How to Use Social Proof to Increase Conversions on Your Website

A natural business owner will always want the best for his brand and will do everything to gain potential customers and turn them into loyal ones. But I know you have doubts and many questions about how to use social proof to increase conversions on your website. Well, this article exists to help you.

One thing about using social proof as your marketing strategy is that it is easy to use and implement on your website. Potential customers can see social proof on your website as positive reviews or when they see someone they know using your product.

According to Brightlocal’s Local Consumer Survey 2023, 98% of people read online reviews of a local business. Google is the most trusted review platform across the industry, but with travel, Tripadvisor still ranks first. 

One of the main priorities of a website is to have conversions, and that is where social proof comes in and helps your website. It is a good way to drive traffic to your page and make potential customers stay and browse your website.

What is social proof?

According to Sprout Social, the author Robert Cialdini coined the term social proof in 1894 in his book entitled Influence. Social proof is also known as informational social influence, and the main idea of this concept is to copy other people’s actions in order to match or surpass their behavior toward a certain situation.

Social proof has been studied in psychology, and it can significantly impact the behavior of a customer toward a product. When you get a good grasp of what social proof really is, this is a great step in order to increase your website conversions.

What are the types of social proof?

There are three types of social proof, and here is a brief description of them for you to understand them better.

1. Social proof from authority – This is the type of social proof given by experts or authorities in a certain field, such as doctors recommending a product.
2. Social proof by numbers – This social proof simply comes from a large number of people or data, such as interviews, surveys, and polls.
3. Social proof from actions – This type of social proof happens when a customer copies a certain someone taking action, such as buying a product from an online store or at a physical store.

How to use social proof to increase conversions on your website?

Now that we’ve discussed what social proof is and its different types, it is time to answer how to use social proof in order to increase conversions on your website. You can use the tips we will list below to help you.

1. Building trust through customer reviews

Customer reviews are great social proof that can help you build trust with your potential customers. Positive feedback from the customer will help your business become trustworthy in the eyes of the buyer. Therefore, it’s important to encourage your buyers to leave a review on your website so they can share their experience with your brand.

One way to gain customer reviews is through email marketing or social media. According to Brightlocal, 34% of consumers leave a review if they are requested to do so via email. You can also check out our list of the best website reviews for inspiration.

2. Tap influencers to create social proof

Influencer marketing is a type of marketing wherein you create a partnership with your brand and an influencer to promote your product. This is a great way to entice potential customers, especially if you tap a well-known influencer. You are most likely to get high conversions on your website since an influencer is great social proof.

According to the Digital Marketing Institute, in 2021, 49% of consumers will actually depend on an influencer’s recommendations. They are most likely to buy a product if the influencer is confident about the product they are endorsing.

3. Use customer testimonials

Testimonials are a great way to introduce your brand to a potential customer in a more detailed way. This is one of the easiest forms of social proof that someone can implement on their website in order to get more conversions. There are many ways to display customer testimonials on your website, such as using quotation marks and ellipses.

According to Big Commerce, 72% of consumers believe that positive testimonials and reviews of a product will increase their trust in the business. You can also check out our list of the best testimonial websites to help you create your own.

4. Maximize the use of user-generated content (UGC)

Increasing the usage of UGC will utilize the power of social proof by showcasing the experiences of your customers and their opinions. UGC may include reviews, photos, and videos of your customers trying the product.  

UGC can strengthen the sense of community surrounding your brand and give your marketing initiatives a more genuine feel. By providing incentives or making it simple for customers to do so, you may encourage them to share their experiences and efficiently utilize UGC.

5. Show your badges and certifications

You should list your associations or certifications on your website in order to show potential customers that you are trustworthy. Show off your certifications and badges with honor. According to studies, trust and accredited credentials can increase conversions by 30%.

6. Display the social proof on your website

Showing your potential customers social proof can increase their trust in your brand. With the tips mentioned above, you can showcase them on your website to get more conversions. 

7. Maximize the use of social media to showcase social proof

Since many customers nowadays rely heavily on social media, maximizing its use can be a great way to show social proof and can easily attract potential customers. You can share customer reviews, testimonials, and UGCs on social media and link them back to your website in order to drive conversions.

8. Keep your social proof updated

Make sure that your social proof is up-to-date and relevant. Outdated social proof can easily harm the credibility of your brand and decrease the number of conversions on your website.

Conclusion

We all know that people like buying from reputable and trustworthy brands, so if you want yours to become one, then use social proof in order to gain more conversions for your website. Try the tips above, and maybe you can finally get the recognition that your website deserves.

Using social proof effectively and correctly can increase your sales and drive more conversions to your website.

FAQs

How do I collect social proof for my website?

You can collect social proof for your website in the form of surveys or polls. You can maximize the use of email marketing in order to easily collect data. You can also have a suggestion box on your website and let consumers leave feedback and suggestions for your brand.

How do I avoid using fake social proof?

Since we are in an innovative generation and they can easily fake everything, there’s a constant worry that your social proof can be fake. In order to keep the authenticity of your social proofs, you can invite your customers to sign up for newsletters or give them a feedback form.

How do I implement social proof effectively without tainting the image of the brand?

The simple answer to this question is to be as real as possible. Showcase your positive reviews and testimonials without giving the impression of bragging. Make them feel you are sincere and trustworthy.