The Power of Social Proof - #035

Modern Marketing Podcast

When deciding whether or not to do business with you, potential customers rely on others to provide cues. This social proof has the power to either inspire customers to bring their business to you or send them running into the arms of your competitors. It’s time to start making social proof a key part of your business’s marketing.

In this episode, Adam discusses 5 easy ways to start building up your social proof that get you more business and better customers.

Episode Discussions:

• How to experience better conversions and more sales using social proof
• Ways to build social proof if you don’t have much yet
• Resources to start building social proof in your business
• Important things to consider when highlighting social proof
• Why using low social proof is worse than having none at all

3:11

Always focus on positive social proof, not negative.

• One of the most important tips when highlighting social proof to use in your business.
• Draw attention to people that took an action or got a result opposed to something they didn't do or missed out on.
• Experience better conversions and more sales.

"I know this sounds incredibly simple but the effects are really profound and the research shows you always want to be offering positive social proof."

4:00

Always use pictures or video whenever possible.

“When it comes to using testimonials in your business, a picture really is worth 1,000 words. In fact, it's probably worth a whole lot more."

• Some companies use made-up testimonials or people are leery that they're fake or don't relate as well to seeing words on a page.
• Be sure to include a picture or video of your happy customer whenever possible.
• Humanizes the testimonial and adds an element of trust that words alone can't.
• There are different comfort levels when supplying testimonials. Be polite and respectful but get as much quality information as possible, ideally a video.

5:08

Keep it Relevant

• Use testimonials from customers that best match whatever you're trying to attract.
• Use similar case studies and examples to product or service you're trying to promote.

"You always wanna keep it relevant or don't use it at all."

5:47

Low social proof is a bad idea and is worse than no social proof at all.

• Don't prominently display low numbers until you've accumulated moderate social proof.
• Low social proof shows not enough people have bought in.

6:58

Start collecting easy sources of social proof.

• Ask previous customers or clients for a testimonial in any way, shape or form.
• Look through other certifications, awards, or associations that you can display on your website's homepage or "About" page.
• Choose the one, maybe 2, social media channels your customers are most active on.

When you combine all of these, you'll quickly build a power collection of social proof.

Help Adam beef up the social proof for this podcast by heading over to iTunes and leaving a quick and honest rating and review for the show!

Contact Adam: [e-mail]

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