Why Social Proof Matters for Your Solopreneur Business and How to Use It for More Conversions

Jun 01, 2018

Nothing makes a solopreneur happier than being able to generate as many conversions as possible. Getting your audience to act on your messages is hard enough, let alone capturing their attention.

Successful business owners, regardless of their niche, know that social proof is the key. Even huge brands like Starbucks and Amazon use it.

But first, let’s understand what social proof is and why it matters to your solopreneur business. Then we’ll discuss ways you can use it to your advantage.

What Is Social Proof?

Social proof is a phenomenon where people base their behaviors on the behaviors of others. A good example of social proof in action is when you read online reviews or ask the opinions of previous customers before you buy a product.

If you want more and more people to trust your business and choose you over a competitor, social proof proves your worth. Remember, other people’s opinions about your product or service largely influences how a future customer will perceive you.

Basically, positive social proof makes you a more credible online business owner. This will improve your bottom line.

5 Ways to Use Social Proof for Better Conversions

Social proof can be featured anywhere - on your About page, beside your email signup forms, as a separate category, on your service pages, or anywhere near your latest offer.

1. Customer testimonials

Testimonials from people who’ve used your product or service can be displayed on your website, specifically on pages that people frequently view. BrightLocal’s research in 2017 tells us that 85% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.

2. Endorsements from influencers

Influencer marketing campaigns are on the rise as budding solopreneurs and bloggers realize its power in helping them attract more clients and customers. Though not a celebrity, an influencer is someone who has a huge tribe of active followers that trust in his or her message. Most of the time, that following is on social media.

3. Case studies

In marketing, case studies are documented stories of how you were able to help a client or customer succeed using your solutions. Case studies are data-driven and provide very specific facts. To create a case study, first connect with a customer who enjoyed great results, and convince him or her to be the subject of your case study.

4. Badges, seals, and certifications

These icons on your website (privacy seals, trust badges, verifications, a seal of approval after taking a course - show new visitors that you are worthy of their trust. These forms of recommendations from big companies and organizations ease people’s doubts about your business.

A screenshot of Kristi Hines' badges for social proof

5. Subscriber count

If you are growing an email list, a tactic that would entice more visitors to subscribe is to show your current numbers. Do you have a sizable list already? Maybe over 3,000 subscribers? Tell your visitors about it. In the screenshot below, pay attention to how ShoutMeLoud adds “Join 9,22,060 Shouters!” to convince people to sign-up for their mailing list.

Conclusion

In today’s world where trust is a precious commodity, social proof is the ultimate solution to achieve your solopreneur goals. Make sure that you use at least one type of social proof from the list above to get better results for your marketing campaigns. Good luck!