Achieving SOC 2 compliance takes months of work and significant investment, costing tens of thousands of dollars. The value of your compliance status doesn’t end there. So, what to do after getting a SOC 2 report, and how to maximize the credibility it provides?
“
Getting a SOC 2 report is a big milestone, but the real value is what you do with it afterward. Make it easy for prospects to see that you’ve done the work by putting it behind a trust center or using a SOC 2 badge to unlock deals and gain trust.”
If you’ve received an unqualified SOC 2 report, you can get a SOC 2 badge that confirms your compliance to help grow your business further. When used tactically, the badge serves as a solid trust signal so you can turn your compliance achievement into a competitive advantage, build credibility with prospects, and support your sales efforts.
How to display your SOC 2 badge to customers and prospects
Here are three ways to use your SOC 2 badge to help your business grow and get the most out of your SOC 2:
- Add a SOC 2 badge to your website
- Create a trust center for your SOC 2
- Announce SOC 2 compliance on social media
{{cta_webinar2="/cta-blocks"}} | Streamline your security reviews with a Trust Center
1. Add a SOC 2 badge to your website
Many prospects already know they want to work with vendors that have a SOC 2. For buyers who are familiar with the framework, an official AICPA SOC 2 badge is a highly recognizable visual trust signal. It catches their eye and immediately lends credibility to your business and the security controls you have in place to meet SOC 2’s Trust Services Criteria.
You can get the AICPA SOC 2 logo directly from the AICPA website, but you'll first need to register to use the badge. Under the AICPA's current terms, the logo is only available to organizations whose SOC report carries an unqualified (unmodified) opinion, and it may be displayed for only 12 months following the report date. To keep the badge live year-round, ensure you plan for your next SOC 2 audit.
If you use Vanta, you can also access a SOC 2 badge right after achieving compliance. If you’ve recently completed a framework using Vanta, visit the Customer Success Center to download your new SOC 2 badge.
While a SOC 2 badge can open new doors in sales, enterprise buyers will often ask for more information to evaluate your security posture.
“
A SOC 2 badge functions mostly as a trust indicator, not a substitute for proper due diligence. It ultimately depends on the sophistication of the buyer, but typically, you’ll have to provide access to the full report or your trust center to help them verify the substance of your security posture.”
2. Create a trust center for your SOC 2
For startups and SMBs, one of the highest-impact ways to turn a SOC 2 report into a sales and marketing asset is a trust center: a live page that displays your SOC 2 badge alongside your current certifications, security practices, and subprocessors, with your full report gated behind an access request and non-disclosure agreement (NDA). You should also use the badge across all SOC 2 sales enablement materials to build credibility at the first touchpoint with prospects and inbound leads.
Unlike a point-in-time claim, such as a one-off blog post or a static “About us” mention, a trust center shows buyers that your posture is continuously maintained. It reinforces your security posture throughout the customer journey, giving prospects a clean insight before they ever interact with a sales rep. As a result, they can use it as a self-serve portal and find answers before they send you a security questionnaire.
Trust centers also educate potential clients and partners about your security posture and the benefits of partnering with you. You can include a contact form on this page to capture leads who are interested in collaborating with a SOC 2-attested vendor.
{{cta_simple14="/cta-blocks"}} | Trust Center product page
3. Announce SOC 2 compliance on social media
Social media can help you reach an even larger audience. Share the news of your SOC 2 compliance across your company’s official social media handles.
Just like your web page, this post will show up in the search results for your company and SOC 2-related keywords and help capture leads. As AI-powered search engines become more accessible, consistently sharing your SOC 2 compliance status across such public channels can reinforce this signal and help AI systems surface it when answering questions about your company’s security posture. You can also turn your social post into a paid ad to reach an even larger audience.
What are the SOC 2 badge usage rules?
The AICPA provides comprehensive SOC 2 logo guidance that you must follow while using the badge. For starters, check whether your report is eligible. While any SOC 1, SOC 2, or SOC 3 report from a licensed CPA or a recognized non-U.S. equivalent qualifies (including Type 1), the opinion must be unqualified. A qualified or adverse opinion doesn’t meet the criteria.
