What is Social Proof in Marketing? A Simple Guide [+20 Social Proof Examples]

Ever notice how everyone wants to know where the hottest restaurant in town is? Or how a productivity tool with a five-star rating on G2 catches your eye way faster than one with no reviews? 

That’s not just coincidence; it’s a little thing called social proof at work, and it’s a SaaS content marketing superpower that’s easier to master than you might think!

So, what exactly is social proofing? 

Think of it as the reassuring nod from others that something is worth your time (and maybe even your money). And, lucky for marketers, it’s a tool you can use to build trust, credibility, and, ultimately, sales.

In this guide, we’re diving into what social proof is and how it can transform your marketing strategy from "meh" to "wow." Plus, I’ll walk you through 20+ social proof examples to see how brands of all kinds are using social proof to win over customers—and how you can, too. 

Let’s get started, shall we?

What is social proof?

Alright, so let’s break it down: social proof is basically that little nudge that says, “Hey, if everyone else likes it, it’s probably worth checking out.” It’s like when you’re looking at two restaurants—one is buzzing with people, the other’s empty. 

Where are you more likely to go? Exactly! 

Social proofing is that instinct in marketing form.

At its core, social proof is a psychological phenomenon that makes people want to follow the crowd. It’s a trust-building shortcut, giving people an extra reason to choose your brand, because, hey—if other people already trust you, it must be for a good reason, right?

When it comes to social proof marketing for SaaS businesses, social proof takes on many forms: customer reviews, celebrity shoutouts, influencer endorsements, customer counts, you name it. 

But will talk about it a bit later, be patient. 

For now, that we answered the question “What is social proof in marketing?,” let’s get into why it actually matters—spoiler alert, it’s a big deal in influencing decisions!

Does social proof work, and why is it so important?

In short? Absolutely, yes, social proof works—and it’s one of the most effective tools in the marketing toolkit. 

Let’s face it: in today’s world of endless choices and scroll-stopping content, people crave a little reassurance. They want to know they’re not going out on a limb buying something random. 

And nothing reassures like seeing a crowd of happy customers already loving what you’re offering.

Simple example: Imagine you’re shopping for a new phone. You’re torn between two options, but one of them has 2,000 five-star reviews, and the other has…well, nothing. 

Which one are you going for? 

Yep, obviously the one that’s basically been blessed by the smartphone gods! Social proof is like giving your audience a mental shortcut to help them decide, “OK, this is the right choice for me.”

But here’s why social proof is more than just a nice-to-have:

• It builds trust: People are way more likely to trust a product if they can see that others already trust it. In fact, 75.5% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations! So, no matter if it’s a testimonial or a flashy influencer endorsement, social proof instantly makes your brand feel reliable.
• It creates FOMO: Social proof taps into the Fear of Missing Out (aka FOMO). If you see people raving about a product, or if something’s selling out fast, it’s hard not to feel like, “Wait, am I missing out on something great here?” That subtle fear can be powerful motivation!
• It reduces uncertainty: Buying can feel risky. Will the product live up to expectations? Is it really worth the price? Social proof swoops in to calm those nerves. It’s like your friendly “I’ve been there; I’ve tried it; it’s worth it” signal to potential customers.
• It speeds up decisions: Ever feel paralyzed by too many choices? Social proof, no matter short (like testimonials) or long-form content (full-scale case studies and reviews), cuts through the noise and gives people a reason to pick your product over others. When people see proof that others love what you’re offering, it’s easier to decide quickly—and with confidence!

To sum it up: social proofing isn’t just a nice add-on; it’s essential. End of the story. But how do you actually use it? And when’s the best time to sprinkle it into your marketing mix? 

Let’s talk practice.

How and when should you use social proof?

Think of social proof as the ultimate wingman—always ready to give your brand a boost but especially handy at certain stages of your customer’s journey. 

Here’s how and when to use it:

1. When someone’s just getting to know you (Top of the funnel)

This is where you roll out the welcome mat! People are curious but cautious when they’re first introduced to your brand. Here’s where social proof helps make a great first impression. 

Show off:

• Customer testimonials: Real people saying real good things—authenticity wins here.
• Impressive stats: “Trusted by over 10,000 happy customers” or “As seen on {{famous media outlet}}” helps you look legit from the get-go.

