“Don’t just take our word for it …”
Social proof might sound like a buzzword – but in ecommerce, it’s one of the most effective (and under-leveraged) CRO levers you can pull.
It’s not about slapping a few Trustpilot logos on your homepage. When used strategically, social proof increases trust, reduces hesitation, and lifts conversion rates across every part of your funnel.
In this article, we’ll show you:
- Why social proof works (with stats to back it up)
- The 6 types of social proof every ecommerce brand should use
- Where to place them for maximum conversion impact
- Tools we recommend for collection and display
Let’s build trust that converts.
Table of Contents for The Real Role of Social Proof in Ecommerce CRO (And How to Do It Right)
Why Social Proof Works: The Psychology
Humans are hard-wired to trust the opinions of others – especially when they’re unsure.
According to Nielsen, 92% of people trust recommendations from peers over any other form of advertising. Even strangers’ reviews outperform brand messaging.
In ecommerce terms, social proof helps:
- Build trust with new visitors
- Reduce cart abandonment
- Justify pricing
- Overcome objections
Want higher conversions? Start by showing your potential customers that other people trust you first.
The 6 Types of Social Proof You Should Be Using
1. Customer Reviews & Star Ratings
The most common – and arguably the most powerful.
Use star ratings on:
- Product pages
- Collection pages
- Landing pages
Integrate with platforms like Yotpo, Judge.me, or Loox for Shopify. If you’re on WooCommerce, CusRev is a solid option.
2. User-Generated Content (UGC)
Photos and videos of real customers using your product create authenticity.
Collect via:
- Post-purchase email flows
- Competitions or giveaways
- Incentivised review campaigns
Best placements:
- PDP image galleries
- Instagram-style homepage blocks
- Email marketing campaigns
3. Influencer Testimonials & Endorsements
Social proof with built-in reach. Influencers can provide:
- Unboxings
- Tutorials
- Real-world use cases
Display via:
- Quote blocks
- Embedded Reels or TikToks
- Social ads with UGC overlays
Pair with our Affiliate Marketing Consultancy to build measurable influencer partnerships.
4. Trust Badges & Certifications
Do you use sustainable packaging? Are you cruelty-free? ISO certified?
Display on:
- Footer
- PDP bullet points
- Cart / checkout areas
Even subtle third-party seals (e.g. Klarna, Trustpilot) can add legitimacy.
5. Customer Count & Sales Stats
“Over 100,000 happy customers.” Simple. Effective.
Use in:
- Homepage headlines
- Email subject lines
- Banner ads
Bonus: Show live order activity (via Fomo or Proof) to add urgency.
6. Media Mentions & Awards
As seen in Vogue, The Guardian, or TechRadar? Flaunt it – carefully.
Best placements:
- Press carousel on homepage
- Hero banners
- Above-the-fold PR quotes
Just make sure they’re up to date. (A 2018 blog mention doesn’t count.)
Where to Put Social Proof on Your Website
Placement matters more than quantity.
Here’s where we recommend placing social proof:
| Page | Social Proof Types |
|---|---|
| Homepage | UGC, reviews, media mentions, customer stats |
| Product Pages | Reviews, UGC, trust badges, influencer quotes |
| Cart | Star ratings, review counts, money-back guarantees |
| Checkout | Trust seals, secure checkout icons, delivery guarantees |
| Review snippets, UGC blocks, referral requests |
Also consider using social proof early in the user journey – not just when they’re ready to buy.
Tools to Help You Do It Right
Here are a few tools we use regularly with clients:
| Tool | Function |
|---|---|
| Yotpo / Judge.me | Review collection and display |
| Loox | Visual reviews (images and videos) for Shopify |
| Trustpilot | Widely trusted 3rd party review source |
| Fomo / Proof | Live purchase pop-ups and urgency cues |
| Klaviyo | Personalised email blocks with reviews/UGC |
| VWO / Hotjar | A/B test social proof placements |
Need help stitching it all together? Our CRO services and Email & CRM consultancy can help implement and test the right setup for your brand.
Real Client Results
DTC Jewellery Brand
- Added UGC grid to homepage
- Embedded video reviews on PDPs
- Added live order count via Fomo
Result: +18% conversion rate in 6 weeks
Skincare Brand
- Replaced static product carousel with UGC reviews
- Added influencer quote blocks under ATC button
Result: 12% lift in AOV, reduced bounce rate by 9%
Final Thought for The Real Role of Social Proof in Ecommerce CRO
Social proof isn’t about logos and badges – it’s about trust. Done right, it:
- Eases anxiety
- Reinforces value
- Speeds up buying decisions
In a world where anyone can run ads, people believe people.
Need help turning customer love into conversions? Explore our CRO services
Or book a free discovery call and we’ll show you how to build trust that sells.
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