Nowadays, the science of psychology plays a crucial role in marketing. The business landscape has morphed, thus becoming more advanced. It has necessitated new ways of conducting business. Otherwise, the companies would risk becoming obsolete, forcing them to shut down.
Social proof is one of the psychological aspects that has become vital to business owners. Before diving into why social proof is important, it’s crucial to understand what it really is. In simple terms, social proof refers to the measures you take to fully harness your social influence to establish a reputable brand. Hence, it has become a dependable marketing and advertising channel, particularly when used correctly.
6 Types Of Social Proof
Most often than not, people tend to look for solutions from various sources when faced with unfamiliar situations. Here are the types of social proof that people often lean on when looking for valuable information.
Celebrity
With the advent of social media, celebrity social proof has become one of the most powerful ways to influence the opinions of people. This is actually why a lot of companies are opting to use influencers to promote their products. When a celebrity endorses a particular company or item, there is a likelihood that it will be received well from the general public. Instagram and Twitter have become popular platforms to use celebrity social proof.
Experts
This is when an expert in a particular industry recommends a product or service. Considering that the person has a broad knowledge in that field, the person’s opinion or comments carry weight. Therefore, people would adopt the views of the expert.
Users
Individuals and companies also harness user social proof. In most cases, they are usually in the form of reviews that are left after customers have used a product or service. Consumers nowadays weigh both positive and negative reviews to determine whether the product or service is worthwhile.
Certification
When an entity has been given a stamp of approval by an authority in an industry, it can also be deemed as social proof. A perfect example of an approval stamp is the blue checkmark on various social media platforms, such as Instagram and Twitter.
The Crowd
When a large group of people follows a brand or personality figure, it can also be seen as a sign of endorsement. People who have a large following, especially on platforms such as YouTube, can influence the opinions of their followers.
The Wisdom of Friends
Although closely related to the preceding point, social proof involving the wisdom of friends usually occurs in friendship relationships. In most cases, people are likely to follow particular brands simply because their friends follow them on social media platforms.
Effective Ways To Use Social Proof In Marketing
Now that you are familiar with social proof, it is equally important to understand appropriate ways to utilize this avenue of endorsement. Working with Industry experts is one of the surefire ways to market your brand, company, or yourself. Letting experts take over your social media accounts will ensure that vital marketing elements are implemented. Aspects such as posting, live video posts, responding to your followers would be spot on. Not only will this increase your account activity, but it will also enhance interactions with your followers.
Collaborating with influencers is yet another brilliant plan, especially when targeting a specific demographic. When you target the younger generation, having a young influencer can help attract a younger audience. Ultimately, this will drive sales in your business. The majority of people using social media sites constitute the younger generation. Therefore, it is wise to work with someone young who is relatable.