2. When they’re considering their options (Middle of the funnel)

At this stage, people are weighing their options, comparing you to competitors. This is your time to shine with social proof that says, “Here’s why we’re worth it.”

• Product reviews and ratings: Think stars, numbers, happy customers as a part of social proof marketing—let your current fans speak up!
• Influencer shoutouts: If you’ve got the budget, an influencer endorsement can be pure gold for building credibility.
• User-generated content (or UGC, you choose): Show how people are actually using and loving your product. It’s relatable and proves that your brand fits real-life needs.

3. When they’re ready to buy (Bottom of the funnel)

They’re this close to hitting “buy now” but might need one last nudge. This is where strong, confidence-boosting social proofing can seal the deal:

• Case studies: For more complex products, share stories of customers with real results. This is perfect for high-stakes purchases where customers need more detail (but it’s tricky to promote these types of content).
• Urgency cues (e.g., “Only 3 Left!”): Let’s not underestimate a bit of FOMO—seeing that other people are snapping it up makes buying feel like a no-brainer.
• Trust seals and certifications: If you’ve got badges or certifications, flaunt them! These give your brand that extra layer of credibility.

Creating customer stories is HARD!

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4. When you want to keep them coming back (Think retention and activation)

Social proof isn’t just for new customers; it’s also a way to keep people coming back for more!

• Customer success stories: Show off how loyal customers are achieving even better results over time with your product.
• Community highlights: Create a sense of belonging by featuring your loyal fans on social media. This builds a community vibe, and happy customers become lifelong fans.

And, don’t just slap social proof everywhere—be strategic! Think about where your customers might have doubts or need reassurance. 

Now that we’ve covered the when and where, let’s get into the what. 

Here are some tried-and-true types of social proof you can start using today—complete with examples!

What are the different types of social proof? [+20 examples of social proof]

You already know, that social proof comes in all shapes and sizes, and if you’re in SaaS (and we hope you are), you have plenty of options to work with. 

Here’s a breakdown of each type with real-life social proof examples, so you can see exactly how these power-ups work in the world of software. Go practice, with our curated list of social proof images and descriptions. 

And we`ll start with case studies.

Case studies (a.k.a.success stories)

Think of case studies like mini-documentaries. 

They tell a customer's story—from their initial struggle to their breakthrough, all thanks to your SaaS solution. It’s like a front-row seat to see exactly how your tool made a real, measurable impact on someone’s business.

Let’s look at an example that does this well: Slack. 

When Slack wanted to show its power in transforming communication for businesses, they didn’t just say, “It’s faster, better organized, and more secure than email.” Instead, they created in their SaaS blog detailed case studies on how big names like Stripe and Canva used Slack to streamline communication and enhance productivity. 

Canva`s case study explains how Slack replaced email chains and messy threads, making team collaboration seamless. With some storytelling magic, they show that it wasn’t just about “switching to a chat app”—it was about fostering a new way to connect across teams.

In SaaS, case studies should be crystal clear on two things:

1. The problem: Before using your solution, what was the big, ugly pain point? Make it relatable. (Example: Airbnb’s constant email overload that killed productivity.)
2. The solution & results: Show not only how the SaaS helped but also the impact it made. Did they save time? Increase revenue? Reduce churn? Real numbers always hit home.

Here’s another SaaS example: HubSpot does case studies with concrete results to back them up. For instance, they highlight in teamwork`s case study, saw an 11% growth in sales after adopting HubSpot’s CRM tools. 

By highlighting the numbers and directly showing the transformation, HubSpot makes it easy for other companies to imagine their own success.

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Testimonials & reviews (what happy customers are saying)

Imagine you’re on the fence about trying a new restaurant. 

You do a quick online search, and bam! You’re hit with tons of glowing reviews from happy diners saying, “This place has the best pasta in town!”—that right there is powerful social proofing. 

In the SaaS world, testimonials and reviews work the same magic, giving people confidence that they’re making a smart choice by signing up for your tool.

Take Zapier as a great example of social proof marketing. 

On their website, they have a wall of testimonials from users in every industry—startups, big corporations, freelancers, you name it—all raving about how Zapier has automated the most mind-numbing tasks. But what makes it even more compelling? 

