Social Proof for Online Marketing

Social proof can be defined as a human instinct in which we look to others to guide our own actions.  We do not even realize that this is happening.  Take for instance a person driving into a small town at lunch time.  The driver is hungry and starts looking for a place to stop.  Passing through a traffic light, they notice two diners, one on each side of the road.  A quick mental calculation, not even noticeable, and they come to the decision that the diner with the most cars will have the better food.  Some scholars have termed this as the “herd mentality.”

When you see a large group of people running frantically from a building, you know that it’s best not to go inside at that time.  Likewise, if you see a group of people staring at something, you turn and see what they are looking at.

Herd mentality.  Your building a business from home, so obviously you don’t always go with the herd….but it helps when the herd comes to you.

So, what does this have to do with your online marketing business?  Since you can’t line up customers outside your brick and mortar store, can this phenomenon still benefit your business?  Can you get the herd headed your way?  And once there, build a trust with them?

Well, yes!  You will need to get the creative juices flowing in order to achieve some social proof of your site, but it will be well worth your effort.  Everyone wants to glean information from an expert, so an expert you must become.  The quality of your content will be the most important factor in this equation, but don’t rely on just that.

Constantly add to this equation and watch your visits jump.  Gently lead your guest through your website, showing your valuable information and subtly introducing in your credentials by way of your social proofs — and then your guests will subscribe or opt in to your email list.  As your lists grows, so does your proof!

How can you accomplish this?  One way is by showing your large number of current subscribers.  You, in fact, are showing the visitor that other people find you worth their time.  If you have a blog, encourage comments.  One comment often generates others which again enforces that needed proof.

Encourage people to follow you on Facebook or Twitter.  This shows that you are a live person that likes to interact with others.  Interact by commenting on other’s blogs also! And not just a frivolous comment, converse with others. Get involved in what ever community that you are part of.  Find dog groomers, or find other mechanics, find whatever and whoever is in your niche.

Even though your business may be completely online, do not forget the human aspect of it.  That is where many businesses fail and if you don’t give this proper attention you will have a rough go of it.  I am surprised at the number of people that get into online marketing because they don’t want to deal with people!!  Hello! They have missed a vital concept here.

They do not get that they have to show others that they are a viable company, especially when selling services or products.  People will want to know that others have bought your product and that you are a live person on the other end of their Internet connection!  They want to be assured that you aren’t a fraud before they hand over their money.

You really need social proof when people can not see you or immediately talk with you.  Make sure that there is a way for them to contact you, or that they can read about your bio some where on your website.  Use social proof to show that you are concerned about their problems and that you have a solution!  Interact ~ the more that you do, the greater the reward will be for your business.