Ever had one of those days where you ordered something overseas, but when it arrived it turned out to be way different compared to what was advertised in the photo online? Sometimes, we learn our lessons the hard way. When you’re expecting an iPhone and a bad replica arrives in the mail instead, you probably decided that you’d check reviews of other customers and look at actual and non-factory photos first before placing your order.
Or maybe you wanted to watch a certain hyped movie but your close friends and relatives posted online statements saying that the movie was actually bad. Your coworker even said the movie was overrated, and only had good sales because they got a popular actress to play the main role. Because of what they said, you canceled this weekend’s movie date and chose to go out to eat instead.
Social Proof and How It is Important
That’s kind of like how social proof works. Customers nowadays are becoming more and more cautious, not just because they’re afraid of getting scammed, but because they also want to get their money’s worth.
When you’re the one running a business, getting social proof is important. It can either make or break your company’s image. Plus, it can affect future transactions and purchases as well. Businesses with no social proof rarely get enough attention to earn a great income, while those with terrible social proof get blacklisted by consumers.
Where Should YOU Begin?
So if you’re new to the game of business or you’ve been hanging around for quite some time but just can’t get the social proof you need, here are some tips and tricks that have already been tried and tested!
1. A Good First Impression
First impressions matter. This is why giving out free samples or hiring a popular person to advertise your product for you are just a few of the most common yet effective ways to sell your business to consumers and clients. Make sure to pick a crowded place where you can hand out flyers and free samples. Not only do people love receiving free stuff and incentives, but they will also consider buying your product after they’re tested it directly for themselves instead of relying on telltale rumors or television ads.
Getting a popular person or influencer to advertise your product and have them incorporate it into their daily life use can also be very helpful. It’s a form of commercialism where both you and the person you hired will benefit from the situation. They get paid, you earn new customers. Their reviews and statements can help fish potential clients for your business, too. Again, it’s the social proof you need. Having a famous person or company promote you to the public will be great for the business.
Take it slowly but surely and always keep a sharp eye against the competition. And make sure to listen to what your customer needs!
2. The Price Is Right
You might not want to start selling your products or services at high rates immediately when you release them on the market. We’re not saying you should sell at really low prices! But you need to start at a number that the majority of your audience can afford, especially if your company is not that popular yet. You’re going to have a hard time keeping up with popular brands if you immediately go on par with their prices.
Economically speaking, cheaper products will often be used as substitute goods by consumers when they can no longer afford the usual products that they patronize. But once they discover a substitute good that works just as well as what they are used to and can be bought for a cheaper price, their loyalty will immediately shift to yours. Especially if a television or Facebook ad announces your lower price.
Let’s say that popular brand A sells its services for $5.00. You’ll sell your similar product for $4.25. Chances are, a lot of customers will shift to your product especially if that product tends to be bought in large quantities and works just as well as their original preference. Once you get the lead in the competition, you can finally do a price hike and people will still want your product either way.
3. Social Media
Social media is free (mostly) and accessible to all of your customers. But as the business owner or seller, you’d probably only need to spend a few dollars to reach hundreds of potential customers without leaving your home or office. It sounds like a sweet deal, right?
Besides advertisements, you can also use social media to your advantage by posting discounts, sale dates and promotions to keep your popularity rising. Having individuals liking your posts, sharing them and posting about your business is great social proof on how great your business/services are.
A lot of people say that likes and shares won’t feed anyone, but it’s definitely going to help spread the word about you and your business.
4. Target a Specific Group First
Before taking a look at the bigger picture, try focusing on a small part of the painting first and see how far it can take you.
Nothing else guarantees social proof more than engaging with a specific group of personalities. For example, introducing a good or service that encourages eco-friendly features will immediately attract a large group of people who care for the environment. These groups will immediately promote your business both online and personally as soon as they hear about and test your product. Of course, the other people these groups are affiliated with are people from a different type of group and the cycle goes on and on until every different group is aware of your business. Testimonials from these groups will help your business rise.
5. Attend Events and Conventions
What better way to gain social proof than actually interacting with your audience face to face? But of course, holding your own event might not attract a lot of attendees, especially if your business is not that popular yet. The best option would be to attend an already well-known and often-attended event. Set up a booth and give free samples there, or give a demonstration on how your product works. If anybody in the audience seems interested, try to give a special promotional offer to get their attention and positive feedback.
Always remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day and it’s going to take a while to get where you want to be. Patience and good social proof is the key to a growing business. Good luck!