[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding=”0px|||||”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Social proof comes in many shapes and sizes. You can use reviews or testimonials on your product pages, but you can also put them on your homepage. You can use user-generated content on your social media, create case studies or use cases, film videos, or use audio files.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In this sea of options, it can be difficult to know where to start. We\u2019ll look at eight ways to generate some exceptional credibility by using social proof. Note that you don\u2019t need to utilize all of them: carefully consider your target audience first, and then implement the tips that would appeal to them the most.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Third-party reviews are <\/span>often the most trusted social proof<\/span><\/a> you can feature on your website. Since it\u2019s believed to be (and most often is) completely unbiased, it\u2019s much easier to believe it than any marketing copy you feature on your website.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When you think about it, it makes perfect sense. You have an agenda: you want to earn more money. Your customers, on the other hand, want to get the best deal possible at the best price. Why should they trust you over each other?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Note that consumers typically <\/span>spend 25% more money<\/span><\/a> on brands they trust, so it becomes even more important to give them a reason to trust you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n One of the best review platforms you can utilize is Trustpilot, one of the most trusted brands of its kind. Your customers are highly unlikely to question the reviews you get on the platform, so all you need to do is implement it correctly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Take a look at <\/span>Thankbox<\/span><\/a>, for example. They feature a prominent Trustpilot element right beneath their homepage header, displaying their extremely impressive score along with CTA that links to their Trustpilot page.<\/span><\/p>\n By giving this element so much prominence on their site\u2019s most visible page, Thankbox makes their credibility exceptionally clear to visitors and proves that their brand can be trusted to deliver on their promises.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ometrics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/unnamed-7.png” title_text=”unnamed (7)” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Source: <\/span><\/i>Thankbox.com<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n The brand also takes the time to respond to the majority of their reviews, and all of their responses have clearly been written by a human and address what their customer said. It\u2019s a great way to elevate their Trustpilot profile even further.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Customers will sometimes be hesitant to make a purchase if they\u2019ve never heard of your brand before. They may have seen your ad on social media, or you may have popped up when they did a Google search for your products. Now they have found you, but they still have some qualms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A genuinely useful way to overcome a lot of conversion obstacles is to feature a widget that displays real-time sales. When a potential customer sees others shopping, it will make them feel much more comfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n Firstly, they\u2019ll see that you have an active customer base and that others are happy to trust you enough to do business with you. They will also have a chance to see some products they may be interested in but didn\u2019t know you carried.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Book Depository<\/span><\/a> has a great widget that displays the book purchased and the location from which the order was placed. This ensures that first-time customers feel safer. If the brand is able to ship all the way from the UK to Japan, for example, their order is bound to arrive.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ometrics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/unnamed-6.png” title_text=”unnamed (6)” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Source: <\/span><\/i>Bookdepository.com<\/span><\/i><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The widget is not distracting, and it can actually be quite fun to watch others shop. If you are a book nerd, you can spend a delightful five minutes comparing your tastes to that of others.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Earned media mentions are a fantastic type of social proof. But of course, they require a fair bit of effort on your part to land them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you want to get featured by a mainstream news outlet, you can start by looking into HARO. It delivers media opportunities into your inbox three times a day, and <\/span>it can be a great way<\/span><\/a> to attract new audiences, grow brand awareness, and drive qualified traffic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Once you do get featured by a blog or major media website, your job is not over. You\u2019ll want to highlight on your website that you\u2019ve been featured and make the most of this type of social proof.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.ometrics.com\/ochatbot-for-enterprise\/” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” border_width_all=”3px” border_color_all=”#68AB37″ global_module=”6437″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ometrics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Ochatbot_ecomm-cart-420×420-1-300×300.png” alt=”shopify plugins” title_text=”Ochatbot_ecomm-cart 420×420″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|3px||3px|false|false” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n WE GUARANTEE RESULTS!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.ometrics.com\/ochatbot-for-enterprise\/” button_text=”Learn More” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”24px” button_text_color=”#000000″ button_bg_color=”#E09900″ button_border_width=”0px” button_icon=”=||divi||400″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n MarketBeat<\/span><\/a> features a media section just above their footer. They\u2019ve strategically not highlighted this element, as most brands do, but have let the logos themselves speak. The mere fact that they\u2019ve been featured by Forbes and Inc. will add another level of trust to their entire brand.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ometrics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/unnamed-8.png” title_text=”unnamed (8)” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Source: <\/span><\/i>Marketbeat.com<\/span><\/i><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you want to take this type of social proof to the next level, you can also provide a quote from the mention that shows what\u2019s been said about you. <\/span>Gili<\/span><\/a> has done this very well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Their media mentions section does not take up too much space, and the quotes are great marketing. They are clearly genuine reviews and will certainly catch the eye of a prospective shopper.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Note how they\u2019ve also selected niche media outlets and not the biggest ones (except Forbes) they\u2019ve been mentioned in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ometrics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/unnamed-4.png” title_text=”unnamed (4)” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Source: <\/span><\/i>Gilisports.com<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n Your product pages should feature at least one type of social proof: user reviews. This is the absolute bare minimum you need to feature if you hope to prove to your visitors that you can be trusted and that you\u2019re not just another scam website.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To take it to the next level, allow shoppers to add their own content to the review section.