In digital marketing, social proof strategy is frequently overlooked. Local SEO, developing a GMB profile, and updating Facebook and Instagram are just a few of the marketing initiatives that feel very 2021.
Many people forget that, now that selling on the internet seems so social, there’s one large category of digital marketing that can have a big influence — from the top to the bottom of your sales funnel.
It’s all about social proof here.
Business professor Robert Cialdini coined the term “social proof” in 1984 to describe how people are often convinced to do something that has already been done by others. It boosts the credibility of a company or product, builds trust, and persuades people to do something they see in a social situation.
Here are a few illustrations.
Online Evaluations
We’ve all read client testimonials. According to a Trustpilot poll from 2020, 89 percent of internet shoppers look for reviews before making a purchase.
This involves finding ways to collect evaluations about your firm and posting them in prominent places where clients may see them, whether you’re a B2B or a B2C.
The review portion of your Google My Business profile, which is a first page result for branded search results, is the easiest to construct – and now one of the most crucial. Encourage others to write evaluations, particularly if you know they were pleased with your work. Profit from the free miles offered by delighted customers.
Websites like Yelp, your Facebook profile, and your online seller pages on Amazon, Lazada, Shopee, Zalora, and other e-commerce platforms are all good options.
Testimonials from Clients
Positive client feedback has a chance to help B2B companies.
Are you in the middle of a project with a client or in the midst of an evaluation period? If you’re getting good results from this client, it’s time to urge them to tell you about it – and the rest of the world.
You can use social media (Facebook, Instagram) to share quotes from your business contacts. Better better, set aside a section of your website’s service pages to show proof that you’ve completed quality job.
Badges And Certifications For The Workplace
Place your accreditation badges someplace prominent on your website if you’re a B2B company whose business relies on achieving established industry standards – generally next to, or underneath, your user testimonials.
Show them all, whether it’s an ISO, TUV, IBM, Microsoft, or Google certification. These badges represent your company’s commitment to excellence and quality. Companies vying for business in particular industries get an extra boost when they submit their proposals.
Business Logos
Firm logos, a variant on the user testimonial, will provide your company a boost in terms of reputation and work performed.
It’s a quick, visual, and memorable approach to set yourself apart from your competition, who may not have the portfolio you’ve established. It gives visitors to your website a sense of the kind of verticals you service (and might include theirs).
Endorsements by Celebrities
You will have to pay to have a celebrity become a brand ambassador for your firm, but the cost will be worthwhile if this personality reflects many of the values that your company promotes.
The celebrity will have the clout and online/offline reach to deliver a variety of messages for your business, as well as communicate with company members and product users.
Use the celebrity endorsement to boost your brand’s image on your website, through sponsored commercials, and on social media.
Influencers on Social Media
According to a recent online poll conducted by Influencer Marketing Hub, influencer marketing has become the fastest-growing online client acquisition approach. Influencers have devoted niche market audiences who watch what they do and will evaluate what they recommend, sometimes more convincingly than a high-profile celebrity endorsement.
Our latest Stridec Webinar on online influencer marketing was interesting and worth watching.
In conclusion, don’t be hesitant to use these social proof techniques for your business. Visitors to your website and those interested in learning more about you may have a different impression of you.
After all, if you can see what you’ve done, they should be able to see it as well.