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How To

How to Build Social Proof for Your Online Business?

Some years back, I had a thrift business I was running. It was a lot coupled with the fact that I was still in school. I was trying to make sure I balance my academic life and also be on top of the game for my business. Standing out for me in my thrift business was very challenging mostly because I was working on a tight budget. I didn’t have enough capital to work with, I was just basically doing jama-jama. 

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As I was still trying to put one or two things together to get my customers, a distant friend of mine who had also started the thrift business about 4 months after I started was doing so well. I did my research and found out that she was spending big bucks to grab the attention of potential customers, leaving smaller businesses like myself to wonder how to make our mark.

Because of my love for the business, and seeing other people in my industry doing really great, I went ahead to look for more answers. I mean, what am I doing wrong? How are these people able to gain a large audience? I of course got the answer and currently still implementing it in my thrift business and other businesses I have ventured into over the years.

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And I can tell you for a fact that my 3 businesses are doing just as good as I’ve always wanted. If you’re having issues with getting potential customers for your business or you’ve been finding it difficult to build an online presence for your business, I’d advise that you keep on reading, as I will be sharing strategies, tips, and advice that will help your business strive. 

How To Make Your Business Strive

I kept asking myself  “How are these people making these big waves”.  As I’ve previously said, I went ahead to do my research and what did I get?

The answer – Build Social Proof and Trust.

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When I started my thrift business, I was not putting my business out there. I was limiting my business to close relatives and friends.

Even when I started pushing it online (Posting and asking friends to refer me to their online friends) I wasn’t consistent, I was basically on and off.

After my research, I learned that establishing trust and credibility is crucial for the success of any online business.

And one of the most effective ways to achieve this is by building social proof. 

What is Social Proof?

Social proof is the psychological phenomenon where people rely on the actions and feedback of others to make decisions.

Take for instance, When potential customers see that others have had positive experiences with your business, they are more likely to trust and engage with your brand.

Here’s a scenario; You notice that 70% of your neighbors are buying solar because of electricity reasons and all of a sudden Sun king solar becomes your next driving electrical choice. 

In the marketing world, social proof helps you demonstrate that your product is accepted and trusted by others, making it more appealing to potential customers.

People are often skeptical about self-promotion, but when a third party vouches for your product, trust and credibility skyrocket. Try this hack and Thank me later!

Social proof is a psychological concept that suggests people tend to follow the actions, choices, and opinions of others, especially when they are uncertain about their own decisions. It’s a powerful influencer in human behavior and plays a significant role in the online purchasing process.

Before I dive into the strategies for building social proof, let’s take a moment to understand why building social proof is so important.

Statistical Proof

  • Product Reviews Influence Buying Decisions

Most times, before we buy anything online, 80% of the time, we always check product reviews right? Statistics have shown that 70% of online shoppers check product reviews before making a purchase. So you see why it is very important that you build a social proof.

  • Testimonials Matter for B2B

Stahavetics has also shown that a whopping 97% of B2B (Business -to-business) customers rely on testimonials and peer recommendations when making purchasing decisions.

  • Positive Reviews Drive Website Visits

After reading a positive review, 50% of customers take the next step and visit the brand’s website.

  • Word-of-Mouth Recommendations Hold Weight

40% of consumers follow new brands based on recommendations from family and friends.

  • Consumer Reviews Trump Manufacturer Descriptions

Consumer reviews are trusted nearly twelve times more than product descriptions provided by manufacturers.

These statistics tell a clear story – integrating social proof into your marketing strategy is crucial if you want to boost sales and conversions. This is getting interesting, right? Let’s keep going as I show you how social proof acts as a beacon of trust and credibility.

Types of Social Proof

  • Customer Reviews and Testimonials
  • User-generated Content
  • Influencer Endorsements
  • Trust Badges
  • Social Media Engagement

Why Is Social Proof Important for Your Online Business?

Social proof is essential for several reasons some of which are;

It helps build trust with potential customers who may be skeptical about your business.

It establishes your business as a credible and reputable choice in the market.