Since the badge is valid for only 12 months from the report date, maintaining compliance over time requires an annual re-audit so you can replace it promptly when the previous one expires.
The AICPA is also specific about how the logo should be displayed, including detailed requirements about the size, colors, and link:
- The logo can’t be altered, except for proportional resizing.
- Recoloring, stretching, adding elements, or adding the logo in other images is not allowed.
- The badge should appear at a minimum height of 50px to preserve legibility if you use it digitally.
- The logo must use official Pantone 287 blue (C100 M65 Y0 K15).
- When used online, the badge needs to link to aicpa.org/soc4so. If you’re using the logo in physical or print materials, the link must be printed near the badge.
The language you use is just as important, as a minor error in wording could become false advertising. The biggest issue is claiming “SOC 2 certification” or that your organization is “SOC 2 certified.” SOC 2 is an attestation issued by a CPA firm, not a certification. Referring to your organization as “SOC 2 certified” is inaccurate and will be viewed unfavorably by auditors, buyers, and security teams. If you don’t follow these rules, your rights to display it could be revoked.
“
A SOC 2 badge reflects an independent attestation of your control environment, not a certification of your company or product. It’s important to keep the badge current and use it exactly as permitted.”
Grow your business with SOC 2 and beyond: Manage compliance with Vanta
The SOC 2 trust signal has become a gateway requirement to enterprise revenue. According to a 2026 report by Agency, a cybersecurity MSP, that industry tracking revealed that 70–80% of enterprise SaaS providers have adopted SOC 2 to meet buyer security requirements.
As the #1 trust management platform, Vanta helps you achieve and maintain SOC 2 compliance efficiently, as well as build on it as your compliance needs grow. The platform offers automated compliance features for over 35 frameworks and standards, including ISO 27001, HIPAA, and the GDPR.
Vanta’s SOC 2 product helps you with:
- Smart, pre-populated system description templates and built-in workflows
- 1,400+ automated tests to monitor your controls
- 400+ integrations for evidence collection and continuous monitoring
- Seamless support for SOC 2 audits with access to 100+ trusted audit firms
- Risk assessment workflows
- AI-powered policy management, and more
You’ll also access Vanta’s Trust Center, which you can use to share your security posture, SOC 2 reports, and documentation with prospects and customers.
Schedule a custom demo to see how Vanta’s automation and product support your compliance program.
{{cta_simple1="/cta-blocks"}} | SOC 2 product page
FAQs
Is SOC 2 a certification, and is there an official “SOC 2 certified” badge?
SOC 2 is not a certification, but an attestation issued by a licensed CPA firm. The AICPA provides a SOC 2 logo for eligible organizations, but there is no credential or badge called “SOC 2 certified.”
How long can you display the AICPA SOC badge after your audit?
Under the AICPA's terms, you can display the badge for 12 months from the report date. Plan for your next audit well in advance so you can replace the badge when the current one expires.
Can you display the SOC 2 badge with only a Type 1 report?
You can display the SOC 2 badge with a Type 1 report. In fact, any SOC 1, SOC 2, or SOC 3 report qualifies, provided that the opinion is unqualified.
Can you resize, recolor, or otherwise customize the AICPA SOC badge?
You can’t customize the badge, but you can resize it proportionally. Other than that, the logo can't be altered or recolored. It also must meet the minimum display size and must link to aicpa.org/soc4so to meet the official AICPA logo usage requirements.
Additional SOC 2 resources
How to take advantage of your SOC 2 badge
Additional SOC 2 resources
How to take advantage of your SOC 2 badge
Download the checklist
Looking to automate SOC 2 audit prep?
Achieving SOC 2 compliance takes months of work and significant investment, costing tens of thousands of dollars. The value of your compliance status doesn’t end there. So, what to do after getting a SOC 2 report, and how to maximize the credibility it provides?
