6 Social Proof Examples from eCommerce Brands

These days, virtually anyone can launch a business online. With a platform like Shopify, it only takes minutes to create a compelling website, list products, and start selling. You can even integrate dropshipping and print on demand tools, so you don’t have to handle fulfilment yourself. 

But there’s a problem with the “low barrier to entry” in today’s ecommerce world. Consumers aren’t sure who they can trust. Since anyone can create a website, it’s difficult to know which businesses can actually deliver excellent products and experiences. 

This means to convert customers; ecommerce store owners need to invest in earning their trust. The easiest way to do this? By cultivating social proof. 

What is Social Proof? An Introduction for DTC Brands

Social proof isn’t a new concept. The term was originally coined back in 1984, by a man named Robert Ciadini. He essentially described social proof as the phenomenon that convinces people to copy the behaviors of others. In marketing and sales, using social proof is how you try to convince customers to emulate the behavior of your existing buyers. 

With reviews, star ratings, industry accreditation, and other trust signals, you essentially show your customers that your business is reliable and credible. 

Social proof works wonders for business leaders. Currently, around 95% of shoppers read online reviews before they make a purchase. Additionally, 82% of Americans ask for recommendations and referrals before they make any kind of purchase. 

How to Use Social Proof on Your Shopify Store

There are various different types of social proof that business leaders can invest in to improve their credibility, and connect with customers. Options range from reviews and testimonials, to quotes from industry professionals, badges (like verified by visa), and even user generated content. 

You can use all of these resources on your Shopify store, in a variety of different environments, to increase conversion rates and relationships with consumers. 

Options include placing social proof carousels, showcasing customer reviews and star ratings, on your product pages, landing pages, or home page. You can also create a comment section on your product pages, where customers can share more comprehensive feedback. 

Alternatively, you might create a fantastic social feed, where you can showcase the latest content generated by your customers across social media, relevant to your brand. 

Examples of Social Proof from DTC Brands

Although you can always work with a marketing, branding, or design team to maximize your social proof advertising strategy, it pays to have a little inspiration. Here, we’re going to take a closer look at some great examples of “social proof” from real eCommerce brands. Before we dive any further - check out this massive collection of social proof Shopify examples from Storetasker. 

1. The UCG Social Feed (Be Selfmade)

User-generated content is by far one of the most valuable types of social proof. Few things will engage your audience more than real content, created by genuine customers. Fortunately, in today’s world of social media, it’s a lot easier to cultivate user generated content from your audience. 

https://resources.storetasker.com/shopify-examples/selfmade-ugc

Take a look at the Selfmade website, for instance. Using branded hashtags, Selfmade encourages customers and influencers alike to share content of them using their products on channels like Instagram. The company’s scrolling social feed then showcases all of the latest posts from the team’s channel. There’s even a button underneath encouraging new fans to follow the brand. 

This form of visual social proof is particularly useful for ecommerce companies, as it allows customers to see your products in action. Plus, it’s a great way to add visual interest to your store.

2. Influencer Recommendations (Heights) 

While recommendations and reviews from everyday customers are excellent for driving social proof, celebrity and influencer endorsements can carry more weight. Over half of all marketers say influencer-endorsed content has a better return on investment than most branded content. 

Heights, the smart supplement company has absolutely packed its website with different types of social proof. Alongside comments from industry experts, and a social feed packed with customer reviews, Heights also has a section dedicated to celebrity endorsements.

https://resources.storetasker.com/shopify-examples/heights-insta-feature

Here, customers can see recommendations from some of the world’s best-known celebrities and influencers, including Stephen Fry himself. 

3. Industry quotes (Neuro)

Just like endorsements from influencers and celebrities can pack a punch in the world of social proof, quotes from reputable publications can be powerful too. Showcasing quotes from other leading brands shows customers that your company has already been approved by market leaders. 

The Neuro website, for instance, uses a scrolling “social proof” bar on its website, to showcase all of the positive quotes it’s earned from brands like Fast Company and Shark Tank. 

https://resources.storetasker.com/shopify-examples/neuro-testimonials 

Displayed right on the homepage of the website, this carousel instantly portrays Neuro as a trustworthy company. The brand also builds on it’s credibility with a social feed at the bottom of the homepage, showcasing content linked to the @NeuroGM tag. 

4. Product page reviews (Bearaby)

As mentioned above, social proof can have a huge impact on your revenue potential, wherever you place it on your website. However, on the product page, a little social proof can be all it takes to turn an uncertain shopper into a buyer. 

Bearaby offers an excellent insight into how you can showcase social proof on your product pages. When you click into a page, you’ll see a star rating for each item immediately underneath the product title, as well as the number of reviews the item has. 

https://resources.storetasker.com/shopify-examples/bearaby-pdp 

Clicking on the number takes you to a comment section, where you can read through all of the testimonials left by verified buyers. Each buyer has their own star rating, display name, and comment section, to add to their credibility. 

5. Expert Endorsements (Santevia)

For some companies, basic feedback from everyday customers isn’t enough to earn buyer trust. If you’re selling something in the health or wellbeing niche, for instance, most consumers will want to see evidence that your solution is legitimate, in the form of expert endorsements. 

The Santevia website offers an excellent example of how effective this strategy can be. On each product page, before you reach the “customer review” section, you’ll see a carousel of quotes taken from industry experts. Each quote comes from a genuine doctor or medical professional. 

https://ca.santevia.com/products/gravity-water-system

This instantly adds to the credibility of the company, demonstrating that the brand has done their research, and actually created something really impressive. The great thing about these expert reviews is they address the things customers are likely to be concerned about, like improving their health, or keeping their digestive system happy. 

6. Checkout Trust Signals (Noonbrew)

Even if you give your customers all of the insights and “proof” they need on your product pages or home page, they might need a little extra push at the checkout. A great way to strengthen your chances of earning a conversion, is to add trust signals to your checkout. 

Simple badges like “verified by visa” can be enough to let customers know their data and cash will be safe with your company. However, you can also take trust level to the next level, with reminders of why customers should take a chance on your company. 

For instance, Noonbrew’s checkout page includes a list of trustworthy statements, related to its money-back guarantee, free shipping policy, and more. Plus, the company reminds users that it has more than 1,500 five-star reviews. 

Bringing Social Proof to Your Shopify Store

Social proof is definitely one of the most valuable tools business owners have when it comes to encouraging and increasing sales. Used correctly, testimonials, quotes, and other trust signals can significantly increase your income, and improve your relationships with customers. 

The key to success, is making sure you display your social proof correctly. With a Storetasker Shopify expert, you can build everything from beautiful carousels, to stunning product pages, to showcase your social proof in style. 

Reach out to Storetasker today to elevate your company’s credibility, with the right social proof. 

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