Unlock 25% Higher ROAS: Proven Social Proof Strategies for Your Catalog Ads

Hey,

I recently visited a mall and was struck by how creatively the stores were presenting their catalogs. One store, in particular, caught my eye with its vibrant displays and engaging product showcases. It was clear that a lot of thought had gone into making their catalog truly stand out.

This experience made me realize that many online brands fail to make the same impression with their catalog ads. Despite pouring significant resources into them, these ads often fall flat, featuring monotonous white-background product shots that fail to captivate. If you’re tired of seeing lackluster results from your catalog ads, you’re not alone.

Welcome to our exclusive newsletter series, where we unveil insider tips and proven strategies that have helped our clients boost their catalog ad performance by up to 50%. Each edition of this series will arm you with actionable insights to supercharge your Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) by making a few strategic tweaks to your catalog creatives.

First Up: The (not so) Secret Weapon – Social Proof

The power of Social Proof?

Social proof works due to a simple human psychology, since others are doing it, I should be doing it, too. While we’d like to think our actions are always determined by our own individualistic thinking, the truth is that our final decision making is often conditioned by those around us. 

This notion is especially prominent in situations where people are unable to determine the appropriate mode of behavior, and is driven by the assumption that surrounding people possess more knowledge about the situation.

Social proof is especially powerful in turning hesitant visitors into confident purchasers i.e in driving first time purchases.

5 ways you can Harness the Power of Social Proof for Catalog Ads?

1. Highlighting demand to create urgency

Highlighting high customer demand for a product is a proven method of boosting sales and can be accomplished by showcasing the number of views, adds-to-cart, or purchases that were conducted within a specific time frame. Notifying customers that, “157 people have bought this product within the last 24 hours,” for example, creates a correlation between urgency and buying in the mind of the customer, and induces a fear of missing out for not going through with the purchase.

The understanding that other people have already bought the item plays an important role in validating the customer’s own thinking to buy it as well. Uncertain customers naturally find comfort in a greater collective, and if you can create the impression that everyone is buying your product, there’s a strong likelihood that they will too.

Advanced hack:  Adding popularity of the product in the location of the customer tends to improve conversion even more. Think  “98 visitors are now viewing this item in New York”.

2. Old school Rating and reviews

There is a reason Amazon puts so much focus on rating and reviews of the products. That is one of the most important parameters that user look at before making up their mind to go ahead with a purchase

Example: "Rated 4.8 stars by nearly 400 satisfied customers! See why everyone loves our ABC product!"

Customer testimonials offer a window into real-life experiences, showcasing the benefits and applications of your product. The key lies in selecting the right testimonials.

Advanced Hack: Focus on Specifics:  Single review with a picture from a customer that highlights the most important value proposition or USP of your product

Choose testimonials that address common customer concerns and highlight key features. Example: " 'This jacket is amazing! It's incredibly warm and stylish. I love the material- it's perfect for the icy winters.' - Sarah K."

3. Trusted Experts

Endorsements from credible sources like publications, influencers, or industry professionals validate your product's quality and effectiveness.

• Target the Right Experts:  Who do you select to endorse your products matters? Yes, it does. Select endorsements from authorities relevant to your target audience and product category. Example (Fitness Equipment): "Featured in 'Men's Health Magazine': 'This innovative exercise equipment is a game-changer for home workouts!'"

4. Certifications and Credibility:

Certifications from recognized bodies demonstrate your commitment to quality, safety, or environmental responsibility.

• Showcase Relevant Certifications:  Highlight certifications that resonate with your target audience. Example (Organic Food): "USDA Certified Organic: Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with 100% organic ingredients!"

You miss 100% of the shots, you don’t take. Wondering if it will work as wonderfully for your catalog ads? Talk to one of our catalog ad consultants to see for yourself how RetainIQ delivers more than 50% improvement in ROAS in an effortless manner.

PS:  Can you guess what these legendary brands have all in common?

They all use enhanced catalog ads that look good and perform better.