In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the basics, pros and cons of social proof as a vehicle in the advertising realm. Particularly within digital marketing, social proof is a major concept - one that brands need to be prioritizing in the right ways to ensure it's being used properly.
At Be Locally, we're here to help with all your online marketing needs, from SEO and PPC to programs like social media marketing and more. While part one of our series went over benefits and risks of social proof, today's part two will focus on some best practices for utilizing social proof in positive ways for your brand.
One of the most important strategies for an effective social proof strategy is by actively responding to consumer posts and reviews. This not only shows that you care about your customers, but it also helps build trust in your product or service. Responding to both positive and negative reviews can show potential customers that you are willing to go the extra mile.
When utilizing social proof, it’s important to be authentic. Consumers today are savvier than ever and can easily tell when a brand is trying too hard. When posting comments from customers or reviews for your product or service, make sure that you are accurately representing the voice of your customer. If a review does not match the tone of other reviews on your page, it’s best to leave it out.
When it comes to leveraging social proof, influencers can be incredibly beneficial. By having influencers or brand ambassadors who are well-known in your industry or related to it, you can easily build a quick following and provide added credibility for your product or service.
When we talk about leveraging influencers, we also have to consider social media takeovers. This involves having someone who is well-known in your industry take over your brand's social media accounts for a day or even just an hour. During this time they can review products, post content related to their experience with the brand, and answer any customer questions - all of which will be used to create social proof.
Another great way to leverage social proof is by sharing testimonials from customers or even user-generated content. This provides an authentic, real-world perspective that can be incredibly powerful in swaying potential customers. Additionally, by allowing your customers to post their own reviews and photos on your brand’s page, you can further drive engagement and trust.
As you can see, leveraging social proof can be an incredibly powerful tool for marketing your brand. With these best practices in mind, you will have a strong foundation to help you effectively use social proof as part of your overall strategy.
At Be Locally, our team of experts are here to help with all your digital marketing needs. From SEO and PPC to social media marketing and more - we will help ensure that your brand is taking advantage of all the benefits that come with effective use of social proof. Contact us today to learn more!