Best Practices for Using Social Proof to Sell Online Courses
Social proof helps people feel confident about buying your course. It shows others have already trusted your course and found value in it.
What Is Social Proof?
Social proof comes from the idea that people look at others to decide what to do. Seeing others approve or benefit from something makes it feel safer and more reliable.
Examples of social proof
- Positive reviews from customers.
- High ratings on a product or service.
- A large number of people using or liking something.
Social proof helps reduce doubts and builds trust quickly.
How Does Social Proof Work?
Social proof works because people trust the actions and opinions of others, especially when they are unsure about something. It helps remove the fear of making the wrong choice by showing that others have already tried it.
Ways Social Proof Influences People
- Popularity: Large groups choosing something make it appear worth trying.
- Expert Opinions: Feedback from professionals makes something feel more credible.
- Peer Influence: Seeing people with similar goals or needs approve of something creates a connection.
Social proof works by making people feel confident through shared experiences and positive feedback.
Below is a step-by-step guide to use social proof effectively.
#1 Share Real Testimonials
Ask your past students to share their experiences with your course. Testimonials help others see how the course has helped real people achieve results.
How to collect testimonials
- Ask students about specific skills or results they gained.
- Use short, clear questions for easy responses.
- Get permission to share their words publicly.
Once collected, use these testimonials across your website, emails, and social media.
#2 Show the Number of Enrolled Students
Numbers can show how popular your course is. Displaying the total number of enrolled students can convince others that many people trust your course.
How to use numbers as social proof
- Highlight milestones, such as “Over 1,000 students enrolled.”
- Add it to your course description or sales page.
- Use badges or banners to make it stand out.
Large numbers make your course appear more credible and well-loved.
#3 Highlight Student Success Stories
Share specific stories of how your course helped students. These success stories are more detailed than short testimonials and can inspire new students.
What to include in success stories
- The student’s background before joining the course.
- The problem the course helped them solve.
- Their achievements after completing the course.
Use videos, blog posts, or social media to share these stories.
#4 Use Expert Endorsements & Leverage Influencer Partnerships
If industry experts have reviewed or supported your course, share their feedback. This shows your course is respected by professionals in the field.
How to get endorsements
- Offer your course for free to an expert in exchange for feedback.
- Ask for a short quote about what they liked.
- Display their name, title, and photo with their comment.
Expert opinions add authority to your course.
Collaborate with influencers in your niche to promote your course. Influencers can introduce your course to a larger audience.
How to work with influencers
- Offer a free course to influencers for an honest review.
- Ask them to share their experience with their followers.
- Provide them with a discount code to share with their audience.
Influencer support helps you reach more people and builds trust.
#5 Display Positive Reviews
Encourage students to leave reviews about your course. Reviews are helpful because they let potential students see what others are saying in an open and honest way.
Where to collect reviews
- Use platforms like Google, Trustpilot, or social media.
- Add a review section on your course website.
- Ask students to rate the course after completing it.
Showcase reviews with a balance of personal stories and measurable outcomes.
#6 Highlight Media Mentions
If your course has been mentioned in online articles, blogs, or interviews, include these mentions as proof. Media coverage can boost your course’s reputation.
How to use media mentions
- Add a section with “As Featured In” and list publications or websites.
- Link to articles or interviews where your course is mentioned.
- Use logos of media outlets on your website or sales page.
Media mentions add credibility by showing that professionals have noticed your course.
#7 Share Community Engagement
If your course includes community or group discussions, highlight how active the group is. People like to join courses where they can connect with others.
Ways to show community activity
- Share screenshots of discussions or comments in your group.
- Highlight milestones, like the number of members.
- Mention group events or webinars.
Active communities attract more people who want to feel part of something bigger.
#8 Show Before-and-After Results
Show real examples of progress made by your students. Comparing their situation before and after the course gives potential students a clear idea of what they can achieve.
How to create before-and-after examples
- Ask students to describe their starting point and what changed for them.
- Use clear examples, like income increases or skill improvements.
- Add visuals, like graphs or photos, when possible.
Clear results help people see the value of joining your course.
#8 Use Certifications or Awards
If your course has received awards or certifications, show these prominently. Recognition from trusted organizations builds trust.
Where to display awards or certifications
- Add badges to your course page.
- Mention them in promotional emails.
- Include them in social media posts.
Recognition helps potential students trust the quality of your course.
#10 Include Star Ratings
If your course uses a platform with a rating system, display the average star rating. High ratings show your course is well-received.
How to use star ratings
- Place the rating at the top of your course page.
- Show the number of people who rated your course.
- Add it to promotional banners or ads.
Star ratings provide quick proof of your course’s quality.
By following these steps, you can use social proof effectively to sell more courses. Social proof shows your course delivers results and helps people feel confident about their decision to enroll.