They don’t just say, “Zapier is great!” Instead, the testimonials dive into specific ways it made their work easier. 

One customer (Lucidchart) say, “Zapier cut down our QA time by 30%, which helped the team double in size in one year,” while another might mention, “a 21% decrease in support response time.” These testimonials feel real and relatable because they’re specific.

In SaaS, specificity is key for testimonials and reviews to work:

1. Real quotes, real results: Let your customers tell their story in their own words, with specific benefits they’ve experienced. A good testimonial reads like an authentic mini-story, not just “It’s good, I like it.”
2. Diverse perspectives: Show reviews from a mix of users: techies, customer support reps, CEOs, or small business owners. Each type of user brings a unique angle, and it helps potential customers think, “Hey, that sounds like me!”

For instance, Asana does this with reviews from various industries and team sizes. 

A testimonial from a project manager might focus on how Asana helps them keep deadlines on track, while a freelancer might mention how it makes handling multiple clients’ tasks less chaotic. 

These testimonials give different users the “aha” moment that this tool could be their game-changer.

Social media (all the buzz happening online)

Ah, social media—the wild, buzzing playground of public opinion. 

When people are excited about something, they share it. And in the SaaS world, having users rave about your product on platforms like Twitter (aka X.com), LinkedIn, and even Instagram, is like hitting the social proof jackpot.

Take Notion, for instance. This tool practically owns Twitter! People post screenshots of their custom Notion dashboards, share productivity tips, and create tutorials on YouTube, all while tagging Notion. They don’t even need to ask their customers to do this; the users are just so enthusiastic that they want to spread the word. 

And Notion amplifies this by resharing, engaging with, and even featuring these posts in their content. It creates a community feel—like you’re not just using a tool; you’re part of a collective productivity movement.

This is the power of social media as social proof in B2B marketing (yet, mostly in D2C marketing):

1. User-generated content: The content that comes directly from your users has unparalleled authenticity. They’re showing the world, “Look, I’m actually using this tool, and it’s making a difference.” It usually doesn’t even need any extra budget for content marketing.
2. Real-time reactions: Social media lets potential customers see reactions as they happen. A startup founder tweeting, “Just used @Calendly to book 3 meetings in under 5 minutes #gamechanger” feels real and relatable because it’s immediate and specific.

I’ve mentioned it, let’s dig deeper, because Calendly is really another fantastic example here. People frequently tweet about how much easier it makes scheduling, tagging Calendly and sharing their experiences. 

Calendly smartly engages with these posts, thanking users, sharing testimonials (like you saw above), or even highlighting “pro tips” for more efficient scheduling. This engagement not only validates the user’s enthusiasm but encourages others to share their experiences, too.

Trust icons (logos and badges you can count on)

Imagine you’re browsing a website and see those little logos: Fortune 500 companies, popular software integrations, or security badges like “SSL Certified.” 

Instantly, you think, “Okay, if they trust it, I can, too.” 

That’s the magic of trust icons in SaaS (social proof psychology if you will). These logos aren’t just decorations; they’re subtle, powerful reminders that you’re in good company.

Let’s take Zoom as an example. 

When COVID-19 pushed remote work into high gear, Zoom’s homepage didn’t just shout, “Hey, we’re great for video calls!” Instead, they lined up logos of big clients like Rakuten, WWF, and The New York Times, as social proof on the website. 

This lineup sent a clear message: if these mega-companies rely on Zoom to connect their teams, you can, too.

In the SaaS world, trust icons typically fall into three categories:

1. Customer logos: Big-name clients (and lots of them) can instantly establish credibility. Whether it's Microsoft, LinkedIn, or Google, featuring logos of well-known users signals, “We’re not just good—we’re trusted by the pros.”
2. Security badges: These are huge, especially in SaaS. Data privacy badges like ISO Certification or GDPR Compliance reassure users that their data is safe. For example, if a SaaS product has a McAfee Secure or Norton Secured badge, it gives potential users peace of mind that they’re in safe hands.
3. Partner logos: If your SaaS integrates with other popular tools (think Salesforce, Zapier, or Slack), showing those logos signals that you’re compatible with the tools they already love.

Another great example of B2B social proof here is Stripe. This payment processing giant flaunts badges from trusted security standards (PCI compliance), alongside client logos from big brands like Google, Amazon, and Shopify. 

