Last week on our first Watercooler Wednesday where I introduced myself to all the awesome people here at Profit On Knowledge and explained what we will be covering (Social Proof Tips & Strategies). If you missed last weeks post, please check it out after this post under ‘Related Articles’.
So to begin the series formally, I thought we should start with the basics and build on there. I know that some of you are experts at social media & online marketing, while others total newbies. I will do my best to make sure everyone gets value from these posts no matter where you are on that scale. As long as you have a teachable spirit & take action on the info you learn, you will have a recipe for success.
So… What exactly is social proof?
The definition of social proof according to Wikipedia:
Social proof, also known as informational social influence, is a psychological phenomenon that occurs in ambiguous social situations when people are unable to determine the appropriate mode of behavior. Making the assumption that surrounding people possess more knowledge about the situation, they will deem the behavior of others as appropriate or better informed.
The Profit On Knowledge definition of social proof:
To stand out of the crowd by offering value & being easy to find. If someone goes to Google and types in your name, your product’s name or your business’s name and find very little or negative information, then you are in trouble & losing sales! If someone goes to Google & finds nothing at all, then to the online world you practically do not exist.
People want to be able search online to find out about you and your services before they decide to go any further whether your business is offline or online. The information they find should be informative, positive and plenty of it.
If you build, they will come… Should really be… If you know your market, give them what they want (build it, create value, build relationships) and market it… They will come, because you have social proof!

7 Steps To Social Proof Success:
WARNING: This is just an outline! If you want step by step instructions, then come back every Watercooler Wednesday as we unfold the ‘how’ in full step-by-step detail.
- Know your target market & the purpose of your business.
(Hint: If you did not know these, your success will be hard to find.) - Create a marketing plan & schedule.
(Hint: If you did your marketing research properly this will aide you in figuring out your marketing plan, how, what, when & where.) - Buy a domain.
(Hint: Any ol’ name just won’t do.) - Get a blog.
(Hint: Your blog can become your website, your portfolio, your home on the web & much more.) - Brand your business.
(Hint: It must be memorable & consistent.) - Get your social profiles up.
(Hint: You shouldn’t be on all of the social networks.) - Start marketing.
(Hint: This is where it gets fun!)
Profit On Knowledge Challenge:
- Google yourself and/or your business and gage how social proof you are right now.
- Go through the 7 steps and write down what steps you need to complete to become social proof.
- Comment below and let us know how you are doing so for and any questions you have.
- Come back next week as we go in depth on how to target your market and establish your purpose.
See you next week!
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Jamie Pelaez is a WAHM mom with a zeal for helping others to live an inspired life. She specializes in Online Marketing, Social Media, Graphic Design, Copywriting, Business Consulting &  Motivation. She is skilled at serving & helping online entrepreneurs & small business owners to succeed in their marketplace. ‘Test all things and hold firmly that which is good.’  ~1 Thessalonians 5:21 |
Skype Me: Jamie.Pelaez
Visit My Blog: Jamie Pelaez Exposed
Related articles
- Why ‘Social Proof’ Matters in Your Social-Marketing Success (marketingprofs.com)
- The Proof Series #14: Leveraging Social Proof (prolaunchmanager.com)
- How to: Use Social Proof to Drive Sales (oneforty.com)
- Coming Soon To Profit On Knowledge: Jamie Pelaez & Watercooler Wednesdays (profitonknowledge.com)

Watercooler Wednesday! What a cool idea!
Great content once more Jamie and Larry. I love coming to this blog. I get so much inspiration from you guys!
My social proof is on the rise and it has come mainly from my blog! My focus is as always to help as many people with their marketing as I can, but my team are now realising that if you want to be treated seriously then you have to put up a decent wordpress blog!
Have a great week, Jamie and Larry
Speak soon
Peter
Thanks Peter!
Thank you Peter, that means a lot. Especially since I just started blogging on Profit On Knowledge.
Having a blog is one of the best ways to start getting your social proof as you have noticed!
I have been watching you blossom over the years and you are doing great! You not only seek out to learn, but also implement what you learn.
Have an awesome week Peter!
Wow this is great! iv’e read about the importance of socialproof before but never in such depth! looking forward to when you unfold the step by step, i wont miss it!
Thank you for the compliment James!
When I first was asked about what I wanted to write about I knew it had to be about being social proof. Some people think it is about social marketing, which that is part of it… However, not the whole story!
I look forward to unveiling each step along the way.
See you next week!
Hi Jamie,
Wonderful post and I’ll meet your challenge in a moment. But first I just have to say that I really have to agree with Peter Chapman in that, I love this blog. It is always an inspiration, a motivation and at times just fun. Wonderful job. Thank you very much.
I just Googled my name and my business and wheee, I’m on the first page for both. Not the first spot, but working on that. 😉
You’ve inspired me recently to be more active in the social networks I do belong to. And definitely with you on you shouldn’t be on every one. Twitter itself can be a beast to keep up with (and still learning how to properly tame that monster).
Thank you for the post! Looking forward to the next. 🙂
Vincent Parker
Thank you Vincent not only for the compliments (which I can only take partial credit for), but also for taking the challenge.
If you get a chance read this weeks post, I would love to know your thoughts. As for me, I am heading over to your blog to see what you have going on this week!
Jamie Pelaez