One of my favorite podcasts is Smart Passive Income with Pat Flynn. Among other things, Pat has introduced me to Market Samurai, The Podcast Answer Man, and how to make a blog in under 4 minutes. He’s also written a lot of great stuff on niche sites and, as the podcast name implies, how to make money passively online.
In his 27th episode of the Smart Passive Income podcast, Pat discusses social proof. This topic is near and dear to my heart as I have been slightly obsessed with social media for the last few years. Pat uses the examples of long lines at a restaurant, or large groups surrounding a musical act to illustrate how social proof can build intrigue for a product or service.
Pat goes on to explain several ways to uses social proof when making and offer online, all of which are very valuable. As it pertains to social media however, I think the point of social proof is fairly obvious…
More followers/fans = more social proof.
When first starting a twitter account or Facebook fan page, most people don’t no where to start, which is fine, BUT you really should try to figure it out. Unless you are offering killer content or have built a following somewhere else, your own social intertia is going to work against you. Rarely will someone click follow if they see your account only has 22 other followers (again, unless you are producing awesome stuff).
This is why its important to consider building and initial following using some of the many tips and tricks that are now available. Even purchasing some followers or FB likes could be a good way to get started.
NOTE: it’s important to not rely on the tricks as they will very rarely provide targeted followers or fans!!!
You still need to build a real audience. But it never hurts to have a little social proof working in your favor.
Listen to Pat’s podcast on social proof and check out the rest of his blog and podcasts as well.
