Social proof is a powerful force when it comes to marketing. Testimonials on social media are a great way for brands to show the world how great their product or service is. These testimonials can also help current customers understand what they are getting from doing business with a company. Simply put, social proof is the positive influence of a brand’s customers and their experiences.
When a satisfied customer shares their experience with a brand, they are essentially giving a public review of the product or service. A lot of us look to social media when we are making purchasing decisions, so hearing from a satisfied customer can be a powerful motivator to choose a product or service over another. But why is social proof so compelling?
Why Social Proof is So Powerful
Social proof is so powerful because it appeals to our human nature; our desire to be validated. We all have a need to think that we’re making the best choices and that we’re not alone in that. If we see that a lot of other people are happy with a brand, we are more likely to believe that we can trust them. This is why it is so important for brands to leverage social proof and make sure that people see good reviews of their product or service.
Not only does this build trust, it also provides customers with a level of assurance that they are making the best choice when they purchase a product or service. Customers are much more likely to invest in something they are confident will provide the results they are looking for. Even if a customer’s purchase is not recommended, they are more likely to be satisfied with their purchase.
How to Use Testimonials on Social Media
Now that we understand the power of social proof, how should a brand use testimonials on social media?
1. Use Visuals
Images are everything on social media. If a customer is happy with a product or service, they may be more likely to share a photo of themselves using it, which in turn can help drive traffic and revenue. Testimonials accompanied by visuals can make for a very powerful brand message; others can easily put themselves in the happy customer’s shoes.
2. Encourage and Reward Reviews
Asking for reviews is a simple but great strategy. Encourage your happy customers to review your product or service. You can make it easy for them by providing a direct link. Also, offering a reward in exchange for a detailed testimonial can be a great way to motivate your customers. After all, who doesn’t love a little freebie?
3. Share the Reviews
Make the most of those great testimonials by sharing them with your audience. You can place them on your website and share them on social media. It is a great way to show the world how happy your customers are and not look like you’re bragging.
Social Proof Done Right
Social proof is an incredibly powerful tool but it needs to be used right in order to be most effective. A brand needs to find the right platform and right group of people for their reviews. For example, if a brand specializes in luxury goods, a review on a popular blog or magazine might be a better tactic than reviews on forums and Facebook.
In addition, if a brand has a good number of satisfied customers, testimonials can be used to impart a sense of of urgency. If a customer reads a testimonial that proclaims the product or service to be life-changing, they will want to act quickly to not miss out on such an amazing experience.
Conclusion
Social proof is an incredibly powerful force when it comes to marketing. Testimonials on social media and reviews online can have a huge impact on a brand’s success. People want to feel safe and secure in their purchasing decisions and social proof gives them the confidence to make a purchase. By using this positive feedback, brands can drive traffic and revenue and grow their customer base.
Succinctly, social proof is the influence that the experiences of a brand’s customers have on potential customers. Brands can leverage social proof by using testimonials and reviews on social media to show the world how satisfied their customers are. Brands that use social proof in the right way can drive traffic and revenue and grow their customer base.