This week I was forwarded a question from a reader of the Solo-E.com website about social proof and how a new small business owner can get it. All businesses use social proof as a critical element of the offers they make to customers. Why? Because before we buy we all want reassurance that other people have bought and benefited. So if you’re making offers and a part of your offer doesn’t address social proof you’re missing out on sales.
I answered the reader’s question and then the Solo-E.com owner asked if I’d write an article for the Solo.E-com website, and in the meanwhile my colleague Sandy Martini offered to add her expertise, as well. So we banded together to produce Social Proof for Solo-preneurs, which you can find on the Solo-E.com website by clicking here. But before you go there, I’d love to hear what you’ve done to offer social proof to your potential customers about your product and services. So leave a comment here, then surf over to Solo-E.com for the scoop from Sandy and me.
Oh, and PS – even the article Sandy and I did together created a cool form of social proof for our own businesses – we each got what is called “referrant” proof from each other. Cool beans!
Twitter: jenniferbourn
says:
Social proof for us is not just our testimonials but from our brand evangelists who talk about us all over town and online. Almost every new prospect I speak with is contacting us because our name was given to them by multiple people or it has “popped up” in multiple places
Jen,
I agree, if you get word of mouth there IS nothing better!!
Sue
Twitter: writeoncreative
says:
Sue,
For me social proof comes in the form of ideal client evangelists (basically customers who love my work and share results with others). That is invaluable. I also feature tried and true testimonials. Additionally social proof is often found in social media where people keep it real and tell it like it is.
Write on!~
Lisa Manyon
Twitter: MarketingMel
says:
Sue my recent experience this week guesting on a blogtalk radio and twitter chat jumps to mind. The woman who invited and hosted creating several link packs to articles and blog pots I had written. It was very helpful in creating credibility. Can’t wait to read your answer now.
Sue, thanks for bringing Social Proof to my consciousness. One of my clients calls this ‘socializing the idea’. My main source of Social Proof – thanks to realizing after reading your post and links – is Storytelling; telling stories of one client’s experience to another who is facing the same issue … at least the same emotional issue.
Twitter: timetriage
says:
I’ve always just asked for testimonials (via Facebook, on LinkedIn, and post them to my website). Very few people say no!
We’ve always sent out a “thank you” package and part of that package is a feedback form with a
SASE. That feedback form explicitly asks if we can use their comments with attribution. We get dozens of these back per year and they make for great social proof. Those testimonials can then be used on sales letters, web pages, newsletters, postcards, etc. Powerful stuff! Thanks Sue.
Jeff,
Your reaching out to existing customers with a feedback form and SASE is simple and effective, and something many businesses used to do but most have quit. Look at the return you’re getting from it, though – clearly worth continuing.
Sue
Posting testimonials is a common tool I use for social proof. During my last telesummit I had participants share their takeaways on my blog, Facebook, and twitter. Having others speak positively goes a long way.
Twitter: authenticbuzz
says:
Sorry, Sue. I cheated and read the article first. It is packed with great tips for getting social proof. I have one testimonial on my website and that is it. You’ve inspired (alright, kicked my butt) to ask for more testimonials so I can share proof of my results. Thanks so much for the nudge.
Twitter: getunstuck
says:
Since ethically I can’t really ask for testimonials from psychotherapy clients, I depend on those who offer; or I ask for testimonials from coaching or workshop clients. I also do surveys and ask for comments. And love those Facebook or LinkedIn recommendations! Unfortunately some of my social proof has to be anonymous because of confidentiality issues. I’m looking forward to the article you and Sandy came up with.
Twitter: paulaeder
says:
Hi Sue – I use testimonials on my website and blog, as well as on sales pages. I keep a “Love Notes” folder and whenever I receive an e-mail or comment of appreciation, I save it there. And I always thank the person who sent it – and sometimes ask about using it as a testimonial. (No one has ever said no!)
In addition to building up ‘social proof’ these messages can be very nice to dip into … for a quick energy boost!
I have started asking clients for testimonials right after I have finished a project. It’s a good way to get them while they are enthusiastic about the results. If you can get a video, you can slice and dice it or use print excerpts from it.
Bill,
great ideas!
Sue