How can you use social proof to increase the credibility of your SMO paid advertising?

1 Testimonials and reviews

One of the most common and effective forms of social proof is showcasing testimonials and reviews from satisfied customers or clients. These can be displayed on your landing pages, website, or social media profiles, as well as in your SMO paid ads. Testimonials and reviews can provide specific and authentic feedback, highlight the benefits and features of your offer, and address common objections or concerns. To make them more credible, you can include the name, photo, and location of the reviewer, as well as a rating system or a badge of verification.

2 Social media engagement

Another way to use social proof in your SMO paid advertising is to leverage the engagement metrics of your social media posts, such as likes, shares, comments, views, or followers. These numbers can indicate the popularity and relevance of your content, as well as the size and loyalty of your audience. You can display these metrics in your SMO paid ads, or use them to create custom audiences or lookalike audiences for your campaigns. You can also encourage your existing fans or customers to engage with your posts or ads, or to tag their friends or family who might be interested in your offer.

3 Influencer endorsements

Influencer endorsements are another form of social proof that can increase the credibility of your SMO paid advertising. Influencers are people who have a large and engaged following on social media, and who can influence the decisions and behaviors of their audience. You can partner with influencers who are relevant to your niche, target market, or industry, and ask them to promote your brand, product, or service to their followers. You can also use their testimonials, reviews, or images in your SMO paid ads, or create co-branded campaigns with them.

4 User-generated content

User-generated content (UGC) is any type of content that is created by your customers or users, such as photos, videos, stories, or hashtags. UGC can be a powerful form of social proof, as it can show how real people use and enjoy your offer, as well as create a sense of community and trust around your brand. You can encourage your customers or users to create and share UGC on social media, and reward them with incentives, recognition, or features. You can also use UGC in your SMO paid ads, or create campaigns that invite people to participate in contests, challenges, or surveys.

5 Expert opinions and certifications

Expert opinions and certifications are another type of social proof that can increase the credibility of your SMO paid advertising. Experts are people who have authority, knowledge, or experience in your field, industry, or niche, and who can provide valuable insights, recommendations, or advice. Certifications are badges, seals, or logos that indicate that your brand, product, or service meets certain standards, criteria, or regulations. You can use expert opinions and certifications in your SMO paid ads, or on your landing pages, website, or social media profiles, to showcase your expertise, quality, or credibility.

6 FOMO and scarcity

FOMO (fear of missing out) and scarcity are psychological triggers that can motivate people to take action, especially when they perceive that something is limited, exclusive, or in high demand. You can use FOMO and scarcity in your SMO paid advertising, to create a sense of urgency, excitement, or curiosity among your potential customers. You can use phrases, images, or timers that indicate that your offer is running out, expiring soon, or available only for a select few. You can also use social proof elements, such as customer testimonials, reviews, or UGC, to show how others are taking advantage of your offer, and how they might miss out if they don't act fast.

7 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?