Social proof has become a vital element in today’s digital landscape. With the overwhelming number of choices available to consumers, brands must establish trust and credibility to stand out. One powerful way to achieve this is by collecting social proof. This article will explore the various types of social proof, their importance for brands, practical strategies for collecting social proof, and and examples of brands using it.
When I say various types of social proof, I mean it! The following content types are most commonly used and very effective in encouraging people to trust your brand.
- Testimonials and reviews: User feedback and firsthand accounts provide valuable insights for potential users, enabling them to make informed decisions and benefit from the authentic experiences of others.
- Case studies and success stories: Real-life examples of customer experiences showcase how a product or service has made a positive difference, providing detailed insights into specific scenarios, addressing concerns, and building trust among potential buyers.
- Social media mentions and shares: When customers mention or share your product or service on social media, it serves as social proof. These interactions demonstrate that people value what you offer, influencing others to consider your brand.
Collect social media mentions and shares on a social wall
- Influencer endorsements: Partnering with influencers in your industry can significantly impact your brand’s visibility and reputation. When influencers endorse your product or service, their audience will likely trust and follow your brand.
- User-generated content: UGC, such as customer photos, videos, or testimonials, offers an authentic perspective on your brand. It demonstrates that real people engage with your products or services and can influence potential customers to do the same.
- Employee-generated content: Content created by employees, such as blog posts, videos, or social media posts, provide an authentic and personal voice that captures the essence of the company culture and employee experiences.
They all sound good on paper, but what’s in it for you regarding tracking, collecting, and leveraging social proof?
Social proof is like evidence from other people that shows your service is good. When people see positive reviews, testimonials, or ratings from others, it gives them confidence that your brand can deliver what it promises.
Think about it this way: Imagine you want to try a new restaurant. Seeing many positive reviews from other customers reassures you that the food is delicious and the service is excellent. You’ll be more likely to give it a try because you trust the opinions of others.
The same applies to brands. By collecting social proof, you’re showing potential customers that your service has satisfied others in the past. This builds credibility and helps people feel more comfortable choosing your brand over competitors.
Collecting social proof is vital for a brand because it builds trust and credibility and encourages more people to choose your services. It’s like having other people vouch for your brand’s quality, which can make a big difference in attracting customers.
The big question is, how do you collect all this valuable information?
To collect social proof on a Walls.io social wall with the mentioned features, follow these steps:
- Set up your Walls.io social wall: Sign up for a Walls.io account and create a social wall for your event. Customize the wall’s appearance to match your branding.
- Activate Direct Posts: Enable the Direct Posts feature to allow attendees to post directly to the social wall. This encourages interaction and conversation among attendees. They can share their experiences, feedback, or questions about any event, campaign, or your products/services. It promotes engagement and creates a sense of community.
- Enable Live Polls: Use the Live Polls feature to create interactive polls during your virtual event. Ask questions encouraging visitors to share their opinions and vote in real-time. This engagement adds a lively element to the campaign or event. Visitors can participate by selecting their preferred options or providing their answers.
- Utilize the Photo Booth: Engage viewers by using the Photo Booth feature. Encourage them to take pictures of your campaign, products, or fun moments. People can then share these pictures on the social wall, adding a personal touch and filling your social wall with social proof.
- Use Lead Generation: To collect valuable contact information from potential customers, you can invite users to add user-generated content (UGC) on the social wall and provide their email addresses. This technique allows brands to gather contact details naturally and effortlessly. You can incentivize participation by offering exclusive content, discounts, or giveaways in return.
By following these steps and using the features offered by Walls.io, you can effectively collect social proof, promote engagement, and create an interactive and trustworthy environment for your brand.
This section explores some inspiring examples of brands leveraging a social wall to collect social proof and enhance brand credibility.
Wallpaper from the 70s encourages customers to share their wallpaper in action. Their social wall is seamlessly integrated into their website, showcasing beautiful real-life examples of their products.
Collect social proof on a social wall
Oregon Humane Society set up a “Hero wall” to promote an event and encourage donations for the shelter. They used Direct Posts to collect content from participants beyond social media, and it was a success.
IFOAM helps the farming community create UGC for a hashtag campaign
IFOAM – Organics International has an online video library that sports over 80 videos of organic farmers worldwide showing their work growing our food. You can read how they collected all this unique user-generated content here.
Collecting social proof is an essential brand strategy to build trust, credibility, and social validation. By leveraging various types of social proof, implementing effective strategies, and utilizing the right tools, brands can enhance their brand reputation, influence customer decisions, and drive conversions and sales.