How can you use content marketing tools to build social proof?
Content marketing is not only about creating and distributing valuable content to attract and retain your audience. It's also about building trust and credibility with your potential customers by showing them that others have benefited from your products or services. That's where social proof comes in.
Social proof is the psychological phenomenon that makes people more likely to follow the actions or opinions of others, especially if they perceive them as similar, authoritative, or popular. Social proof can take many forms, such as testimonials, reviews, ratings, endorsements, case studies, social media mentions, badges, awards, and more.
But how can you use content marketing tools to leverage social proof and boost your conversions? Here are some tips and examples of how you can do that.
One of the most effective ways to use social proof is to showcase testimonials and reviews from your satisfied customers. Testimonials and reviews can help you demonstrate the benefits and results of your products or services, as well as the emotions and experiences of your customers. They can also help you overcome objections and answer questions that your prospects may have.
To use testimonials and reviews in your content marketing, you need to collect them from various sources, such as surveys, emails, social media, online platforms, and feedback forms. You also need to display them on your website, landing pages, blog posts, newsletters, and other content formats. You can use content marketing tools such as Trustpilot, Testimonial Robot, or Bazaarvoice to collect, manage, and display testimonials and reviews on your website and other channels.
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Just be careful with this, from chosing the testimonials to actually looking about the form. A comment that reads "Greates product of all time" By John Maccoy Could be just another "trick" in the eyes of a user, so try to curate those comments and then give them the necesary endorsement, like the source. Remember most users dont know programming so they can think you are just writing yourself.
Another way to use social proof is to create case studies and stories that showcase how your products or services have solved the problems or achieved the goals of your customers. Case studies and stories can help you tell a compelling narrative that highlights the challenges, solutions, and outcomes of your customers, as well as the value proposition and features of your products or services.
To use case studies and stories in your content marketing, you need to identify and select your best customers, interview them, and write a detailed and engaging story that follows a clear structure. You also need to include relevant data, visuals, quotes, and call to actions. You can use content marketing tools such as CoSchedule Headline Analyzer, Canva, or Lumen5 to create catchy headlines, graphics, and videos for your case studies and stories.
Another way to use social proof is to leverage social media mentions and shares from your customers, influencers, or industry experts. Social media mentions and shares can help you increase your brand awareness, reach, and engagement, as well as show your audience that others are talking about and recommending your products or services.
To use social media mentions and shares in your content marketing, you need to monitor and respond to them, as well as encourage and incentivize them. You also need to embed them on your website, blog posts, landing pages, and other content formats. You can use content marketing tools such as Mention, BuzzSumo, or AddThis to track, analyze, and display social media mentions and shares on your website and other channels.
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I think this is the base of the real UGC, the valuable one. But to get this you have to work in your socials and be a useful presence for your audience, remember that just because you are selling a product it doesnt mean you have to talk only about sales and your product all the time, take your time to generate conversations that will help you with this.
Another way to use social proof is to display badges and awards that you have earned or received from reputable sources, such as industry associations, media outlets, or certification bodies. Badges and awards can help you showcase your expertise, credibility, and recognition in your field, as well as differentiate yourself from your competitors.
To use badges and awards in your content marketing, you need to apply for and obtain them from relevant and trustworthy sources, as well as comply with their guidelines and requirements. You also need to display them on your website, landing pages, email signatures, and other content formats. You can use content marketing tools such as Credly, Accredible, or Award Force to create, manage, and display badges and awards on your website and other channels.
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Submit your expert opinion to other media publication via platforms like HARO and FEATURED. Utilise the power of other websites to help spread the word! Showcase your expertise, case studies, and testimonials to help build someone else’s story. Not only does this reach more and different people, seeing your name across industry-related publications help build trust in your audiences’ minds.
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