Let's talk social proof, what is it and why is it so effective. Social proof is when people's decisions and initial trust in products or services are influenced by the actions and opinions of others. This works especially well when it's people they perceive to be similar to themselves or people they aspire to be more like.

One super well-known form of social proof would be Google reviews.

On social media, businesses can use different forms of video to create social proof, which showcases your products or services and demonstrates how they have helped other people.

Today, we'll explore 9 video ideas that you can use to create social proof for your business.

1. Customer Testimonials

The first great way to create social proof for your business is by featuring customer testimonials in video form. You can ask your satisfied customers to record a short video where they share their experience with your products or services. In the video, they can talk about how your business helped them solve a problem, achieve a goal, or improve their life in some way. The more specific examples they are able to provide the better - think numbers and data. Did you help them lose 25 lbs? Did your business coaching services help them increase their sales on their latest product launch by 70%?

It's important to ensure that these videos come across as genuine and authentic. Try to avoid writing scripts for your customers as it will probably come across as still and insincere. Instead, encourage your customers to speak from the heart and share their honest opinions. It's okay if they don't sound super polished, that's what will make them seem more real and trustworthy.

If it's not possible or you feel uncomfortable asking customers to leave on-camera reviews - no problem you could always ask them to record an audio review - which you can then edit together with an on-screen captions graphic. Or have them simply write a review and create an animated graphics video ad from the written review.

2. Case Studies

Another great way to create social proof for your business is by creating case study videos. In these videos, you can showcase how your products or services have helped a specific customer overcome a challenge or achieve a specific goal. You can include interviews with the customer, as well as footage of your products or services in action. This type of video is especially effective if you're targeting a specific niche or industry as it allows you to demonstrate your expertise and knowledge in that area.

When creating case study videos, it's important to focus on the customer's story and how your business helped them instead of too much about about your business as this can come across as self-promotional and won't resonate as well with your audience. Put yourself in their shoes, they want to know more about how you can help them...not your many offerings and accolades.

3. Product Demonstrations

Product demonstration videos are an excellent way to showcase the features and benefits of your products or services. You can create videos that demonstrate how your products or services work, highlight their unique features, and show how they can benefit your customers. Product demonstration videos can help build trust and credibility with your audience as they allow them to see your products or services in action.

When creating product demonstration videos, it's important to keep them concise and to the point. Focus on the most important features and benefits of your products or services, and avoid overwhelming your audience with too much information.

4. Influencer Endorsements

Ah, the dreaded influencer endorsements! When most of us think influencers we think of teenagers on TikTok making dancing videos and charging $5,000 per sponsored post. But in reality there are actually many many more of what we call "micro influencers" with modest audience sizes, but high-engagement rates, that are highly trusted by their core audience. If you are interested in working with influences don't be intimidated - there are influencers for every budget.

Influencer endorsements are a great way to create social proof for your business as they allow you to leverage the influencer's existing audience and credibility. You can partner with influencers in your industry or niche and ask them to promote your products or services in their videos. Influencer endorsements can help build trust and credibility with your audience as they see someone they trust recommending your products or services.

When working with influencers, try to choose people who actually align with your brand values, have a genuine interest in your products or services and are in the key demographic of the majority of your customers. Avoid partnering with influencers solely based on their follower count or popularity as this may not result in the best ROI.

5. Behind-the-Scenes Videos

Behind-the-scenes videos are an excellent way to showcase the human side of your business and create a personal connection with your audience. You can create videos that show the day-to-day operations of your business, introduce your team members, or showcase how your products or services are made. Behind-the-scenes videos can help build trust and credibility with your audience as they allow them to see the people behind your business.

When creating behind-the-scenes videos, it's important to keep them authentic and genuine. Avoid staging the videos as this can come across as insincere and may not resonate with your audience. Instead, focus on showcasing the real people and processes behind your business.

6. Expert Interviews

Expert interviews are a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in your industry or niche. You can create videos where you interview industry experts or thought leaders on topics related to your business. Expert interviews can help build trust and credibility with your audience as they see that you're knowledgeable about your field and are connected to other experts in the industry.

When creating expert interview videos, choose guests who are respected in your industry or niche and have valuable insights to share. Avoid featuring guests solely based on their popularity or influence as again, this may not result in the best ROI.

7. Event Coverage

Event coverage videos are an excellent way to showcase your business in action and create social proof. You can create videos that cover events related to your business, such as trade shows, product launches, or conferences. Event coverage videos can help build trust and credibility with your audience as they see that your business is active and engaged in the industry.

When creating event coverage videos, it's important to focus on the most important aspects of the event and avoid overwhelming your audience with too much footage. You can include interviews with attendees or speakers, as well as footage of your products or services in action.

8. Live videos

Live videos are great at creating a sense of immediacy and authenticity, and can also be used to connect with your audience in real-time, which can help to build trust and engagement. Think live customer Q&A's, live customer interviews/reviews, live product demos, live event coverage or live expert interviews.

9. User-Generated Content (UGC)

When customers create and share videos about their experiences with your products or services, it can help to establish credibility and build trust with potential customers. UGC can also provide valuable insights into how your customers use your products or services, which can help you improve your offerings and customer experience.

To encourage UGC, you can run social media campaigns that encourage customers to share their experiences with your products or services. For example, you could ask customers to share a video of themselves using your product or service and tag your business on social media. You could also offer incentives such as discounts or free products to customers who create and share videos about their experiences.

When sharing UGC videos, it's important to ensure that they align with your brand values and messaging. You can curate and share the best UGC videos on your website and social media channels, and use them in your marketing campaigns to showcase the positive experiences of your customers. By incorporating UGC into your marketing strategy, you can build social proof and establish trust and credibility with your audience.

To wrap up, creating social proof for your business is essential for building trust and credibility with your audience. Video content is an excellent way to create social proof as it allows you to showcase your products or services and demonstrate how they have helped other people. I hope with the video ideas discussed in this article, you can create effective social proof videos that will help grow your business and attract new customers!