Social influence

What other people do, say and recommend.

People rarely decide alone, and when a choice is uncertain shoppers look for signs of what others chose, who vouches for it, and whether people like them were happy with it. These nine principles cover reviews, endorsements, popularity cues and referrals.

Authority People defer to credible experts and institutions. Mainly Product, also Homepage, Sitewide, Checkout Tested on real shoppers Moderate Bandwagon effect Demand for something rises when people see others choosing it. Mainly Category, also Homepage, Product, Search Tested on real shoppers Strong Blemishing effect A small negative alongside strong positives can make the overall message more persuasive. Mainly Product, also Category Tested on real shoppers Moderate Liking and similarity We are more persuaded by people who are like us. Mainly Product, also Homepage Tested on real shoppers Moderate Prosocial referral rewards People refer more effectively when the reward goes to their friend, because referring then looks generous and the friend has a reason to act. Mainly Post-purchase, also Sitewide, Homepage Tested on real shoppers Moderate Reciprocity People feel obliged to return a favour. Mainly Cart, also Homepage, Product, Post-purchase Tested on real shoppers Moderate Social identity People favour brands and groups that reflect who they think they are. Mainly Homepage, also Product, Post-purchase Tested on real shoppers Moderate Social proof When unsure, people look to what others have done and follow it. Mainly Product, also Homepage, Category, Cart, Checkout Tested on real shoppers Strong Word-of-mouth triggers Interesting products get talked about straight away; products that are frequently cued and publicly visible keep getting talked about. Mainly Post-purchase, also Sitewide, Product Tested in shopping-like settings Moderate
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The other eight groups.

See all nine