“
Getting a SOC 2 report is a big milestone, but the real value is what you do with it afterward. Make it easy for prospects to see that you’ve done the work by putting it behind a trust center or using a SOC 2 badge to unlock deals and gain trust.”
If you’ve received an unqualified SOC 2 report, you can get a SOC 2 badge that confirms your compliance to help grow your business further. When used tactically, the badge serves as a solid trust signal so you can turn your compliance achievement into a competitive advantage, build credibility with prospects, and support your sales efforts.
How to display your SOC 2 badge to customers and prospects
Here are three ways to use your SOC 2 badge to help your business grow and get the most out of your SOC 2:
- Add a SOC 2 badge to your website
- Create a trust center for your SOC 2
- Announce SOC 2 compliance on social media
{{cta_webinar2="/cta-blocks"}} | Streamline your security reviews with a Trust Center
1. Add a SOC 2 badge to your website
Many prospects already know they want to work with vendors that have a SOC 2. For buyers who are familiar with the framework, an official AICPA SOC 2 badge is a highly recognizable visual trust signal. It catches their eye and immediately lends credibility to your business and the security controls you have in place to meet SOC 2’s Trust Services Criteria.
You can get the AICPA SOC 2 logo directly from the AICPA website, but you'll first need to register to use the badge. Under the AICPA's current terms, the logo is only available to organizations whose SOC report carries an unqualified (unmodified) opinion, and it may be displayed for only 12 months following the report date. To keep the badge live year-round, ensure you plan for your next SOC 2 audit.
If you use Vanta, you can also access a SOC 2 badge right after achieving compliance. If you’ve recently completed a framework using Vanta, visit the Customer Success Center to download your new SOC 2 badge.
While a SOC 2 badge can open new doors in sales, enterprise buyers will often ask for more information to evaluate your security posture.
“
A SOC 2 badge functions mostly as a trust indicator, not a substitute for proper due diligence. It ultimately depends on the sophistication of the buyer, but typically, you’ll have to provide access to the full report or your trust center to help them verify the substance of your security posture.”
2. Create a trust center for your SOC 2
For startups and SMBs, one of the highest-impact ways to turn a SOC 2 report into a sales and marketing asset is a trust center: a live page that displays your SOC 2 badge alongside your current certifications, security practices, and subprocessors, with your full report gated behind an access request and non-disclosure agreement (NDA). You should also use the badge across all SOC 2 sales enablement materials to build credibility at the first touchpoint with prospects and inbound leads.
Unlike a point-in-time claim, such as a one-off blog post or a static “About us” mention, a trust center shows buyers that your posture is continuously maintained. It reinforces your security posture throughout the customer journey, giving prospects a clean insight before they ever interact with a sales rep. As a result, they can use it as a self-serve portal and find answers before they send you a security questionnaire.
Trust centers also educate potential clients and partners about your security posture and the benefits of partnering with you. You can include a contact form on this page to capture leads who are interested in collaborating with a SOC 2-attested vendor.
{{cta_simple14="/cta-blocks"}} | Trust Center product page
3. Announce SOC 2 compliance on social media
Social media can help you reach an even larger audience. Share the news of your SOC 2 compliance across your company’s official social media handles.
Just like your web page, this post will show up in the search results for your company and SOC 2-related keywords and help capture leads. As AI-powered search engines become more accessible, consistently sharing your SOC 2 compliance status across such public channels can reinforce this signal and help AI systems surface it when answering questions about your company’s security posture. You can also turn your social post into a paid ad to reach an even larger audience.
What are the SOC 2 badge usage rules?
The AICPA provides comprehensive SOC 2 logo guidance that you must follow while using the badge. For starters, check whether your report is eligible. While any SOC 1, SOC 2, or SOC 3 report from a licensed CPA or a recognized non-U.S. equivalent qualifies (including Type 1), the opinion must be unqualified. A qualified or adverse opinion doesn’t meet the criteria.
