Recommendations on LinkedIn signal the visitor with social proof of your value! So whether you are trying to persuade a recruiter to interview you or a prospect to take your call, recommendations do influence the buying decision.
According to Dr. Robert Cialdini, author of the book “Influence, The Psychology of Persuasion” says, “People are filled with uncertainty about what they should do to make a decision, so they look outside themselves to the people around them to see what they are doing and what has worked for them.”
People buy based on the recommendations of others!
People buy on Amazon after reading a review…
People inquire and buy after reading a Google review…
People buy after a friend recommends a restaurant, they had a good experience at…
If you’re doing business on LinkedIn, people want to see the evidence, I wrote about this in a recent blog. Evidence in the form of a recommendation is all about what others say about your services, the value gained and the results from working with you!
There is data supporting the impact of social proof on purchasing decisions.
Social proof refers to the influence people have on others when making decisions. In the digital age, this manifests in various forms, including:
- Online reviews: These are highly trusted and influence purchase decisions significantly.
- Social media endorsements: Recommendations from influencers or peers can drive sales.
- User-generated content: Sharing experiences and photos can encourage others to buy.
- Trust badges and certifications: These can boost credibility and lead to purchases.
Key statistics:
- 93% of consumers say online reviews impact their purchasing decisions. (Podium)
- 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. (BrightLocal)
- 40% of people say they’ve purchased a product online after seeing it used by an influencer on social media. (OptinMonster)
These statistics demonstrate the powerful influence of social proof on consumer behavior.By leveraging social proof effectively, businesses can significantly increase their chances of converting potential customers into buyers.
LinkedIn Recommendations and Endorsements are Key
Implementing social proof into your marketing strategy on LinkedIn involves showcasing positive recommendations and endorsements.
This can be achieved by updating your recommendations every year demonstrating you are relevant and past clients are speaking to your services and the result working with you.
Endorsements are not as important as a recommendation, but can signal to the profile visitor that you are known for specific skills. Often if you get in the practice of endorsing the skills of others they will reciprocate and endorse you.
By strategically integrating these elements, you can build trust, credibility, and ultimately drive conversions.
What’s stopping you from updating your LinkedIn recommendations?
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