6 Types of Social Proof for your E-commerce Website

After building your online store, you will want to employ marketing strategies to promote your products and gain traction on your e-commerce site. Using a mix of effective marketing strategies can help you drive sales and roll in traffic to your online shop. One of such strategies is implementing social proof on your e-commerce website.

Social proof is the sharpest persuasion tool in the box for influencing new customers to make purchase decisions on your website. Essentially, using social proof assures potential customers that your products are legitimate. It allows you to utilize an authentic marketing strategy based on the unbiased opinions of existing customers.

In a previous post, we went through the reasons why your website needs social proof. In this post, we will discuss elements of social proof you can include on your website. Let us dive right in!

1. Customer reviews. Your consumers know that your brand exists to make sales. While traditional marketing and advertising messages may put the word of your brand out there, it is not enough to convince customers to make a purchase. Incorporating customer reviews on your e-commerce site assures potential customers that your marketing messages are consistent with the experience you offer on your site. The positive reviews on your website will push prospective customers to close the deal and purchase a product.
2. Customer testimonials. Using customer testimonials adds a layer of credibility and authenticity to your online business. The premise of customer testimonials is you have people who have done business with you advocate for your products or services. It adds to your army of brand ambassadors and allows you to take advantage of the selling power that your clients have to persuade prospective customers who are on the fence.
3. Brand mentions. You can also take advantage of social shares from customers who have raved about your products on their social media pages and include them on your e-commerce site. Social shares do not only come across as legitimate, but they also build trust in your brand. Plus, using user-generated content on your site is a win-win for your content strategy and increasing the freshness score of your site, which improves its SEO rating.
4. Certifications & Badges. Proudly display certificates you have earned from courses in your industry or niche on your e-commerce site. Your customers are more likely to work with you if there is proof you are an expert in your field. Other than credential badges, you can show off awards you have won in your industry to build trust and prove that you care about quality.
5. Influencer and celebrity endorsements. Enlisting celebrities to promote your products is a tried and tested promotional strategy. You can bring on board a micro-influencer in your field or niche to work with your brand. Not only will it drive higher conversions and engagement on your e-commerce site, but it also acts as social proof. Micro-influencers come across as more authentic to your prospective clients when it comes to brand promotion. Plus, customers are more likely to trust the opinion of a micro-influencer they relate to than a huge celebrity.
6. Third-Party reviews. While customer reviews on your website are great, you also want to have positive third-party reviews. Prospective customers want to know what people that are not directly associated with your brand think of you. Get in touch with review sites, send samples and solicit feedback about your products. Positive reviews from a third party can go a long way in building your fan base and stirring up interest in your e-commerce products.

Try adding some social proof to your e-commerce website to set yourself apart from other marketers. When your clients vouch for your products, it cements your social influence, boosts your conversions, and helps your brand grow.