This is especially powerful for a product like Stripe, where security is crucial, and showing the trust of reputable brands elevates credibility.

Data + Numbers (hard facts and impressive stats)

In SaaS, numbers are like golden nuggets of trust. You can tell people your product is great, but when you hit them with data—like how many people are using it, the percentage of growth, or the time/money saved—it’s a whole different level of convincing. 

Stats are hard to argue with, and they make people say, “Wow, okay, this is the real deal.”

Take Grammarly for instance. On their website, Grammarly doesn’t just say, “We help people write better.” They share stats that show impact, like “The ROI is 17x when using Grammarly” and “Organizations that deploy Grammarly save an average of $5,000 per employee per year.” 

Strong social proof persuasion, right?

Now, if you’re reading that, you’re thinking, “30 million people can’t all be wrong, right?” It’s a powerful way to let numbers speak for themselves.

In SaaS, you can get creative with data-based social proof:

1. User stats: Show how many people are using your product or how often it’s used. It could be daily users, total sign-ups, or hours saved. This immediately shows people, “Oh, there’s a crowd here—I can trust this!”
2. Results-oriented stats: If you can quantify how much time or money people save by using your product, that’s gold. For example, Hootsuite doesn’t just say, “We help you manage social media.” They say something like, “Our users increase their social media reach by 636%, year over year.” Numbers like that help users visualize exactly how your product can impact them.

A fantastic example of social proof marketing is Dropbox. When Dropbox started gaining popularity, their content marketing team boasted about the number of files their users stored—literally billions. This huge number served as social proofing and reassured potential users that Dropbox could securely handle massive amounts of data.

Awards (we’ve won some shiny things!)

Awards are like the MVP trophies of the SaaS world (with some extent of social proof bias, but still handy). They’re not just a pat on the back; they’re third-party validations that say, “This product stands out from the rest.” 

When a SaaS company shows off its awards, it’s more than just bragging—it’s saying, “Hey, experts in our field think we’re awesome, and that means you probably will too!”

Take Salesforce as a prime example. 

Salesforce doesn’t just rest on its popularity; it proudly displays awards it’s won for customer satisfaction, innovation, and even workplace culture. These awards serve as B2B social proof because they’re from trusted organizations. 

When Salesforce shows off a Leader in B2B Marketing Automation Platforms category or #1 CRM Provider for the eleventh consecutive year, it reassures potential customers that they’re looking at a solid, reliable product backed by industry experts.

In SaaS, awards can build trust in a few important ways:

1. Industry recognition: Awards from reputable names in your industry (like Gartner, G2, or Forrester) tell potential customers that professionals in the field give your product a thumbs up.
2. Specialized categories: If you’ve won awards in areas like customer service, design, or innovation, it’s worth shouting about! For example, Zendesk won the “Best Customer Service Product” award multiple times. This appeals directly to companies who need stellar customer support, making it easier for them to trust Zendesk as the go-to solution.

Another strong example is HubSpot. HubSpot doesn’t just list awards; they segment them by type, like “Best Places to Work,” “Best CRM,” and “Top Marketing Solution.” 

This format makes it easy for visitors to see that HubSpot is not only good at what they do but also a company people want to work with. That dual trust factor—quality and integrity—comes through loud and clear.

Integrations (we connect with your favorite tools)

Let’s face it—nobody wants another tool that just sits there on its own, doing its own thing. What people really want is a SaaS that plays nice with the tools they already love. 

Integrations are like that friend who gets along with everyone at the party. When potential customers see that your tool connects smoothly with other big names, it’s like saying, “Don’t worry, we’ll fit right in.”

Take Zapier as an example. Zapier’s whole deal is connecting apps to automate all those annoying little tasks, and they don’t hide it. Their website is packed with logos of popular apps like Slack, Google Sheets, and Notion. 

Zapier isn’t just saying, “Here’s what we do,” but also, “Look, we’ve got your entire tech stack covered.” For users, this means they can keep using the tools they already know without any hassle.

Why are integrations so important? Here’s why:

1. Making life easier: People already have their favorite tools—whether it’s Google Workspace or Asana—so knowing your SaaS connects to those makes them think, “Oh, cool, this will slot right into my workflow.”
2. The ‘one-stop shop’ feel: The more integrations you offer, the more people see your product as a central hub rather than just another app. It’s like, “Wait, this tool can actually pull everything together?”

