Reviews, follower count, blog post comments and shares are all examples of:

The correct answer is social proof because this term refers to the psychological phenomenon where people tend to look to the actions and opinions of others to guide their own behavior. Reviews, follower counts, blog post comments, and shares all serve as indicators of popularity or credibility, influencing potential customers' decisions. When individuals notice that others have engaged positively with a brand or product—through favorable reviews or a high number of followers—they may feel more confident in choosing that brand themselves.

Social proof effectively diminishes the perceived risk of making a purchase decision, as it showcases validation from peers or fellow consumers. This concept is particularly important in marketing, as businesses leverage social proof to enhance their reputation, attract new customers, and build trust in competitive marketplaces.

In contrast, market analysis focuses on gathering and interpreting data regarding market trends and consumer behavior. Customer engagement relates to the interactions and relationships a brand maintains with its audience, while brand awareness reflects the recognition and recall of a brand by consumers. Although these concepts are related to marketing, they do not specifically embody the aspect of social validation that the question highlights.