Social Proof

If a subway car is empty, it means there’s either a crazy person on board or the air conditioning is broken. This is lesson #78 that I’ve learned since moving to New York.

There’s been studies that show women find married men more attractive. On Twitter, you're more likely to be followed by someone who views your profile if you already have lots of followers. Companies with good reviews have an easier time getting customers.

All of the above are examples of social proof at work. Social proof is credibility as defined by others. Online, it is your reputation, a symbol of your worth in your community. Followers, likes, whatever. To paraphrase Robert Greene, your reputation is priceless.

Building social proof online can help you build a massive audience, get published in big outlets, sell products, raise venture capital, invest in hot startups, meet famous people, get free shit from brands, and more.

Social proof is crucial to content creators. It is everything. Some people will see how social proof works and choose to complain about how it’s rigged or unfair. I am not one of those people. I know the game is unfair and often illogical, but I choose to play the game and win it.

How to use social proof like a pro:

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