Proven Ways to Boost Conversion Rate with Social Proof
Marketing and Psychology might seem two very distant lines of study. But when combined they can work miracles. Marketers have been leveraging the power of psychology to increase sales and grow their business for years. The most common form in which it exists is via the placement of a product, its color, its packaging and the way it is marketed. However, there is another powerful tool that marketers use to boost their conversion rate, and that is social proof.
Social proof is a psychological phenomenon where people tend to follow the actions of others, especially when they are unsure of what to do. It is a powerful tool that can be used to influence people’s behavior and decision-making process. In this article, we will discuss proven ways to boost conversion rate with social proof.
What is Social Proof?
Social proof is a psychological phenomenon where people tend to follow the actions of others, especially when they are unsure of what to do. It is a powerful tool that can be used to influence people’s behavior and decision-making process. Social proof can take many forms, such as customer reviews, testimonials, social media likes, shares, and followers, celebrity endorsements, and more.
Why is Social Proof Important?
Social proof is important because it helps build trust and credibility with potential customers. When people see that others have already purchased a product or service and are happy with it, they are more likely to trust the brand and make a purchase themselves. Social proof also helps reduce the perceived risk of making a purchase, which can be a major barrier for many potential customers.
Proven Ways to Boost Conversion Rate with Social Proof
1. Customer Reviews and Testimonials
One of the most effective ways to use social proof to boost conversion rates is by using customer reviews and testimonials. Studies have shown that 92% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase decision. By displaying positive reviews and testimonials on your website or product pages, you can help build trust and credibility with potential customers.
Make sure to display reviews and testimonials prominently on your website and product pages. You can also use tools like Trustpilot or Google Reviews to collect and display customer reviews.
2. Social Media Likes, Shares, and Followers
Social media is another powerful tool for leveraging social proof. By displaying the number of likes, shares, and followers your brand has on social media, you can help build trust and credibility with potential customers. Social media also provides an opportunity for customers to engage with your brand and share their experiences with others.
Make sure to display your social media icons prominently on your website and product pages. You can also use social media plugins to display your social media feeds on your website.
3. Celebrity Endorsements
Celebrity endorsements are another powerful form of social proof. When a celebrity endorses a product or service, it can help build trust and credibility with potential customers. However, celebrity endorsements can be expensive and may not be feasible for all brands.
If you do decide to use celebrity endorsements, make sure to choose a celebrity that aligns with your brand values and target audience. You can also use micro-influencers or brand ambassadors as a more cost-effective alternative to celebrity endorsements.
4. User-Generated Content
User-generated content is another powerful form of social proof. When customers share photos or videos of themselves using your product or service, it can help build trust and credibility with potential customers. User-generated content also provides an opportunity for customers to engage with your brand and share their experiences with others.
Make sure to encourage customers to share their experiences with your brand on social media. You can also use tools like TINT or Tagboard to collect and display user-generated content on your website.
5. Trust Badges and Certifications
Trust badges and certifications are another effective way to leverage social proof. By displaying badges and certifications from trusted third-party organizations, you can help build trust and credibility with potential customers. Trust badges and certifications can include things like SSL certificates, BBB accreditation, or industry-specific certifications.
Make sure to display trust badges and certifications prominently on your website and product pages. You can also use tools like Trust Guard or McAfee SECURE to display trust badges on your website.
Conclusion
Social proof is a powerful tool that can be used to boost conversion rates and build trust and credibility with potential customers. By using customer reviews and testimonials, social media likes, shares, and followers, celebrity endorsements, user-generated content, and trust badges and certifications, you can help influence people’s behavior and decision-making process. Make sure to experiment with different forms of social proof to see what works best for your brand.
