How can you build credibility with stakeholders using social proof?

2 Social media and online reviews

Another way to use social proof is to leverage social media and online reviews to showcase your project's popularity, reach, or impact. These can be metrics such as likes, shares, comments, ratings, or followers that indicate how many people are interested in, engaged with, or satisfied with your project or product. Social media and online reviews can help you show your stakeholders that your project has a large or loyal audience, a strong or positive reputation, or a high or consistent quality. You can use them in your project updates, dashboards, or websites, as long as they are accurate, current, and transparent.

3 Case studies and best practices

A third way to use social proof is to present case studies and best practices from similar or successful projects or products. These can be stories, examples, or comparisons that illustrate how your project or product solves a problem, meets a need, or creates value for your customers, users, or beneficiaries. Case studies and best practices can help you show your stakeholders that your project is based on proven or innovative methods, strategies, or solutions, and that it has clear or measurable results or benefits. You can use them in your project pitches, meetings, or workshops, as long as they are relevant, credible, and concise.

4 Awards and certifications

A fourth way to use social proof is to highlight awards and certifications that your project or product has received or achieved. These can be recognitions, honors, or accreditations from reputable or authoritative sources that validate your project's quality, excellence, or impact. Awards and certifications can help you show your stakeholders that your project has met or exceeded high standards, expectations, or criteria, and that it has been acknowledged or endorsed by experts, peers, or customers. You can use them in your project portfolios, profiles, or brochures, as long as they are visible, verifiable, and relevant.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?