As a new eCommerce business owner, you may have heard about the importance of social proof. Social proof is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when people look to the actions of others to guide their behavior. In other words, people are more likely to do something if they see others doing it.
This is incredibly powerful for marketers because you can use social proof to attract potential customers and grow your business. In this article, we will explore the power of social proof and how you can use it to take your new eCommerce business to the next level.
What is Social Proof?
Social proof can take many forms, including testimonials, reviews, influencer endorsements, user-generated content, and trust badges. This concept is based on the idea that people are more likely to trust and follow the actions of others similar to them or whom they perceive as credible.
For eCommerce businesses, a well-executed social proof strategy can be a powerful tool to build trust and credibility with potential customers and stand out in a crowded online marketplace. Working with an experienced eCommerce digital marketing agency or Denver SEO agency can help you create a tailored social proof strategy that aligns with your unique business goals, target audience, and industry best practices.
How to Use Social Proof to Grow Your New eCommerce Business
Now that you understand social proof and its importance, let’s explore how to use it to grow your new eCommerce business.
Collect and showcase customer reviews and testimonials
One of the most effective ways to use social proof is to collect and showcase customer reviews and testimonials. Shoppers are more likely to buy from a business with positive customer reviews. You can gather reviews and testimonials by sending follow-up emails to people after they purchase, or incentivizing customers to leave a review with a discount or other offer.
Once you have collected reviews and testimonials, display them prominently on your website and social media channels. You can also use tools like Trustpilot or Yelp to collect and show reviews.
Leverage influencer endorsements
If you have the budget, working with influencers is one of the best ways to leverage social proof. Influencers have large followings on social media and can help you reach a wider audience. Look for influencers who have a following that aligns with your target audience and whose values are similar to (if not the same as) your brand’s.
Build a strong social media presence
Social media is perfect for building social proof. By creating a strong social media presence, you can show your brand is credible and has a following. Post regularly, engage with your followers, and share UGC. You can also run social media ads to promote your brand and reach a wider audience.
Use trust badges and seals of approval
Trust badges and seals of approval build trust and credibility with potential customers. This kind of social proof indicates your business has been vetted by a reliable third party. Examples of trust badges and seals of approval include the Better Business Bureau (BBB), VeriSign, McAfee SECURE, and TRUSTe. Look for ones in your industry and display them prominently on your website.
Social proof is a must-have tool to help grow your new eCommerce business. With it, you can build trust and credibility with potential customers, ultimately leading to more sales and revenue. Remember to collect and showcase customer reviews and testimonials, leverage influencer endorsements, build a strong social media presence, use trust badges and seals of approval, and encourage user-generated content. Using these strategies, you can take your eCommerce business to the next level.