Frequently Asked Questions.
1. What is Social Proof?
Social Proof is a psychological phenomenon in business marketing that when applied correctly actually generates more business.
Social proof is a valuable asset that increases your credibility, popularity, viral-ity (going viral, aka the ultimate dream) and profitability online.
Consider the offline world for a moment…when you walk down a street of cafes, some are bustling and vibrant and others are quiet or even empty…what are your impressions?
When we see a lot of people participating or patronizing somewhere, we naturally assume it’s because they are having a positive experience and we too want to be apart of it.
In the animal kingdom it is also known as the “herd mentality”. No one really likes to be the guinea pig; the first to try something new or different because as animals we all have innate senses for security and ultimately survival.
Social proof is our personal risk gauge.
Particularly when buying online, Social Proof has become an integral part of the decision making process.
When we as humans see many people doing business with an online entity our perception is one of increased safety and reduced risk. We feel more comfortable becoming involved in the experience ourselves.
If someone buys a product and finds it useful; experiences a service and gets results; or reads a blog or article and learns something, they’ve tried something that you haven’t, survived and “liked” it enough to take the time to share it with you.
This endorsement adds weight to the provider’s credibility and their popularity is compounded through greater exposure.
2. Why does it matter?
Social proof is continuing to play a more decisive role in determining how search engines such as Google, Bing and Yahoo rank web pages.
Google and other search engines use a large number of factors in their algorithms to rank your web page.
Sensibly, Google believes that the more “Likes” or comments (not just traffic) a page has, then the better the quality of that content, because people are likely only to endorse and share information of high value.
The greater the interaction, the higher the algorithmic rating. The higher the rating, the higher the page ranking.
3. Is there such a thing as Negative Social Proof?
Yes. A lack of social proof, is when content has not been shared by many (or by any) people across social networks. Sharing is an indicator, and the lack of it can lead to the assumption that the content is of poor quality.
People are less likely to trust the content or spend more than a few moments on the site. The search engines are less likely to rank the page highly, which will inevitably lead to stilted traffic flows, and the sites competitors will ultimately out rank it.
4. How can I improve my Social Proof?
Offline, social proof is evident through crowded restaurants, long lines and word of mouth promotions. Online however, it can be a little trickier to see where the mass “herds” are doing business.
Luckily, we here at Social Proofing can help you build your social proof through optimizing your social media campaigns, establishing your community newsletter, implementing creative on/offline marketing strategies and working with effective SEO tools.
5. How long does it take to build Social Proof?
I have heard…”good things come to those who wait” but when it comes to Social Proof, that’s simply not true!
Social Proof takes time and requires active engagement with your audience and community to build your credibility, popularity, viral-ity.
Fortunately, the proof generated by past customers and fans will help grow your business for you, organically and exponentially.
The more people that “like” and endorse you, the more exposure you have to others and potential customers will see this and feel they too can have a positive experience by doing business with you.
Why wait? Start building your social proof right away, contact us now, click here.
We here at Social Proofing, hope you “like” our page, and encourage you to leave a comment. Thank you 🙂
