Social proof is very important. Even subtle aspects can have significant impacts. I think social proof ties in with another area that I think may even be more important: the impression of longevity.
With both my own and others' projects, I've noticed that if you don't give an impression that you've been around a while or that your project/product is in active use or production, you'll find it significantly harder to gain traction. I think this is why the "trick" of using screenshots, videos, and so forth, tends to work well, since people get to see something that, supposedly, is in action, rather than a floaty promise.
If you're launching a podcast, an e-mail newsletter, or something where a sign of activity will boost signups, make sure you get a "few in the bag" and can do your public launch at episode 5, issue 7, or whatever. Likewise, with a business like that described in the post, make sure you can get some early reviews, some testimonials, and some blog posts in the bag so that you look like you're going places, even when you aren't.
I think that this is a great point. You want your project to feel like its been around forever and will continue to be around for a long time. That inspires confidence in your users to buy from you and/or recommend you to their friends. Without longevity they can't be confident enough in you to invest themselves.
With both my own and others' projects, I've noticed that if you don't give an impression that you've been around a while or that your project/product is in active use or production, you'll find it significantly harder to gain traction. I think this is why the "trick" of using screenshots, videos, and so forth, tends to work well, since people get to see something that, supposedly, is in action, rather than a floaty promise.
If you're launching a podcast, an e-mail newsletter, or something where a sign of activity will boost signups, make sure you get a "few in the bag" and can do your public launch at episode 5, issue 7, or whatever. Likewise, with a business like that described in the post, make sure you can get some early reviews, some testimonials, and some blog posts in the bag so that you look like you're going places, even when you aren't.