Social proof—it’s all over the news these days. But what is social proof exactly?
Social proof is when you like things because other people or brands like those things. They influence your opinion.
For example, think about the last novel you bought, it probably had raving reviews from big-name authors on the cover, right? That’s an example of the principle of social proof.
If Stephen King had great things to say about this book, then it must be good and you have to buy it. Otherwise, you’re missing out.
And social proof doesn’t only come from celebrities. Those around us every day are also an important source of social proof.
Have you ever bought something based on the recommendation of a friend? If so, you aren’t alone! About 77 percent of consumers found this to be the most persuasive way to learn about new products and businesses.
So how can you leverage this in your marketing?
Testimonials and other social proof examples may seem like small items, but in the big picture, they play a significant role in moving potential clients toward a sale.
Social proof is the hook that helps sell consumers on a product or service. Including some form of social proof in your marketing strategy will help give your potential clients the right information they need to consider doing business with you.
First Things First: Consumers Are Looking at Your Social Media
Your social media profiles say more about your brand than you might think. Consumers tend to look at your profiles to see the content you’re producing and if it’s worth their time.
Don’t worry about how many followers you have, how many likes you’ve gotten, or how many comments were left on your posts. At the end of the day, that doesn’t matter.
Your clients aren’t looking at that—what does matter is the quality of what you’re posting.
Utilizing social proof on your social media is a great content idea. For example, you can post part of a testimonial that someone left you or a link to case studies you have.
Whether you want to showcase a new client or a stellar testimonial you received, this kind of content is great for your social media.
Think of social media as a place to showcase your social proof and bring out your brand’s voice in a more casual setting.
Testimonials & Reviews Are More Important Than Ever for Social Proof
If your company’s page on different review sites like Yelp and Google looks like a ghost town, this isn’t a good sign for your business. But it doesn’t take a ton of reviews to make a difference.
Having just one review can encourage someone to do business with you. For example, every star increase you have on Yelp can increase revenue by 5 to 9 percent.
Before making a purchase, trying a new restaurant, or seeking a spontaneous haircut, most people today will look at a business’ reviews. Studies have shown that the average consumer checks two to three reviews sites before making a decision. If there are no reviews, they will be less likely to choose your business.
The same goes for testimonials on your website. By simply including attributed quotes from your happy clients in an easily accessible spot on your website, you can increase conversion rates.
This is word-of-mouth marketing in the digital age.
Don’t Forget About Case Studies for Social Proof
Although reviews and testimonials provide solid social proof, case studies prove why the reviews and testimonials can be trusted. Ultimately, clients want to know that you can solve the problem they’re facing.
If a client is interested in your product or service and you have case studies that show you’ve solved a problem similar to the one the person has, this helps build trust in what you’re offering.
Case studies allow you to build this personal connection with potential clients—which can help them move one step closer to becoming your next client.
Social Proof Should Showcase Your Clients
If you work with notable clients, show them off! Somewhere on your website, cite some of the businesses you’re working with.
If you’re working with other businesses, drop their logo onto your site—that alone has been shown as a viable source of social proof that pushes people to buy.
This will make you more credible to potential clients. One of those notable clients might be one they connect with or admire, which only makes them want to connect with you more.
Create a Conversation With Social Proof
So why does social proof matter?
Social proof offers your potential clients a mental shortcut to get from “Should I care about this?” to “tell me more.”
Create a conversation with your clients by giving them the information they need to care and want to learn more about your business and services you offer.
Social proof plays an important role in marketing. Are you using it to your advantage? Schedule a consultation with one of our experts to start putting social proof into action for your business.