Businesses with strong social proof often outperform competitors in the long run.

It can increase your conversion rates and drive more sales.

It allows satisfied customers become loyal advocates, further contributing to your social proof.

How to Build Social Proof for Your Online Business

Now, let’s talk about effective ways to build social proof for your online business that will help your business strive.

1. Client Testimonials

This is the top of the list. Client testimonials are a classic form of social proof, they’re real-life endorsements that showcase how your product or service has solved a customer’s problem. How do you go about this?

It’s quite simple. All you need do is focus on delivering exceptional service and a memorable customer experience. When your clients are happy with your offerings, politely ask them to share their feedback.

Once they are sent, display them prominently on your website, social media, product pages, landing pages—anywhere your clients can see them. Also, consider using video testimonials, as video content is becoming increasingly influential in the marketing industry.

2. Customer Reviews

This is more like Client Testimonials; the only difference is that this time they are not coming to drop these testimonies in your DM for you alone, they are dropping them on your platform(s). Customer reviews are a goldmine of social proof for e-commerce businesses.

Approximately 90% of consumers read reviews before making an online purchase. Reviews not only convey satisfaction but also educate potential buyers about your products.

As a business owner, ensure that reviews are specific to individual products and display them on the respective product pages. Reviews can come in written or video format, and both should be used strategically.

Written reviews generate discussion and can be displayed on your blog, product pages, or other review sites. Video reviews, ideal for platforms like Facebook and Instagram, provide a more emotional and authentic touch.

Don’t forget customer satisfaction ratings, which are visually impactful and easy to understand. Star ratings, thumbs up, or hearts can be used to display customer satisfaction, attracting new customers with positive visual cues.

3. Industry Certifications

Industry certifications serve as third-party validation of your expertise and authority. Customers tend to trust authoritative third parties more than self-proclaimed expertise.

Certifications imply that experts have reviewed and approved your product, sending a powerful message to potential customers.

Try to utilize industry certifications and display them prominently on your website. You can also showcase awards and accolades, demonstrating that your business is well-recognized for its achievements.

4. Media Coverage

Traditional media outlets, such as TV, radio, and magazines, still hold significant sway and can be a valuable source of social proof. The endorsement or mention of your brand by these established outlets can boost your credibility.

You can go for an appearance on a local radio show or a mention in an industry magazine, which can be leveraged as social proof. Displaying the logos of such media outlets on your homepage signals your acceptance as an authoritative figure in your industry.

5. Social Media Mentions

This is the last on the list. Positive or negative, social media mentions can be used as a social proof. Responding adeptly to negative comments demonstrates excellent customer care.

When your audience sees your commitment to customer satisfaction, they’re more likely to trust your brand.

Positive social media mentions are evidence to satisfy customers. Request permission to share such mentions on your social media channels, showcasing customer approval.

Additional Tip

Tips 1: Display your growing customer base and celebrate milestones.

What do I mean? Post a thank-you message for every ten thousand new followers to show potential customers the trust your brand has gained. Highlight other milestones, such as high social media shares or significant product sales, to build social proof.

Tips 2: Make use of Case studies.

Case studies offer a more detailed view of how your product or service has solved a specific problem for a satisfied customer. They provide potential clients with a deeper understanding of how your product can benefit them.

Consider presenting case studies in video format to convey the emotions and intent behind the testimonials.

Tips 3: Another additional tip is partnership. If your business integrates with other brands or companies, highlight these partnerships as social proof.

Display their logos on your homepage, especially if they are well-known in your industry. Demonstrate how your product seamlessly integrates with tools from other reputable companies, enhancing your brand’s credibility.

Increase your knowledge base watching this video, it would help you greatly:

Final Thought

Building a portfolio of social proof is a powerful strategy for attracting and converting new customers. It instills confidence in potential buyers, making them more likely to make a purchase, download your app, or opt for your services. Implement these tips and watch your customer base grow. 

So tell me, would you try out all these strategies listed? Try them out and come back here to drop thoughts. Deal? 

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