Another great example here is Shopify. Shopify is an e-commerce powerhouse, but they don’t just stop at “We’ll help you sell stuff.” 

They show integrations with everything from QuickBooks for accounting to Mailchimp for email marketing. This gives potential users confidence that no matter what they need to connect, Shopify’s got it handled.

Customer base (a community of people just like you)

We all like knowing we’re in good company. 

Seeing a big old customer base for a SaaS product is like showing up to a party and realizing, “Hey, my kind of people are here!” When potential users see a thriving community behind your product, it reassures them they’re not just testing a random tool—they’re joining something a little bit bigger.

Take one more time Slack as an example. When Slack tells you that millions of people, from small startups to Fortune 500 companies, rely on them every day, it’s not just a brag. 

It’s a giant green light that says, “Look, this isn’t just some random app—people from all over and every industry are finding real value here.” And seeing that makes you think, “Well, if all these people and companies are using it, it must be worth it!”

Here’s how a strong customer base works as social proof in B2B marketing:

1. Strength in numbers: Seeing numbers like “over 10 million daily active users” or “used by 90,000+ businesses” instantly makes your product feel legit. It’s not just a tool; it’s a community.
2. Relatable success stories: The more diverse your customer base, the better. If potential users can see that people just like them—whether they’re solopreneurs, small business owners, or enterprise teams—are happily using your product, it builds instant trust.

For another great example, look at Trello. 

Trello showcases different types of users, from freelancers organizing personal projects to entire corporate teams running complex workflows. By featuring such a broad user base, Trello subtly says, “We’re here for everyone, and we get what you need.”

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Endorsements (the pros give us a thumbs up)

Endorsements are like having that cool older sibling vouch for you. 

When well-known experts, influencers, or big-name professionals say, “Yep, this tool is legit,” it adds a whole new layer of trust. It’s social proof straight from the pros, giving new users that comforting sense of “Okay, if they trust it, I’m probably in good hands.”

Take Canva as a stellar example. Canva is a simple design tool, but you’ll often see it getting shoutouts from major influencers, designers, and even marketing experts who swear by its ease of use. 

You’ll find quotes from top names saying things like, “Canva makes design accessible for everyone,” or “Canva changed my workflow.” And when someone influential sings Canva’s praises, it’s powerful because potential users think, “If it works for someone at that level, it’s bound to be good enough for me!”

Here’s how endorsements work their magic in SaaS:

1. Expert validation: Seeing an endorsement from someone with credibility in the field—no matter if that’s a CEO, an industry expert, or a famous creator—makes people take your product more seriously. It’s like getting a high-five from the pros.
2. Influencer power: Partnering with influencers who genuinely love your product (not just anyone with a following) can be a game-changer. When real users with audiences give your tool a shoutout, it feels way more trustworthy because it’s coming from people who actually use and enjoy the product.

A fantastic example is Adobe Creative Cloud. Adobe partners with top creatives who genuinely use its tools, from photographers to illustrators. By showcasing real artists who use their software daily, Adobe isn’t just saying, “We’re great for design”—they’re proving it through endorsements from people who make a living off it.

Media coverage (we’re in the news!)

There’s something about seeing a SaaS company featured in the media that makes you sit up and take notice. 

When you see articles from reputable publications covering a product, it’s like a flashing sign saying, “This isn’t just another tool—people are talking about it!” Media coverage brings a level of social proof that’s hard to match, especially if it’s from trusted sources.

Take Dropbox as a classic example. When Dropbox was first picking up steam, they didn’t just rely on ads—they hit the press. 

Tech outlets, blogs, and even mainstream media like The News Your Times started talking about Dropbox as “the future of file sharing.” These articles gave Dropbox credibility with tech-savvy users and early adopters, which fueled even more buzz. 

Seeing Dropbox in reputable sources made people curious, and they thought, “If The New Your Times, Wired, or TechCrunch says it’s worth checking out, it probably is!”

In SaaS, media coverage boosts credibility in a few powerful ways:

1. Third-party validation: Articles or reviews in recognized publications act like unbiased stamps of approval. It’s not you saying “We’re great”; it’s a trusted voice telling your story to the world.
2. Broader audience reach: Coverage in media outlets expands your visibility. It’s like getting a megaphone and shouting your product benefits to thousands (or millions!) of readers who trust that source.

