Need more trust from your audience? Try these social proof tactics

Social proof is like the stamp of approval that your audience needs to feel confident about choosing your products or services.

It’s all about showing potential customers that others have had great experiences with your business.

So, let’s dive into these effective strategies that companies like Amazon, Netflix, and Airbnb use to win over their audiences.

Reviews and Ratings

Display customer reviews and ratings prominently on product pages and throughout your website.
Encourage customers to leave reviews by offering incentives or making it easy and convenient for them to do so.
Respond to all reviews, both positive and negative, in a professional and timely manner.
Highlight positive reviews and testimonials on your homepage, social media, and marketing materials.

User-Generated Content (UGC)

Run contests and giveaways that encourage users to submit photos or videos using your products or services.
Feature UGC on your website, social media, and marketing materials.
Create a dedicated space on your website for showcasing UGC, such as a “Customer Gallery” or “Featured Reviews” section.
Give credit to users who submit UGC, such as tagging them on social media or featuring their work on your website.

Expert Reviews and Awards

Get your products or services reviewed by industry experts and influencers.
Display awards and accolades prominently on your website and marketing materials.
Use quotes and testimonials from expert reviews in your advertising and promotional materials.
Partner with experts and influencers to create exclusive content or promotions for your customers.

Social Media Integration

Display your social media follower count and recent posts on your website.
Allow visitors to share your content directly from your website to their social media networks.
Run social media campaigns that encourage user engagement and interaction.
Use social media to showcase customer testimonials and user-generated content.

Progress and Achievements

Track and display user progress and achievements, such as points, badges, or leaderboards.
Celebrate user milestones and achievements publicly.
Use gamification elements to motivate users and encourage engagement.

Personalization

Display social proof that is relevant to the individual visitor, such as recommendations based on their browsing history or purchase history.
Use personalization tools to tailor your social proof messaging to different segments of your audience.
Create a sense of community and belonging by showcasing social proof from users who share similar interests or demographics.

Social tactics used by big companies

1. Booking.com

Tactic: Real-time booking notifications
Impact: Creates a sense of urgency and scarcity, prompting visitors to book before it’s too late.

2. Amazon

Tactic: “Frequently bought together” and “Customers who bought this also bought” suggestions
Impact: Leverages the wisdom of the crowds, suggesting relevant products and influencing purchasing decisions.

3. Netflix

Tactic: “Trending Now” and “Popular on Netflix” sections
Impact: Sparks curiosity and encourages viewers to explore popular content, leading to increased engagement.

4. Buzzsumo

Tactic: Displaying the number of social shares for each article
Impact: Leverages the wisdom of the crowd and encourages visitors to share content.

5. Casper

Tactic: User-generated photos of customers sleeping on their mattresses
Impact: Creates a sense of community and authenticity around the brand

6. Glossier

Tactic: “How To” videos featuring influencers using Glossier products
Impact: Provides valuable educational content while leveraging influencer trust

7. Duolingo

Tactic: Leaderboard showcasing top users and their language learning progress
Impact: Encourages healthy competition and motivates users to learn more

8. Peloton

Tactic: Live leaderboard during fitness classes
Impact: Creates a sense of community and competition, motivating users to push harder

9. GoPro

Tactic: “Hero Awards” recognizing user-generated content captured with GoPro cameras
Impact: Encourages users to share their content and promotes brand awareness

10. Mailchimp

Tactic: “Customer Stories” showcasing how businesses use Mailchimp to achieve their marketing goals
Impact: Provides inspiration and demonstrates the effectiveness of the platform

11. Shopify

Tactic: Success stories highlighting online businesses built on Shopify
Impact: Provides aspirational examples and encourages potential users to start their own businesses

12. Fiverr

Tactic: Seller profiles showcasing client reviews and ratings
Impact: Provides transparency and builds trust in the platform’s freelance talent

13. Udemy

Tactic: Prominently displaying the number of enrolled students and instructor ratings
Impact: Helps potential students assess the value and popularity of courses

14. Coursera

Tactic: Partnerships with prestigious universities and companies to offer specialized courses
Impact: Adds credibility and attracts students seeking professional development

By consistently using these strategies across all your marketing channels, you’ll be well on your way to gaining the trust of your audience and achieving your business goals.