Social Media Platforms Can Establish Social Proof…But They Can Never Replace Your Business Website
Being online makes it easy for your target audience to find you and engage with your business. Users become familiar with your company, leading to greater visibility and trust.
Social media and online directories can contribute to your online presence while helping you establish social proof. But they can never replace your website.
Knowing how to integrate your website with your other online platforms gives you a leading edge over your competitors. It increases the reach of your message and helps you grow your clients and customers.
Social Platforms Enhance Social Proof
Social media, directories, and review sites can enhance your social proof. When your audience sees others perceive your business in a positive light, they’re more likely to see you in the same way.
A positive review from someone who shares the same characteristics as your target audience goes a long way in eliminating skepticism about your products and services.
The majority of online users seek a third-party opinion before making any purchase. Reviews and testimonials help them decide whether your business addresses their needs.
Social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Yelp, and others establish credibility by showing the number of followers, comments, and likes on your published content.
Endorsements from influencers or celebrities as well as industry awards and recognition also enhance your company’s social proof. Case studies can illustrate exactly how your products or services have benefited others.
Does Your Website Still Matter?
A fully functional website designed around the needs of your audience is still the first place to start.
Your website is the hub of your online presence. It gives your target audience a central location to learn about what you do, who you do it for, and how you do it. It answers the questions users have as you guide them into your sales process.
Your website offers a clear message and helps visitors navigate through your site’s content. It can invite visitors to sign up for your mailing list, making it a powerful tool for generating leads.
Today’s business websites can be used for customer service, improving the experience that users have with your organization.
How to Make Your Website and Social Media Work Together
It’s a mistake to think that you can build a brand online without a website. But social platforms that build your social proof can work hand-in-hand with your website to create a more effective marketing strategy.
Creating relevant and useful content consistently is the key to building your online presence and creating the social proof you need to grow your business.
The content you publish can demonstrate your expertise and ability to solve the most important pain points of your audience. It further strengthens your credibility while positioning you as an industry leader.
People are more likely to share and engage with content that addresses their needs, questions, and interests. But it can also direct traffic to your website, where they can learn more about your business.
Social media posts may be able to stand alone as content that serves your audience. But directing users to your site increases their engagement and qualifies visitors as users who are interested in what you have to offer.
Once users visit your website, they can sign up to receive ongoing content through emails or other channels. You can offer something of value to compel users to give you their contact information while also helping them address their needs.
