One of the most prominent methods that online retailers can make use of to boost revenue and increase conversions is social proof. It covers studying business strategies and various subjects pertaining to human society.
Since social proof impacts almost all e-commerce metrics positively, it’s worth a try. Aside from eCommerce website cost, investing in social proof platforms can increase your eCommerce success rate by improving conversion for your eCommerce store.
On that note, let’s take a look at 7 powerful ways to use social proof to boost ecommerce conversions.
1. Showcasing Ratings and reviews
Always include a review button at the top of your product pages. When a new customer looks at products with ratings and reviews, they are enticed to make a purchase as someone has tried it out before.
Whenever a customer makes a purchase, always follow up and prompt them to leave a review. Do not fear to display the reviews even if you have got a bad one here and there.
Displaying a majority of positive reviews with a few negatives will not affect your business as negatively as no reviews at all.
2. Using FOMO strategy to push customers to take immediate action
It’s human nature to replicate what the majority is doing. The same goes for when people are on their online shopping spree. They will buy what’s trending and popular. Customers have an inbuilt {FOMO} fear of missing out.
E-commerce store owners can use it to their advantage by letting customers know that a particular product is popular or trending. Also, let them know that you are offering a great deal and the offer will be off the table after some time.
We have all seen that ticking clock on Amazon that says the deal is only for a limited time. This will motivate customers to make a quick purchase. Approach an eCommerce web development company to integrate the FOMO in your site if you can’t implement it yourself.
3. Displaying Award Badges, Security Seals, and Affiliate Brands for Building Trust
Building trust is something that can’t be stressed enough! Your site’s checkout pages should have security seals close to CTAs. As for brands you can vouch for, award badges are also quite helpful in increasing conversion rates.
Customers should feel that you care about them and you are offering them credibility. Include such elements on headers, site bars and other places that are bound to catch your customers’ attention.
4. Showcasing Influencer Mentions, Expert Views, and Media Recommendations
The hype regarding experts is never-ending within the common masses. People trust ‘experts’ more than anyone. Every successful online retailer should make use of expert recommendation as social proof to boost conversions.
For instance, Amazon includes expert views along with customer reviews and related videos. Even better, Crutchfield offers customers the option to seek guidance from experts. Moreover, if celebs and influencers are fond of your products, use it to your advantage.
5. Displaying Review Stories, Case Studies and Visually Appealing Reviews
With all the horror stories of fake reviews rampant on the internet, media-rich reviews would be a relief for potential customers. It helps in building engagement and make reviews appear more authentic.
When the products are expensive, you might need a lot more than just plain text reviews to increase conversions. It’s time to tap the potential of storytelling. Showcase case studies including how some products have benefitted people.
6. Highlighting Social Media Activity and Following for Building Social Proof for Particular Products
If you have built a decent social media following, it’s time to show it off! Include a badge that displays your social media followers at a place on your site that is clearly visible to your visitors. If you have pictures of old customers using your products, displaying them can work wonders to your conversion rate.
7. Avoiding Negative Social Proof & “Neutralizing” Foul Reviews
Even though it is important not to fear a bunch of negative reviews, you should keep in mind that neutralizing negativity is also a must. For instance, if you don’t have a massive social media following. It isn’t a wise move to showcase it if it’s not to the optimum level.
If you have gotten a negative review, instead of ignoring it, mention that you are going to solve the customers’ problems. Highlight your best assets and do some damage control as the situation demands.
Summing It Up
Social proofs are basically just ways to present yourself with as much credibility as possible. A store has to be genuine and legitimate. Besides that, as an e-commerce store owner or manager, it’s your job to showcase what you are preaching with proofs. This increases the trust of the customers and aids in retaining the existing customer base and building a new one.
