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If you’ve ever scrolled past a business because they didn’t have enough reviews, testimonials, or press mentions, then you already know how powerful social proof is. It’s one thing to tell people how great you are, but when other people say it? That’s when the magic happens.
In this week’s episode of The Dream Biz Podcast, I sat down with award-winning publicist Meghan Ely to talk about how business owners can leverage social proof to build credibility, get more visibility, and ultimately attract more clients.
What Is Social Proof (and Why Does It Matter)?
At its core, social proof is when others validate your expertise, skills, or products. Meghan describes it best: “It’s one thing to have amazing ads that you paid for, but it’s another when someone else is saying, ‘Hey, this person is great!’”
Social proof can come in many forms, including:
- Client testimonials & reviews
- Press features (articles, podcasts, TV, etc.)
- Speaking engagements & awards
- Strong social media engagement
Why does this matter? Because when potential clients see that other people trust you, they’re much more likely to trust you too.
How to Get Featured in the Media (Even If You’re Just Starting Out)
One of Meghan’s specialties is helping business owners get featured in media whether it’s a podcast, an article, or a speaking engagement. But where do you start?
Here are some of her top tips:
- Start small. Pitch to local publications, industry blogs, or smaller podcasts before aiming for major media outlets.
- Look for easy opportunities. Some platforms, like Qwoted, send out requests from journalists looking for expert sources!
- Find the right people. Research journalists, bloggers, or podcasters who cover your industry and engage with their content before reaching out.
- Make it easy for them to say yes. When you pitch yourself, be clear about why your story or expertise is relevant to their audience.
How to Use Press Features to Grow Your Business
Getting featured is exciting, but don’t just let it sit there! Here’s how to maximize every press mention:
- Add an “As Seen In” section on your website with logos of places you’ve been featured.
- Share press mentions on social media and tag the publication.
- Repurpose content by turning a podcast interview into a blog post, an article into social media snippets, etc.
- Use it in your sales process and mention press features in proposals or on sales calls to build trust.
Make Social Proof Work for You
Social proof is about building trust and authority in your industry. Whether you’re collecting more reviews, pitching yourself for press, or speaking at events, the key is to be consistent and strategic.
Want to learn more? Listen to the full episode with Meghan Ely here.
And if you could get featured anywhere, where would it be? Drop a comment below. I’d love to hear your dream media opportunities!
