How to get people to say nice things about you (aka Social Proof)

Last updated on 27 December 2024

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So you’re here to learn how to get people to say nice things about you?

⁠Okay, I kid I kid.⁠ But Social Proof is a big part of blogging, especially if you’re providing a resource or product alongside your blog.⁠ If you’re wondering ‘what is social proof’ or ‘why is social proof important’, then you are in the right place, my friend!

What is Social Proof?

According to Wikipedia:⁠

“Social proof is a psychological and social phenomenon wherein people copy the actions of others in an attempt to undertake behaviour in a given situation.”⁠

But in less sciencey-sounding language: social proof is things like testimonials, comments, story take-overs, and affirmations that what you’re offering or sharing is the bee’s knees and they should get on that bandwagon, stat. 🐝⁠

Social Proof is feedback from other people to show that you’re worth connecting with.⁠

What’s an example of social proof?

If you take a wander around my blog, you’ll discover a few things. My About page is more about you than it is me, and it includes some nice comments from past users and people who have invested in my programmes and guides. On my pages for those courses and guides, I also have some testimonials from others who have enjoyed and benefited from those courses.

Social proof like these comments below which lovely clients of mine left after grabbing a resource I used to offer, The Ultimate Blogging Bundle, and other resources. You can check out all the blogging resources I offer now, here. What they’ve said now be shared on my page where I chat about the bundle and what’s involved. It gives people a sense of how my client experienced what I provided and how she felt about it.⁠

How do I get social proof for my blog?

There are a bunch of different ways that you can get social proof for your blog, your website, your business and even your social media. Here are a few ways you can get social proof:

1. Collaborations

Buddying up with fellow creators is a great way to show that you’re a) connecting with other people, b) excited to share what you’re working on/what expertise you have and c) shows that the other person in the collaboration knows, trusts and likes you enough to share a post with you. They are giving their readers and followers/fans/community a recommendation by joining forces with you. And you’re doing the same in return.

2. Ask for reviews

Have a service or product that you sell? Why not ask people for a review? You’ll find that people are more than willing to give you reviews when they love a product you’ve made, and even if they don’t love it, you know what you need to work on. If you’re just starting out, you can offer free versions of your product in exchange for a review or feedback. You can then use that material as social proof.

3. Screenshot messages

With people’s permission, of course! If you’re having conversations with people and they thank you for writing a great blog post or creating a great product, ask them if they mind if you screenshot their message and share it. Or save it for a later date. You’ll find most people are completely fine with you doing it. Just double-check whether they would like to be tagged/mentioned when you share their comments or if they would like to remain anonymous.

What to do with your social proof

1. Share them on your Social Media

Thank people for mentions on social media to show you’re human and are genuinely grateful for their shout-out. If they tag you in a post or a Story while they’re using your products, reading your blogs or just saying hey, be sure to thank them and keep growing that relationship. . Include them on landing pages and sales pages

This is one of the best places to place your social proof. People are less likely to buy from you if they don’t already know, like and trust you. And what builds those things? Well, forming relationships and nurturing them, but also social proof. If people can see that what you’re offering has helped people in the past, then that trust factor is being built.

3. Add them to blog posts

Whether you’re writing a blog post about social proof (exhibit A!) or you’re chatting about something else, if it seems appropriate and relevant, add in some social proof. This isn’t going to be helpful every post, but every once in a while you’ll find a relevant fit.

4. Include them in relevant emails

Especially if those emails include information about things that you offer or the services you provide. Email is one of the most important setups you can have for your blog. If social media gets shut down, you still have access to your email list (woop!). Which means you need to be making the most of it.

Social proof is important no matter what sector or niche you’re in, so why not give a few of these things a go.⁠

Do you like reading testimonials from other people when you’re thinking about buying a product or service? Or connect with someone online? Or does it not bother you?⁠