Another strong example here is Lavender. When Lavender started becoming more competitive (especially after a seed round of $13.2M), it didn’t take long for media outlets to pick up the story. 

Major publications featured articles about how Lavender was transforming cold outreach, email communication, and connecting businesses with clients in a more effective way. That consistent coverage turned Lavender from just another cold email app to a household name.

Accreditations (we’ve earned our badges)

When it comes to SaaS, accreditations are like those gold stars you earned in grade school—but way more impressive. These certifications and seals of approval say, “Yep, we’re the real deal, and we’ve been tested to prove it.” 

They’re especially powerful in SaaS, where data security, reliability, and compliance are paramount. Seeing official badges instantly signals to potential users, “You can trust us; we’ve got this.”

For example, let’s look at Reply.io. 

Reply flaunts its accreditations on data privacy and security—think SOC 2 certifications and GDPR compliance. These aren’t just technicalities; they’re essential for Reply.io users, especially those in heavily regulated industries like finance or healthcare. 

When customers see those badges as social proof on the website, they know Reply.io isn’t just safe—it’s safe and compliant with some of the strictest standards out there.

In SaaS, accreditations build trust in a few crucial ways:

1. Security assurance: Badges from organizations like SOC 2 or ISO tell users, “Your data is in safe hands.” This can be a make-or-break factor for customers concerned about data protection.
2. Industry compliance: For SaaS products serving industries with strict compliance needs (think healthcare or finance), certifications like HIPAA or PCI DSS are essential. Seeing these accreditations assures users that the tool meets necessary legal and operational standards.

Another great example is Close. As a CRM platform handling a lot of customer data, Close showcases its SOC 2 and GDPR compliance certifications, reassuring potential customers that they take data protection seriously. 

Close also highlights compliance with CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act), which further demonstrates their commitment to protecting user information.

Guarantees (because we stand by what we promise)

Sometimes, even with all the proof in the world, people still need that last nudge—a guarantee that says, “Hey, we believe in our product so much, we’ll put our money where our mouth is.” In SaaS, guarantees are powerful because they take the risk off the customer’s shoulders. 

They say, “If it’s not everything we’ve promised, no sweat; you’re covered.”

Let’s take Basecamp as an example. They keep it simple with a no-nonsense promise: if you’re not satisfied, you cancel anytime, “no long-term lock-in”. 

It’s straightforward and honest, and it takes away the fear of commitment. Knowing that they won’t lose money if things don’t work out gives users the confidence to take the plunge.

In SaaS, guarantees come in a few popular forms:

1. Money-back guarantees: It’s as simple as it sounds. You’re telling users, “If you’re not thrilled with us, we’ll give you your money back.” It’s especially popular with annual plans, where customers are often hesitant to commit for a full year without a safety net.
2. Free trials: Offering a free trial, like Spotify Premium does, is another kind of guarantee. It says, “Bring your ideas to life for $1/month” giving users the chance to experience the product’s value before paying a monthly retainer. This is a solid way to win over people who need to see the results firsthand before committing.

Another solid example is PandaDoc, which offers a 14-day free trial for all new users. PandaDoc understands that setting up an online store is a big deal, and potential customers need to know it’s the right platform before they fully commit. 

By offering a risk-free trial, PandaDoc reduces that commitment fear and lets users see how seamlessly the platform works for their business.

Alright, so you’re probably wondering: with all the options for social proof, which actually works best? It’s not one-size-fits-all, be sure!

Which social proof works best?

Each type of social proof has its moment to shine depending on your audience, where they are in the buyer’s journey, and even how they like to make decisions.

Let’s break it down with a quick table:

“So which one’s best?” You might ask.

If you’re aiming for credibility, case studies are gold; stop hesitating and start creating a few this month. They help potential customers see that someone like them achieved real results. 

But if your goal is to create buzz and excitement (or even a bit of envy), user-generated content and influencer endorsements are more likely to do the trick. 

Yet, mix and match depending on the type of trust you want to build! Knowing what works is great, but can you measure its impact?

Can you measure social proof?

