Customers these days have plenty of choices when it comes to deciding where to shop online. Not only do they use this to their advantage in finding the best deals and sales promotions, but they also take their time in deciding which brands are worthy of their money and which ones they should skip.
That’s where social proof comes into play. Studies have shown that more and more consumers are utilizing review sites and social media to help determine where they shop and how much they choose to spend.
In fact, these plugins are a big part of putting together a comprehensive marketing mix—and skipping them is simply a recipe for disaster. Here’s what you need to know about social plugins, customer trust, how to create a blend of different types of plugins, and much more.
What Are Social Proof Plugins?
Before we can chat about whether you need to add them, it is important to understand what proof plugins are. These handy little tools work with your existing site platform to display various elements such as:
- Recent Reviews
- Number of Social Shares on Your Favorite Platforms
- Celebrity or Influencer Endorsements
- Testimonials
And that’s just the start of it. You have a lot of control over how these are displayed on your site, what data carries over from another platform, and even which ones to keep hidden. In most cases, these plugins are designed to look like the framework of your store and then customized to match your brand colors and overall visual aesthetic.
How Do Social Proof Plugins Work?
Social proof plugins work by simply giving online shoppers the ability to see someone else’s opinion of an individual item or product line. For many people, this is key in making a final determination on placing an order. Furthermore, when positioned strategically, social proof plugins work as a great way to create upsells and increase average order size.
Building Buyer Trust with Social Proof Software
Another excellent benefit to social proof software is that it helps build buyer trust. One common way to set up your plugin is to set it so that the shopper sees if someone in their area has purchased an item. If you see that a member of your same community bought an item you were looking at and is happy with their decision, you are much more likely to follow suit and place the same order. Think of it as today’s version of word-of-mouth advertising and a very powerful way to build buyer trust.
Wait…What Are FOMO Plugins?
There is a separate type of social proof plugin called a FOMO plugin. FOMO is actually an acronym that stands for fear of missing out and these plugins play off that same thought process.
Most social proof plugins offer a version of the FOMO plugin. For example, your FOMO plugin could show that Susan from West Virginia just purchased a pair of stiletto heels on your website. This spurs potential customers to look into those same shoes to see if they are something they’d love to see in their closet, too. This is especially true if you have a popular product where your plugin is showing several sales of the same item over and over again.
FOMO plugins are also handy in that the actual purchase doesn’t have to necessarily be recent. You can set the system to show previous purchases or even random purchases of items you’re specifically trying to push. Think of it as one more marketing tool in your arsenal to get customer’s eyes on the items you want to sell the most.
How Trust Plugins Build Additional Customer Loyalty
Now that you know more about various social proof plugins, it is important to look at another variety. Trust plugins are designed to give consumers the peace of mind in knowing your website is safe to purchase from. It may seem different from a social proof plugin because, in all actuality, it really is. However, a comprehensive strategy that pairs trust plugins with review or FOMO plugins is a great way to set up your marketing mix in a way that receives benefits from all of these elements together to encourage buyers to make a purchase. Isn’t that a sweet deal?
Create Your Following
Running an eCommerce site is about more than just inventory, shipping, and sales. Creating a loyal following requires a bit of pizzazz and a whole lot of understanding of what makes your customers happy. Websites that focus on showcasing purchases by other customers and reviews are much more likely to have an engaged group of customers clamoring to place another order.
Ready to learn more about incorporating social proof plugins with your eCommerce store? Our CAKE team is here to help. Get in touch with us today for details.