Since the badge is valid for only 12 months from the report date, maintaining compliance over time requires an annual re-audit so you can replace it promptly when the previous one expires.
The AICPA is also specific about how the logo should be displayed, including detailed requirements about the size, colors, and link:
- The logo can’t be altered, except for proportional resizing.
- Recoloring, stretching, adding elements, or adding the logo in other images is not allowed.
- The badge should appear at a minimum height of 50px to preserve legibility if you use it digitally.
- The logo must use official Pantone 287 blue (C100 M65 Y0 K15).
- When used online, the badge needs to link to aicpa.org/soc4so. If you’re using the logo in physical or print materials, the link must be printed near the badge.
The language you use is just as important, as a minor error in wording could become false advertising. The biggest issue is claiming “SOC 2 certification” or that your organization is “SOC 2 certified.” SOC 2 is an attestation issued by a CPA firm, not a certification. Referring to your organization as “SOC 2 certified” is inaccurate and will be viewed unfavorably by auditors, buyers, and security teams. If you don’t follow these rules, your rights to display it could be revoked.
“
A SOC 2 badge reflects an independent attestation of your control environment, not a certification of your company or product. It’s important to keep the badge current and use it exactly as permitted.”
Grow your business with SOC 2 and beyond: Manage compliance with Vanta
The SOC 2 trust signal has become a gateway requirement to enterprise revenue. According to a 2026 report by Agency, a cybersecurity MSP, that industry tracking revealed that 70–80% of enterprise SaaS providers have adopted SOC 2 to meet buyer security requirements.
As the #1 trust management platform, Vanta helps you achieve and maintain SOC 2 compliance efficiently, as well as build on it as your compliance needs grow. The platform offers automated compliance features for over 35 frameworks and standards, including ISO 27001, HIPAA, and the GDPR.
Vanta’s SOC 2 product helps you with:
- Smart, pre-populated system description templates and built-in workflows
- 1,400+ automated tests to monitor your controls
- 400+ integrations for evidence collection and continuous monitoring
- Seamless support for SOC 2 audits with access to 100+ trusted audit firms
- Risk assessment workflows
- AI-powered policy management, and more
You’ll also access Vanta’s Trust Center, which you can use to share your security posture, SOC 2 reports, and documentation with prospects and customers.
Schedule a custom demo to see how Vanta’s automation and product support your compliance program.
{{cta_simple1="/cta-blocks"}} | SOC 2 product page
FAQs
Is SOC 2 a certification, and is there an official “SOC 2 certified” badge?
SOC 2 is not a certification, but an attestation issued by a licensed CPA firm. The AICPA provides a SOC 2 logo for eligible organizations, but there is no credential or badge called “SOC 2 certified.”
How long can you display the AICPA SOC badge after your audit?
Under the AICPA's terms, you can display the badge for 12 months from the report date. Plan for your next audit well in advance so you can replace the badge when the current one expires.
Can you display the SOC 2 badge with only a Type 1 report?
You can display the SOC 2 badge with a Type 1 report. In fact, any SOC 1, SOC 2, or SOC 3 report qualifies, provided that the opinion is unqualified.
Can you resize, recolor, or otherwise customize the AICPA SOC badge?
You can’t customize the badge, but you can resize it proportionally. Other than that, the logo can't be altered or recolored. It also must meet the minimum display size and must link to aicpa.org/soc4so to meet the official AICPA logo usage requirements.
Explore more SOC 2 articles
Introduction to SOC 2
Preparing for a SOC 2 audit
SOC 2 reporting and documentation
Streamlining SOC 2 compliance
SOC differences and similarities
Additional SOC 2 resources
Get started with SOC 2
Start your SOC 2 journey with these related resources.
The SOC 2 Compliance Checklist
Speed up SOC 2 audit prep with automation. This checklist shows how to simplify compliance, reduce audit friction, and unlock enterprise deals.
Vanta in Action: Compliance Automation
Demonstrating security compliance with a framework like SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, etc. is not only essential for scaling your business and raising capital, it also builds an important foundation of trust.
