Business People Can Leverage on Social Proof

Have you ever liked a page on Facebook or follow someone on twitter just because he is got huge fan base or because a close friend did? I done it myself. We always thought if someone else has done it or talked about it online, this must be good!

This is social proof at work. Social proof also known as “Informational Social Influence” is a psychological concept where people assume the actions of others in an attempt to reflect correct behaviour for a given situation.

Successful businesses- Jumia, Boenx, Konga and the likes have used this concept in gaining more customers loyalty and engagement with resultant effects on the bottom line.

Social proof is a type of conformity. It is the mentality that when many people are doing something, we believe it is right.

I will run you through five identified areas of social proof that have proved to be more successful in leads generation and sales conversion;

Social Likes/Tweets

Social media enthusiasts have used platform like Facebook and Twitter to generate more leads. When you increase the number of inbound links to your site with the Facebook likes or tweets from Twitter, you are actually going to help boost your products or service visibility over time. If your business model is in tune with your social media campaign, you are definitely going to smile to your bank and as well have excellent relationship with your customers.

Trust Symbols

With the growing concern over identity theft and internet fraud, little details like an online trust symbol is very important.

A study has shown that customers feel more comfortable with online ventures with security symbol or seal.

Video Testimonials

Visual testimonials have been widely used as application of social proof. When you can show people what others like them believe or are doing, people are more likely to take the same action.

Celebrity Endorsements

I have personally taken some buying decisions on products especially when the situation is uncertain or where there is no clear cut difference just because a respected celebrity has endorsed such product. It happens to us all. Businesses can use experts/ celebrities to social proof their products.

PR

In a time of social media revolution, a well planned PR has a unique way to deliver better results . The strategy using social media-flavoured PR to influence customers buying decision.

Since social proof is a mentality thing, business strategists must leverage on this for sales conversion and high returns on investment.