Put the concept of social proof to work with some tips on boosting your company’s online credibility from the Entrepreneur.com article “Got Street Cred? 5 Ways to Build Customer Trust Online.” According to marketing exec Karen Leland, social proof works like this: “If the people I trust, or relate to, are buying or participating in something, it must be okay for me to do as well.” And the notion is backed my research: A recent Nielsen study found that 92 percent of consumers rank recommendations from friends and family about all other forms of advertising. Use the following methods to gain some “street cred:”

1. Find ways to connect with experts in your field. Being associated with an expert in your field lends your business credibility. Promoting your membership in industry groups and sharing information from knowledgeable industry sources are easy ways to accomplish this.
2. Ask customers for their written endorsement. Get some endorsements from satisfied customers (preferably ones who have some status in your community) and put them to use. Share written and video testimonials on your website and social media and encourage them to recommend you on LinkedIn, Yelp, and Google Local. There’s nothing unethical about offering a discount or special to a satisfied customer who’s willing to take the time to give you a testimonial or review.
3. Use stats to your advantage. Try to identify some impressive, quantifiable results that show the impact your business is making. Do you have an impressively large customer base? Showing that so many people already put their trust in your business can be a big credibility booster. Have you been in business longer than most? Do you have more pieces of high-end equipment? These are all numbers worth sharing.
4. Be thankful for shout-outs. Set up Google Alerts for the name of your business and make sure to show your gratitude for any positive mentions on social media, in blogs, or in local media.
5. Pay attention to your Klout. This website ranks social influence on a scale of 1 to 100. Login with your Twitter or Facebook account to see where you stand. 

Click here to read the article from Entrepreneur.com.