Oh, you bet you can measure social proof in B2B marketing (and B2C as well) 

And let’s be real, if you’re not measuring, you’re just guessing. In SaaS, where every conversion matters, tracking social proof helps you figure out what’s actually convincing people and what’s just taking up space. 

So let’s talk about some practical ways to put numbers to the trust your social proof builds!

1. Conversion rates (aka, Did they click?) → Conversion rates tell you if that glowing review or “As Seen In” badge worked its magic. Add social proof to a CTA or landing page, track clicks, and see if more people sign up or request a demo!
2. Engagement metrics (Are they interested?) → Check if people are actually interacting with your social proof—are they watching that testimonial video or reading a case study all the way through? Page views and time spent tell you if it’s sparking interest or needs a rethink.
3. Feedback & surveys (Ask directly!) → Sometimes the simplest way to know if social proof worked is to ask! Use post-signup surveys or quick polls to see if a testimonial, review, or award played a role in their decision. Honest answers, real insights.
4. Net promoter score (NPS) → NPS is your product’s report card on trust. A high NPS means users are likely to recommend you, which is basically social proof in action. It’s feedback and a testimonial rolled into one!
5. Social media mentions & tags (Is there buzz?) → Keep tabs on mentions, tags, and shares across social media. When customers are sharing the love on their own accounts, that’s free social proof and instant advertising!

To make measuring easier, there are plenty of tools out there to lend a hand. Here’s a look at some of the best ones.

What social proof tools can help collect & measure it?

Want to make sure your social proof is doing its job? These tools make it easy to track, measure, and understand what’s working:

• Google Analytics – Perfect for tracking conversions, page views, and time spent on your social proof sections.
• Trustpilot, G2, and Capterra – Collect reviews, display them on your site, and measure the impact with built-in analytics.
• Sprout Social or Hootsuite – Social proof app for monitoring social media mentions, shares, and tags to gauge the buzz.
• NPS Tools (Delighted, AskNicely) – Get a snapshot of customer satisfaction and loyalty, directly from your users.

Armed with this social proof software, you’re all set! Now, here’s a quick guide to getting social proof for your business and putting it all into action!

How can you start getting social proof for your business?

Without further ado, here’s a step-by-step approach to building it up naturally without overwhelming yourself.

Be sure, you need to start with your happy customers. 

They’re already fans, and a quick, friendly ask can work wonders. After you wrap up a project or hear great feedback, reach out and see if they’d be open to sharing their experience. 

Often, they’ll gladly offer a testimonial, and if they’re really thrilled, you might even ask if they’d participate in a case study or record a short video.

Next, make it easy for all your customers to leave reviews. 

The key is to remove any friction. Add a “Rate Us” link in email footers, onboarding emails, or even within your app to encourage feedback on platforms like Trustpilot, G2, or Capterra. 

With these review sites, even a few fresh, honest reviews each month can give your credibility a steady boost.

As reviews start coming in, look to social media for more social proof. Encourage your users to share their love online by creating a custom hashtag or running a small user-generated content campaign. 

When they tag you, showcase those posts on your own channels. The effect is instant and genuine: real users out there actively loving your product.

If you’ve got some impressive stats or milestones, now’s the time to show them off! Metrics like “10,000 happy users” or “95% see results in one month” are powerful trust-builders. 

Just be sure to keep things accurate—honest numbers build trust, but exaggeration can backfire.

Now, consider reaching out to industry influencers or respected voices in your niche. 

This doesn’t have to be a big, splashy campaign. Even a quote or a simple mention from an industry pro can give you an instant credibility boost, so start with someone who’s likely to love your product.

Once you’ve built up some momentum, don’t be shy about featuring your best clients. If you’ve got a few well-known names on your customer list, showcase their logos on your homepage or create a success story from them. Seeing a familiar name can be just what a potential customer needs to trust that your product is the real deal.

Finally, explore certifications, accreditations, or awards that could add to your credibility. If there are industry standards, awards, or recognitions available, go for it! 

These are a one-time effort that provides long-term trust. And hey, if you’re thinking, “This all sounds great, but who has the time?”, that’s where SaaSpirin comes in! 

We specialize in done-for-you case studies, making it easy to share your success stories without lifting a finger. Just sit back, and we’ll handle the storytelling magic!

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