What's social media & is social proof something worth investing in?

Social media by dictionary definition refers to websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking. Popular social media applications include: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Google +, Linkedin, Snapchat and many more.

So what are people using social media for nowadays? The majority of all users online claim they use social to stay in touch with what their friends are doing. (42%). 29% of people are using social media to research and find new products. What do you use social media for?

Social media for business is a great way to humanise the company, and your customer base will form a more personal relationship with you which will drive sales, advocacy and loyalties.

Social proof is driven by the concept of conformity and the idea of leadership. You’ve definitely heard the law of attraction which states that the universe draws similar energies together, for example a crowd draws a crowd or money attracts money. In terms of social media, social proof is determined by engagements and followers. I’m sure you’ve all played a part in this theory, surely you’ve purchased a product recommended by your favourite Instagram influencer or celebrity? You might not have even realised that this was happening, and that's why it works!

If you’re a business owner and you’re looking to increase conversions then social proof will be the tipping point for your customers to actually take action and purchase your product. A customer is more likely to choose the business associated with a page with more followers and more engagement on as opposed to a page that is inactive.

Social proof is key to a more magnetic marketing approach, if you’re online and you aren’t using social media or any digital effort to draw in your crowd you’re seriously missing a trick. In the last 20 years we’ve experienced a social media takeover, Everyone uses social media!

Endorsement, testimonials, reviews, engagement & subscriber count all contribute as social proof online, users are going to pre judge your business based on these things and therefore use them as decisive factors weather or not to purchase from you.

1. Prompt customers to leave a review either on your website or on social media in return for a 10% discount.

This is great because prospects will see the reviews on your page and know that you provide top quality service, and then they are likely to buy from you. As opposed to fake reviews which customers are aware of, these are genuine revenue driving reviews. It's a win-win for both parties, customers spend 30 seconds leaving you a review and in return they receive a discount for their next purchase. It's also a great way to encourage repeat custom!

2. Integrate your Instagram feed onto your website.

Devote a small segment of your website to integrate your live social feeds, this will ensure the website always has fresh, relevant content, and the customers will know your brand is active.

Alternatively, you could include a not your own feed, but a feed for a hashtag. For example, if a customer posts an image using your product, it will appear in the feed on your website and new customers are going to see this and be impressed that someone else is promoting it.

3. Host competitions

Use social media to run competitions that your ideal customer can’t turn down and this will increase brand reach, brand awareness which is great if you’re looking to expand and find new clients. Competitions are fantastic as they build brand advocates and promote customer loyalty.

There are plenty of other ways to social proof your business, why not get in touch with our team for a free review and recommendation about how else you can improve your social standings to benefit your company?