How Does Social Proof Help Business Owners Make Money?

Social proof is a growing phenomenon. It wasn’t too long ago that we judged the value and effectiveness of a product by what the salesman was wearing, how well he spoke and carried himself, along with his personal guarantee of the product. 

Social media has picked up the pace considerably over the last few years because of the internet. Now we can reach anywhere in the world in a matter of seconds. Instead of seeing what the salesman is wearing, we look at the overall layout and aesthetic nature of the website. Instead of listening to how eloquent he might speak, we look at the readability and easy access to the website’s content. 

Instead of being satisfied with his personal guarantee, now we look to the masses to proof of validity, respectability, and over-all value. This process to vetting a company has come to be known as social proof. Companies that understand the intricacies of social proof will ultimately make more money on less online visitors than their competitors. 

Online consumers are looking for social proof. They want to know if other businesses and organizations respect the website they are visiting. For this they look to the Better Business Bureau or Trust Guard. They want to know if consumers who have bought the product are happy with their purchase. For this they look to five star rating systems, testimonials, and comments provided by trusted software companies like Shopper Approved. 

The truth is, if a website doesn’t provide the above mentioned forms of social proof, online consumers are likely to take their business elsewhere. Providing clear and legitimate forms of social proof from respected organizations and previous customers on websites has proven to increase conversion rates and sales considerably over those that do not.  

So if you are a business owner looking to increase your sales, you have two options. You can provide your online visitors with the social proof they need to make the buying decision. Or you can put on your multi-colored plaid suit coat, splash on a half bottle of Old English after-shave lotion, dust off your leather attaché case and drum up business the old fashioned way – door-to-door.  

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