Examples of Social Proof: Using Word-of-Mouth to Increase Sales

In marketing, you should find ways to convince your customers to purchase your product. Clients look for assurance that the things they buy are worth the price. Check out the examples of social proof listed below to get an idea of how to persuade people to buy your product effectively.

Consumers are meticulous regarding the quality of the things they buy. Nobody wants to spend their money on objects with bad reviews and a bad reputation. Buyers look for reviews and evidence that the products or services they purchase are reasonable.

This article will show you examples of social proof and its definition.

What is Social Proof?

Social proof refers to the psychological concept of people’s tendency to be influenced by what others are doing. Humans tend to follow the herd and imitate behavior they see others performing, whether this is consciously or not. 

That leads us to social proof in marketing.

Social proof in marketing intends to persuade people to buy a product. It shows that the food, object, or service they purchase is satisfactory. 

Also, you can use other social proofs to push your clients into buying your products.

Examples of Social Proof

As a producer, you need to understand that consumers prefer to spend their money on products with a good reputation. Clients look for online reviews and recommendations for things or services they wish to purchase.

Okay, so your business might be new to the industry. It’s alright because there are many ways to market your products or services to the public.

Check out these examples of social proof that may be suitable for your brand’s marketing efforts.

Stamp of Approval

The stamp of approval is our list’s first example of social proof.

This is a representation of the quality of a product. The image of a public stamp, or sign, is social proof of the quality of the product or service you are selling.

Shows Your Company’s Good Reputation

It indicates that your product is good and has an excellent reputation.

One way of receiving a stamp of approval is being recommended by an industry thought leader or influencer. They help you let your potential customers know about the outstanding quality of your product and services.

Talks About Your Company’s Expertise

You can also receive this when an official business accreditation committee recognizes your brand’s outstanding product or service. 

It’s an incredible social proof because it shows your company’s credibility and impactful work. It lets your customers know about your business’s ability to exceed their expectations and expertise in a field.

Recommendation of Friends

Another good social proof is the recommendation of your friends. In other words, peer pressure. The positive one, of course!

Purchasing a product requires a lot of trust from your customers. An excellent form of persuading them does not even need to be done by you. 

Saves You From the Cost of Influencer Marketing

In this social proof example, you do not need well-known individuals to promote your brand.

You can save yourself from the hassle of marketing your products through Instagram, Twitter, Yelp, and other social media platforms. Your previous customers will do the work for you, intentionally or unintentionally, in bringing new people.

Friends Recommend Good Products/Services

Friends are the best people to tell us where to eat, what to buy, and where to stay with rest assured great experiences. Their referral will make it easy for you to have more customers. 

Many people depend on their friends when deciding whether they will purchase something or not.

Social Trends

In terms of keeping up with society, your company should catch up with current social trends. 

Keeps Your Business Up To Date

Not only does it help increase the conversion rate in your marketing efforts, but it also keeps your business up to date. This example of social proof urges you to follow new norms that may help you attract new customers.

Your part in this social proof is keeping your company’s products and services up to date. 

Benefits from Social Bandwagon

Let’s admit it. People always join the bandwagon. When customers find themselves in a situation where they want to hop on the trend, they also buy trendy products. Nobody wants brands that still sell fidget spinners and “Watch Me (Whip/ Nae Nae)” song shirts. 

Uses Social Media Platforms

If you need to market your product on social media, you can use Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter. 

The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO).

This example of social proof is made because of people’s fear of missing out or FOMO.

You can also opt to add services or things related to current trends.

However, you should not confuse this social proof with influencer marketing.

Business Credentials

Sharing your company’s achievements and other successful deals can add to the trustworthiness of your product or services.

Adheres to Customers’ Standards

Many people look for competent and relevant brands. This social proof example answers your customers’ question on “why they should trust you.”

It’s an effective way to persuade your customers to choose your brand. This strategy features your company’s positive reputation that will make you look like the best brand in the industry.

Shows Your Company’s Awards and Recognitions

These social proof examples allow you to flex your awards and recognitions. That way, you can show your customers that your service is reliable and credible.

Example:

Show them the accreditation that your technology-inclined business develops the best software program in the world.

Establishes Your Company’s Advantage

This social proof aims to establish your company’s advantage against competitors. 

Talk about your awards, successful deals, and offers that your competitors lack.

Influencer/ Social Media Marketing

Influencer/ Social Media Marketing refers to the strategy of using social media platforms to promote a brand.

Uses Influencers as Endorsers

Amidst the digital age, influencers are popping out from every corner of the world. Each social media star has at least a million followers you can convert into potential customers.

After seeing their favorite influencer’s endorsement, these followers will patronize your product. 

Causes a Marketing Ripple Effect

After their followers promote your brand, you will witness a marketing ripple effect that can reach more people.

It’s a good tactic because the one million followers of an influencer have families and more friends that can try your product. 

Saves You from the Hassle of Traditional Advertisement

Instead of marketing your brand through television commercials and advertisements, you have to ask an influencer to endorse your product.

Although the prices may not differ, influencer/ social media marketing gives you a better chance of having satisfactory conversion rates.

Customer Reviews

One of the most common forms of social proof is customer reviews.

As aforementioned, using social proof allows you to convince your customers that your product is worth the cost. This social proof will enable you to do that easily and with compelling evidence.

Convinces Your Customers

Product reviews enable your buyers to read authentic testimonials from your former customers. This is one of the most common types of social proof used to persuade your customers about your brand’s good quality effectively.

Shows Real Comments

Aside from celebrity endorsements, an excellent way to properly market your product is by showing them reviews about your product. This allows them to read honest comments about your brand’s quality.

In Summary

There are various examples of social proof. The ones you have read above are some of the most effective ones. Having reliable and credible social proofs allow your brand to inform your customers about the outstanding quality of your brand.