Would you like to know how to use your book as a tool to build your credibility? Then read on!
Today, we will see how you can use your book to build social proof around what you do to convert your readers into your clients.
Let’s look at 4 different ways to build social proof inside of your book!
Establishing Credibility in the Introduction Chapter
In the Introduction Chapter, notice that most authors would talk about why they are writing a book, how it can help their readers, and all that good stuff. That is great, too, but they tend to miss out on one key component, earning the trust!
Earn the trust of your readers by letting them know that you are the expert in this subject. You are the Go-to Authority on this topic therefore you need to establish that right in the introduction chapter.
This is also why it is important that you share a little bit about your journey, how you discovered the process of the method taught in your book, how it has helped others, the reason behind all that you do, and what your ultimate mission is. If you can talk about all of that and earn their trust right from the beginning, it will set the right tone for the rest of the book.
Otherwise, what will happen is, people will just read your book, get value from the book, but they will only look at you as a mere author, and not somebody who can actually provide a solution to their problem.
Because of this, your readers may not reach out to you to purchase and support any of your products and services. Again, this is why it’s important that they know that you’ve been there, done that, and gone through the ups and downs.
So let them know why you’re the best person to talk about that topic you are an expert on. Reserve at least one paragraph in your introduction chapter to talk about your journey and why you are writing a book.
Establishing Credibility Inside your Chapters
The second place where you can install social proof is inside the chapters.
Instead of just talking about the strategy and the stories, it’s also really good if you can illustrate those points using examples. These examples could be case studies, testimonials from your clients, and anecdotes from your own life. However, it’ll be even more powerful if you can reach out to some of your old clients and share their stories and their transformation journeys as examples.
You can “plant the seed” inside these case studies in a very subtle way. You can say, “When I was working with x, y, z client”, or “In one of my programs, this is what the participant experienced”.
That way, you’re not directly promoting your course or your program but you’re giving a very subtle, underlying hint that they can reach out to you and take up one of your programs or services. So do ensure that you give enough case studies throughout your book.
Establishing Credibility by Interviewing Industry Experts and Influencers
The third great way to use social proof is by interviewing other top people in your industry, reaching out to influencers, and to people who have a big audience.
Don’t be shy in inviting them for an interview for your book.
You may already be a great expert at whatever you’re doing but it’s a wonderful way to partner with other people and collaborate with them so that you also bring their expertise into your book.
You will probably have 3 or 4 years of experience in your industry but when you interview somebody who has 20 years of experience or who has a huge following, people will look up to you as equal to them. Isn’t that usually how people perceive others?
Take advantage of being able to reach out to people to interview them for your book. You will genuinely get a lot of value and learn a lot in the process. Additionally, this will be a great value-add for your readers and will be good social proof since your network will show the top leaders of your industry.
So share great interviews in your book from experts-alike to add value to your book.
Establishing Credibility in the About the Author
And the fourth important way to plant social proof inside your book is the About the Author section.
A lot of authors forget about this section. What most authors do is that they create a mini-blog at the end of the book, on the back cover, where they write a couple of lines about themselves. My recommendation is, have a dedicated one page called About the Author.
On the About the Author page, you are to write in the third person, as if somebody else is introducing you to your readers. This is another area in your book where you can talk about your work, why you wrote the book, what your mission is, the different platforms people can reach out to you, the programs you offer, other books you wrote, your exclusive courses, and all the links to all your social media handles.
The About the Author page is extremely important because people will, once again, be reminded that you are a pro. You did not write this book simply as a hobby but as a profession. So for those readers who want to personally work with you, you need to make sure that they are aware of all these different ways they can work or collaborate with you.
Now that you know the importance of the About the Author page, go ahead and talk about YOU and everything you do there!
Here’s a quick recap for you. To earn credibility using your book, plant social proof in the 4 important places in the book.
First, in the introduction chapter.
Second, in the form of case studies about your clients throughout the book.
Third, by interviewing other experts in your industry.
Fourth, in the About the Author page inside your book.
There you have it! I hope you find this very useful as you continue to write and complete your book.
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See you there and Happy Authoring!
