Quick Social Proofing Tip

[Yaro]

I just read a blog that gave me a simple idea on how to improve the social proofing you get when using the Related Entries plugin. If you haven't implemented the plugin yet you can download it here -

http://www.w-a-s-a-b-i.com/archives/2006/0...ted-entries-20/

As you probably know the related entries plugin is great for increasing the number of pages/articles on your blog that a visitor reads, otherwise know as "pageviews". After reading one article they may click through the list of related entries and read another.

Previously I have been using a very basic heading for the related entries:

"Related Articles:"

Not very exciting or compelling but a nice and simple explanation. I have just changed it to this -

"Related articles other people have read:"

Can you spot the social proofing? It's pretty basic, but it's little things like this that can cause a dramatic increase to your traffic results. The difference here is that by saying other people have read these articles you are doing a much better job of creating social proof enticement for people to read more of your content.

Don't you feel compelled to read something when you are told that other people have read it too?

[Andy]

Don't you feel compelled to read something when you are told that other people have read it too?
[/b]

Yes, I know I do. And this is exactly why Digg is so hugely popular.