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This ticks several boxes. First, you will be getting some free visual content on your page. It will also show the product in use from different angles and in different lighting and settings than you could ever conceivably shoot it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You will then also benefit from the level of commitment exhibited by your customers. If someone has taken the time to take a picture of the product, write a review, and upload it, they must have really liked the product. Otherwise, they may have just left a five-star review or no review at all.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Cotopaxi has great <\/span>product pages<\/span><\/a> that allow for this option. Plus, they let you filter through the reviews based on ratings and videos or images. You can thus easily choose to look at only reviews that come with a visual and check out what the product you are interested in looks like in person.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ometrics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/unnamed-3.png” title_text=”unnamed (3)” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Source: <\/span><\/i>Cotopaxi.com<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n Using video social proof will again require a bit more effort on your part, but it can be exceptionally effective. Since you only have to shoot them once (or ask your customers to do it on their own if you\u2019d like that organic feel), it can be very much worth it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Using video will make your customers super relatable. It will give them a voice, a face, and all the non-verbal information that the community will be there to see and hear. Video is much more personable than text or even audio. It can help customers imagine themselves using your product and understand how it will help them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You can use different types of social proof videos. <\/span>Bay Alarm Medical<\/span><\/a> incidentally has three that work well: customer interviews, a TV spot, and an unboxing video.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The interviews give you a chance to understand the pain points the product solves and what is a form of video review. The TV spot is not only a way to show they\u2019ve been featured on mainstream TV but a more sales-pitch type of video. The unboxing is actually a vlog from a customer, which makes it that much more genuine.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ometrics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/unnamed-2.png” title_text=”unnamed (2)” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Source: <\/span><\/i>Bayalarmmedical.com<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n How you approach the video testimonial issue will depend on your audience. Don\u2019t try to film someone who is great on camera and who will seem like a hired actor, but don\u2019t film someone who is completely camera shy, either. Also, don\u2019t edit out the bloopers. You want to ensure that the video does not seem scripted, as that will hurt you a lot more than it will help.<\/span><\/p>\n Social proof also needs to find its place on your social media profiles. Luckily, it can be exceedingly simple to source. All you need to do is monitor your mentions and get genuinely involved in conversations with your audience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Before you simply re-share someone\u2019s video, photo, or review about your brand, make sure to ask. The creator will be notified anyway if you tag them, but by taking the extra step and asking for their permission, you will appear even more human and show that you genuinely care about your customers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Always credit the author of the content and add your own caption or comment. Don\u2019t just reuse their entire post and tag them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n One brand that has nailed this on social media is, without a doubt, Starbucks. Their <\/span>Twitter<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Instagram<\/span><\/a> are filled with UGC in both text and image format. Their followers love them precisely because they\u2019re so genuine and show so much care and kindness. Their social media and customer support teams are some of the best, and you can learn a lot from them.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ometrics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/unnamed-1.png” title_text=”unnamed (1)” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Source: <\/span><\/i>Instagram.com<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n Notice how they always appear human and funny. They always tag the person who shot the photo. It\u2019s clear that they seek out their customers and show genuine gratitude and appreciation for them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The best social proof will sometimes come from someone who is educated, experienced, and trustworthy enough to speak about your product from an expert\u2019s point of view. It can be a big name in your industry, it can be a celebrity, or it can even be a competitor. It doesn\u2019t even have to be someone your audience has likely heard of. As long as they have the credentials to back their opinion up, their support will matter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Be careful who you ask to endorse your product, though. You don\u2019t want to, for example, work with an influencer who endorses all kinds of products. You want someone who is a genuine expert and who hasn\u2019t already offered their support to countless other brands. If they have, your customers will know it\u2019s most likely a form of paid advertising.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here\u2019s what you can do. <\/span>Somnifix<\/span><\/a> recruited the expertise of Mark Burhenne for a quote. You\u2019ve probably never heard of him. However, he is a family and sleep medicine dentist, and therefore competent to talk about the negative effects of mouth breathing.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ometrics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/unnamed.png” title_text=”unnamed” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Source: <\/span><\/i>Somnifix.com<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n Notice how he also hasn\u2019t actually mentioned that the product is something you need in your life. He is merely underlining the brand\u2019s message: breathing through your nose is good for you; here\u2019s why and how we can help.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Finally, don\u2019t make the mistake of only featuring product reviews on your product pages. What if your visitor never makes it there? What if they don\u2019t like your homepage and decide to leave?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n By letting customers see product reviews early on, they will be much more likely to explore your products in-depth. You are saving them the time to click on a product, and you are showing them the products they are likely to be interested in the most. They\u2019ll appreciate the effort.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You can then feature actual products and their reviews on your homepage. This can be a product carousel, a list of your most popular products, a list of your newest products, etc.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nLeverage Third-Party Review Platforms\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Show Real-Time Sales\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Get the Most Out of Earned Media Mentions\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
True AI to engage shoppers in conversational eCommerce. Create happy customers while growing your business!<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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5% to 35% Increase in AOV*<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n
20% to 40% Increase is Revenue*<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n
25% to 45% Reduction in Support Tickets<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Allow User-Generated Content in Product Reviews\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Use Video\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Display User-Generated Content on Social Media\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Seek the Opinion of a Subject Matter Expert<\/span><\/h2>\n
Don\u2019t Limit Product Reviews to the Product Page<\/span><\/h2>\n