It's a weekend night and you're out looking for a delicious dinner spot to dine at. You peek into the window of an empty restaurant and quickly conclude the food or service must be no good. But the one next door has a waiting list and a crowd of folks out front anxiously waiting to be seated. Must be the tastier option of the two. Psychologists, sociologists and marketing professionals call this powerful dynamic “social proof," and it's a key ingredient in your marketing strategy. So how does it work, and why do you need it? Here are 3 reasons your business needs social proof, and how you can incorporate this into your marketing strategies.

1. Nothing is more important to a business than
word of mouth. It is the oldest form of advertising
and to this day is still an integral part of any
marketing campaign. In recent years marketers
have placed increasing focus on “social proof”
which is essentially an elaboration based on word
of mouth, and one which could transform your
business regardless of industry.
By understanding what social proof is and its
importance, a business has the ability to stay
relevant and effective for many years to come.
SOCIAL PROOF:
why your business needs it

2. 2
Social proof can be defined as what people say
about a business and the affect this has on potential
customers. In its simplest form social proof refers to
a “good” and “bad” dichotomy. If a potential
customer hears bad things from someone who has
previous experience of a product or service, then
they are likely to avoid doing business with the
producer. Conversely, if a potential customer hears
good things from previous customers, then they are
more likely to make a purchasing decision.
What is Social Proof
Social proof therefore can be damaging when negative, and helpful when positive.
Either way, it is an incredibly powerful aspect of consumer behaviour.

3. 3
3 Reasons to Use Social Proof
We’ve established that social proof is a powerful marketing tool, but why is it so important?
There are many reasons to incorporate it into your business plan, but let’s take a look at 3 of
the most salient points. These include:
Free Advertising: If you know how to foster social proof, then you will gain a critical piece
of free advertising. Your customers will spread the word about your product or service in a
number of ways which will significantly increase the reach of your marketing campaign.
Sustainable Business: Positive social proof is an essential part of a sustainable business.
It incorporates two key facets of marketing which are incredibly effective in tandem with
each other. First, customers promoting positive social proof are far more likely to return to
your business for future purchases due to having had a good experience. Secondly, their
promotion of your business will bring in new customers.
Healthy Growth: Speaking of new customers, this is the third most immediate reason to
use social proof as much as possible. Previous customers will share social media
statuses, create reviews, and talk to those around them about your business. Whether it’s
with friends, families, or unfamiliar potential customers, the social proof created will
continue to grow your business indefinitely.

4. 4
Now you know how important social proof is
and how it could transform your business, it’s
time to incorporate it into your marketing
strategy. This is a complex procedure and
involves experience and knowledge to
achieve maximum results. For this reason it
is best to contact a leading digital marketing
agency, and allow them to help take your
business to the next level.
How to Incorporate Social Proof
into Your Marketing Strategy