When it comes to selecting a program, it's important to know what others have experienced and what their results have been. A program with zero to few pieces of social proof may be a red flag, but a program with only 5 star reviews and zero damaging admissions should also raise concerns of legitimacy. In the text below, we are going to outline the top 3 reasons why social proof for any program is important:

1. Program Validation: Social proof may prove that a program is effective in helping people reach their health and wellness goals. The format of this validation may include testimonials from satisfied customers, success stories, before-and-after photos. The medium that the program validation is presented in is extremely important. Video testimonials on the program’s ‘client wins’ page or social media, and/ written testimonials publicly displayed on the client’s page/Linkedin/profile can be trusted as great sources of validation. There is cause for concern with any program that ONLY has written testimonials and no speaking/interview/zoom success stories, as this leaves room for fabrication. If this is the case for any program, asking for contact information of successful clients to reach out to may suffice.

2. Motivation Boost: Success and failure are contagious! When you’re surrounded by winners, it can provide a boost in motivation and inspire you to achieve the same results. Additionally, when you hear about the backgrounds, starting points, struggles, and fears of others that reached success using the program, it can be easier to calm down the devil on your shoulder that is telling you “NO! Don’t do it!” All in all, social proof serves as a reminder that others have been in your shoes and were able to achieve their desired outcomes. With this bop on the noggin’, you can stay focused on your goals with a reminder that if someone came before you and crushed it…maybe you can too.

3. Community: When you join a program, you envelop yourself in the culture of other clients and the company. While the successes of others within this community can help you feel supported and connected, it is important to unpack the community itself. Are the clients that have the best success similar to you? Did they start ahead of you? Were they already fit before doing the program? Can you see yourself in any of the success stories? Are they people that you would have dinner with or network with? Are they YOUR people? There is a high chance that if the previous clients of the program are not the people that you would engage with outside the program, then maybe the program isn’t for you. 

To wrap up, social proof is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a health and wellness program. Without it, you may have a difficult time gauging the depth of the community, validating the program effectiveness, and making sure it’s right for you. Consider seeking out programs that openly share their successes and results to ensure that you are making an informed decision about your health and wellness journey.

Bonus section: 

A program with zero to few pieces of social proof is a HUGE red flag. When a program has almost no social proof, it can be difficult to determine if it is even quality. Without testimonials, success stories, or any other form of social proof, it is challenging to know what results to expect. In these rare cases, it is recommended to conduct additional research before making a decision. Consider talking to the company's customer support or past participants to ask about their experiences. Independent reviews and news articles that mention the program are also a safer bet. The company’s salespeople on consultations should not be the only source of information and legitimacy. An open mind with a need for verification is a great place to start.

Just as troubling as a program with little social proof, a program with only 5 star reviews and zero negative reviews is a cause for concern. Programs with only positive reviews could mean that the reviews may have been manufactured or censored. A lack of negative feedback leads to tunnel vision and may come with unrealistic expectations from you, the buyer. A program with only a wealth of 5-star reviews is not only unlikely, but perhaps impossible. If you cannot find any negative reviews publicly, ask the salesperson/coach/manager why people leave. Ask him/her why people don’t succeed. Ask the right questions to get the whole picture before making a buying decision. The front-loaded, due diligence time is worth the cost that comes with it.