As a savvy marketer, you know what goes into selling a new product online – an awesome product, an outstanding sales page, lots of traffic and good conversion rates. Having the awesome product is probably the easiest part, while getting good conversion rates may be the hardest. So how can you convert prospects into loyal, raving fans?
Proof. Social proof, that is.
One of the best ways to tell the story about your product or service is to demonstrate the benefits – show people that what you promise is what you deliver. When prospects know other people have used your product and read about the results, they’re more likely to click on that “buy now” button and make a purchase.
How do you convey social proof on your sales page?
Here are 5 ways to demonstrate how your product/service solves your prospects problems and makes their lives easier.
1. Testimonials – the power of praise
I strongly believe in the power of praise that comes from your satisfied customers and clients — past and present. As ad man David Ogilvy said: “If you include a testimonial in your copy, you make it more credible. Readers find the endorsements of fellow consumers more persuasive than the puffery of anonymous copywriters.”
What types of testimonials should you use? Those that illustrate how your customers successfully put your product or service to work for them. You want more than “it was good” or “I loved it.” Look for feedback that communicates results such as “Your service increased my income by xx dollars,” “Your product helped me lose xx number of pounds in just 2 weeks,” “I got rid of my back pain in xx number of days.” For more details on how clients can praise your good graces with testimonials, click here.
2. Case studies – showing before & after results
These are a form of a testimonial, but more detailed. A case study shows where a person or business was before the purchased, how they used the product, how long the results took and what the results were. People like the specifics and the “before and after” story paints a picture they can relate to.
3. Videos – take prospects on a tour
Don’t simply tell prospects about your product, take them on an inside peek with video. With Internet viewers spending more than 63% of their time watching videos, this is a great marketing tool which is growing in popularity. There’s a reason YouTube has become the 3rd most visited Website and the 2nd largest search engine.
How to Use Video For Promotion
- Give a video demonstration of how to use your product shows prospects exactly what to expect
- Give viewers 10 tips or 5 pointers that catch their attention and create desire
- If your product is an e-book, show the table of contents and a page here and there
- Highlight and talk about any bonuses you may be offering
4. Flash your credentials
Are you a published author, been an expert in the field for over 10 years, been quoted in a newspaper or interviewed by other experts in your industry? Write about it on your sales page. These credentials help you build credibility and paint a picture of you as an authority on your subject.
5. Free trial period
Sometimes you can get the “tire-kickers” to buy if you get them behind the wheel for a test drive. If it makes sense for your product/service, consider offering a 14 or 30-day free trial and encourage prospects to try out what you have to offer.
Touch base with them during the trial period to see how they’re doing and answer any questions they may have. If you provide good customer service during the trial period, a happy prospect may become your next loyal, paying customer.
To convert prospects into customers, take advantage of social proof on your next sales page. Or, if you already have one, go back and incorporate one or several of the above techniques and see what a difference it makes.
Are you offering your prospects social proof? If so, which tools do you use? Please share them in the comment section below because I’d love to hear from you.
This is an excerpt from Debra Jason’s best-selling book Millionaire Marketing on a Shoestring Budget™: How to Attract a Steady Stream of Happy Clients, Make More Money and Live Your Dream.
