Street cred—also known in the digital age as social proof—is an increasingly vital component of online business.

In a Nielsen study, 92 percent of customers said they trust recommendations from friends and family over all types of advertising, while 70 percent claim that online consumer reviews are their second-most trusted source.

Karen Leland, president of the Sterling Marketing Group and a contributor to Entrepreneur, offers five ways “to strengthen your competitive advantage by building your social proof.” (more…)