in.
SOC 3 is the most underused tool in the compliance toolbox, especially when it comes to marketing, brand trust, and sales enablement. In this post, we’ll explain what SOC 3 is, how it works, and how to use it strategically in your public-facing materials.
What Is a SOC 3 Report?
A SOC 3 report that you can share publicly without any risk, in contrast to a SOC 2 Type II audit, which you can’t share with anyone without a proper NDA signed. It covers the same trust principles:
…but without exposing:
Internal systems
Control testing details
Audit logs or evidence
📌 In other words: SOC 3 shows you passed a real audit — without giving away the playbook.
🔗 Official SOC 3 overview – AICPA
Why SOC 3 Matters for Marketing
Your prospects want reassurance that you’re secure. But most of them:
Don’t want to read a 60-page technical SOC 2 report
Aren’t allowed to request it (especially in early stages)
Don’t have the background to understand audit frameworks
SOC 3 bridges the gap between security certifications and marketing by offering a:
Trust signal
Professional document
Shareable proof of credibility
5 Smart Ways to Use Your SOC 3 in Marketing
1. 🖥️ Add It to Your Website
Place a downloadable PDF or link on your Trust or Security page
Bonus: use badges like “SOC 3 Verified” (auditor-approved only)
2. 📧 Use It in Sales Emails
When responding to security questions, attach the SOC 3 report
Perfect for pre-sales conversations with smaller clients
3. 📄 Include It in Investor Materials
Show maturity in your risk posture
Highlight readiness for scale or enterprise procurement
4. 🤝 Reference It in RFPs and Questionnaires
When full SOC 2 access isn’t needed, SOC 3 can answer basic vendor risk queries
5. 📢 Promote It on Social or Announcements
New to SOC compliance? Use your SOC 3 to share your milestone
Examples: “We’ve completed our SOC 2 Type II audit. Check out our SOC 3 summary.”
SOC 3 Is for Everyone. Not Just Enterprises
You don’t need to be a Fortune 500 company to earn trust. A clean, clear SOC 3 report can:
Boost credibility for startups and scaleups
Reduce friction in procurement
Shorten sales cycles (especially for SMB or mid-market deals)
SOC 3 gives you a marketing-friendly version of your SOC 2 report, without the red tape.
What You’ll Need to Publish a SOC 3
You can’t just request a SOC 3 on its own. It must be based on a SOC 2 Type II audit. Here’s what’s required:
Completion of a SOC 2 Type II audit
Request your auditor to generate a SOC 3 report (they usually provide one at no extra cost)
Review and finalize branding/layout before publication
Make sure you don’t modify the wording or structure. SOC 3 reports must be issued by your auditor.
Turn Compliance Into a Marketing Advantage
SOC 3 helps you tell the world:
“We take security seriously. We’ve been audited. You can trust us.”
It’s clean, professional, and easy to share.
And most importantly, it builds confidence before your customers even talk to your sales team.
