From Wikipedia

Social proof, also known as informational social influence, is a psychological phenomenon where people assume the actions of others in an attempt to reflect correct behavior for a given situation. This effect is prominent in ambiguous social situations where people are unable to determine the appropriate mode of behavior, and is driven by the assumption that surrounding people possess more knowledge about the situation.

You can use Social Proof in your marketing.

When you’re advertising your goods and services it’s important to use Social Proof in your copy and images. A quick easy way to accomplish this is to use testimonials throughout your copy as well as video testimonials on your website. When prospects are close to a decision they will look to others to help them decide if buying from you is the right choice.

Also, if you are trying to sell a certain product and have successfully sold it too many others let everyone know by saying “Hundreds of Housewives have purchased…” (Notice I used a specific group “Housewives” if your main customer base is “Couples” use “Couples”. Etc.) Think of it as a way to push them off the fence and into your yard.

You can also use Social Proof in imagery in your marketing. By knowing your best customers you can incorporate people that fit the same visual profile. Social Proof is also very helpful when you are using social media to promote your company. Encouraging people to “like” an image of your product or statement and then following up with those people will help your bottom line but you must be fast. Be careful not to do too much Sales Bitching (thanks Starr Hall) in your social media.

So you don’t think it will work?

Everyday you are exposed to Social Proof. For example when is the last time you watched a TV show with canned laugh track and found yourself laughing a bit too hard for something that wasn’t that funny? You can try a Social experiment. Go to the mall, stand on the side and look up. Have someone off to the side record how many people in 5 minutes that also look up. Then do the same thing with five of your friends, all looking up. You will notice that now you have everyone looking up that passes your group by, you might even draw a crowd.

Let me know how you use Social Proof in your marketing.

There are many other ways to use Social Proof in your marketing. If you would like to talk about how Social Proof can help your business give me a call at 732- 818- 0080. We have helped hundreds of businesses and we can help you too.

As always your comments are appreciated and welcomed.