In offline stores, you have seen crowds gathering around that becomes an example of social proof. But eCommerce stores don’t have that provision to actually see who the customers are around you. Until you get a ProveSource marketing tool that helps businesses turn web-traffic, sales, social proof, and insights of the actual customers you can't see through naked eyes. At least as in offline stores.

Social proof is one of the most powerful ways to boost conversions. Displaying evidence that other customers are buying or engaging with your products builds trust and peer influence that convinces visitors to take action themselves. But with so many social proof software tools out there, how do you know which one is the best for supercharging your eCommerce store? I've tested the top contenders to determine the ultimate solution.

1. EmbedSocial:

My top recommendation for leveraging social proof to increase eCommerce conversions is EmbedSocial. This user-generated content platform makes it incredibly easy to showcase reviews, testimonials, Instagram posts, and more to build credibility and engagement.

Key Features:

• Seamless integration with eCommerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce
• Curate and display product reviews in creative formats
• Aggregates reviews from across the web into one dashboard
• AI moderation to filter out negatives and spam
• Metrics to analyze performance and impact on sales
• Embed Social offers the most powerful yet intuitive review management system I’ve seen. Within minutes, you can be pulling in reviews from major sites, responding in real-time, then broadcasting your best ratings and feedback through widgets visitors can’t ignore. The transparency and social validation is proven to increase average order value as high as 15%.

2. Fomo:

Another great option for eCommerce stores is Fomo. This tool specializes in leveraging the Fear Of Missing Out by showcasing dynamic notifications when other customers are engaging with your brand.

Key Features:

• Real-time alerts for purchases, sign-ups, and other behaviors
• Tons of customizable templates to match your brand style
• Advanced targeting and personalization
• Integrates with eComm platforms and marketing tools
• In-depth analytics behind performance
• If you want to capitalize on the sense of urgency and scarcity created when visitors see others taking action,
• Fomo makes it simple to display these peer-influenced triggers. The social proof notifications can lead to a serious boost in cart add-rates, checkouts completed, and more.

3. Yotpo:

For an end-to-end eCommerce marketing platform with built-in social proof capabilities, Yotpo is a leader in the space.

Key Features:

• Collect and display verified customer reviews
• SMS and email review requests to customers
• Q&A widgets for shopper questions
• Social sharing buttons and UGC content
• Loyalty and refer a friend tools
• Yotpo helps optimize the entire buyer journey from review generation to visual marketing. A core piece is their advanced review system tailored to eCom with lots of customization so you broadcast your 5-star ratings in eye-catching style. Between reviews and Q&As, visitors get the social validation needed to drive more sales.

The power of social proof is unmatched when it comes to boosting eCommerce conversion rates. After comparing the top players, I can confidently recommend EmbedSocial as the best in class platform for managing and leveraging authentic customer reviews, Instagram posts, and other UGC. Combine social proof with incentives and other tactics to skyrocket online sales!

4. Prove Source:

The ProveSource is a cluster of various tools. One of the tools creates notifications or pop-ups whenever you get a visitor so that they can see while they browse. You can also make custom notifications as per your business requirements.

As a result, this creates the credibility of your website. In addition, it boosts your visitors' confidence and trustability and helps you sell your traffic growth with improved conversions.

How To Use Social Proof in Marketing?

Social proof is one of the most powerful tools you can utilize in your overall marketing strategy. Simply showcasing evidence that other people love your product or service goes a remarkably long way towards convincing new prospects to give you a try. Therefore, we will highlight some of the top methods for effectively using social proof across your marketing.

1. Display Testimonials on Your Homepage:

Your homepage is prime real estate to flaunt genuine customer love for your brand. Collect impressive testimonials and feature them prominently here with images, ratings, quotes, and names to add credibility.

Rotate through multiple testimonials for diversity. Or allow visitors to scroll through customer stories themselves by embedding user-generated content feeds or review widgets right on your homepage.

2. Show Industry Awards and Rankings:

Earned media in the form of industry awards, certifications, or press features is hugely influential.

If you've been recognized by major publications and institutions related to your field, don’t be shy about showcasing badges, logos, and quotes touting your achievements.

These reputable third parties provide immense social validation that you are a top player in your niche.

3. Gather Expert Reviews and Endorsements:

Influential voices in your market can lend immense credibility to your brand. Reach out to key figures like bloggers, journalists, or thought leaders to try your product or service and provide an honest review.

Their positive feedback, quotes and endorsements hold remarkable sway with your target audience and deliver powerful social proof.

4. Add Customer Reviews to Product Pages:

On your ecommerce site or any page detailing a specific offering, integrate dynamic widgets to display authentic customer reviews and ratings.

Visitors instantly see social proof that others have purchased and enjoyed this item, building trust and confidence to follow suit. For extra influence, highlight your 5-star rave reviews.

5. Identify Doubts and Address Them with UGC:

Determine common concerns, objections or doubts that hold your prospects back from purchasing. Then proactively showcase user generated content that speaks directly to overcoming those barriers.

For example, if buyers worry about sizing or quality, show photos of real customers enjoying your product in their lives. This builds believability and trust.

6. Create Urgency by Highlighting Demand:

FOMO (fear of missing out) is a strong motivator. Displaying your product’s recent popularity sparks a sense of urgency and demand.

Showcase dynamic notifications when other visitors are currently viewing or purchasing an item. Limited inventory alerts also prompt action by signaling exclusivity.

7. Use Social Media in Product Marketing:

Repurpose happy customer social media posts, reviews and tags as social proof in your marketing materials. Their unprompted engagement carries more authenticity and appeal than branded content alone ever could. Curate this user generated content in your email campaigns, website pages, ads and more.

Wielding credible social proof throughout every stage of your marketing funnel - from awareness to consideration to decision - makes prospects far more likely to ultimately choose your brand. Take advantage of this potent influence by prominently and strategically featuring reviews, testimonials, referrals and third-party endorsements across touchpoints.