It’s no secret that people show their approval of others and conform their actions in the form of feedback, likes, reviews, becoming followers and even joining in other people’s causes. This is part of human nature, the need to belong and the need for acceptance. When it comes to showcasing your brand, taking advantage of this phenomenon, known as social proof, is a no-brainer.

Before we jump into social proof and how to use it to create buzz around your brand, let’s define it.

WHAT IS SOCIAL PROOF?

According to WhatIs.com, “Social proof is the influence that the actions and attitudes of the people around us (either in real life or online) have on our own behavior. The ‘proof’ element is the idea that if other people are doing it (or saying it), it must be correct.”

Social proof is often associated with digital and social media marketing. It can manifest as an online mob or herd mentality that can influence or change individual opinions.

Overcoming an audience’s distrust about your business comes down to getting others who are not associated with your company to vouch for your brand. Social proof helps establish trust with potential clients.

As humans, we love confirmation from others before making decisions — that’s why we send our friends photos of shoes before we buy them. Or more appropriately, we send people the link to the listing we are thinking about buying as part of the decision-making process.

Harnessing popular opinion is effective because people want to validate their opinions and decisions with a consensus. People feel the need to get approval before making a purchase, particularly a large one. And the same is true of the real estate agent they are going to work with...

To read more go to Inman!

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