How to Include User Generated Content in your Marketing Strategy
How to Include User Generated Content into your Marketing Strategy
How to Include User Generated Content in your Marketing Strategy
79% of consumers say UGC highly impacts their purchasing decisions
With a huge trending number of consumers turning to social media for information, research and for buying products, the power of user generated content is undeniable. Let’s discuss in this blog post what UGC is and how you can use it to your advantage.
What is User Generated Content
User-generated content, alternatively known as user-created content, is any form of content, such as images, videos, text, testimonials, and audio, that has been posted by users on online platforms such as social media, discussion forums and wikis. Wikipedia
User generated content is any content that is created by anyone other than the brand. It is considered a very valuable method of marketing because it appears more authentic than the content created by brands. It is a proven fact that consumers trust the reviews and opinions of others, and by including user generated content in your marketing strategy you can tap into this trend to grow your business.
What are Examples of User Generated Content
(source: https://blog.hootsuite.com/user-generated-content-ugc/)
- Images.
- Videos.
- Social media content (e.g., a Tweet about your brand)
- Testimonials.
- Product reviews.
- Live streams.
- Blog posts.
- YouTube content.
User Generated Content may come from customers posting on their own, leaving a testimonial on Google, or may come from staff & employees, community members or suppliers. Alternatively user generated content might be acquired via Influencer marketing techniques.
Why Is User Generated Content So Powerful?
There are many reasons why user generated content (UGC) is so powerful. For one, it helps brands to build trust and credibility with their audience. When customers see that other people are happy with a product or service, they are more likely to try it themselves. UGC also allows brands to connect with their customers on a more personal and authentic level.
Another reason why UGC is so powerful as a marketing tool for your business is that it is very cost-effective in comparison to other marketing tactics. Brands don’t have to spend a lot of money to create high-quality content when they can simply use what their customers have already created. UGC is also highly shareable, which means that it can reach a wide audience quickly and easily.
Finally, UGC is a great way to generate leads and boost sales. When customers see positive reviews and recommendations from their peers, they are more likely to make a purchase. UGC can also help brands to identify new potential customers and target them with specific marketing messages.
How to Incorporate UGC Into Your Marketing Strategy
User generated content (UGC) is a powerful marketing tool that can help you connect with your target audience and boost your brand awareness. But how do you incorporate UGC into your marketing strategy?
Here are some tips:
- Use social media to collect UGC. Platforms like Instagram and Twitter are great for this. Use hashtags, run contests, and offer incentives to encourage people to share their content with you.
- Make it easy for people to submit their UGC. Create a dedicated email address or online form where people can send you their content.
- Vet the submissions. Not all UGC will be appropriate for your brand. Be sure to review submissions before you share them to ensure they align with your values and messaging.
- Give credit where it’s due. When you share someone’s UGC, be sure to tag them and give them credit for their work. This helps build relationships with potential advocates and ambassadors for your brand.
By following these tips, you can start incorporating UGC into your marketing strategy and reaping the benefits that come with it! If your company is smaller and is not gaining UCG yet, it would be appropriate to start trying to implement processes to create ongoing content from others. You may ask existing customers to leave you a google review, or run a contest where they have to share a photo or video of your product or service. In addition starting to work with small creators and bloggers is a great place to start. Micro and Nano Influencers and bloggers that have an audience similar to your target market would be great to reach out to and see if they might be interested to work with you. Some may charge a fee, others may be willing to create content in exchange for free products.
Don’t forget to maximize any UCG! If someone posts about your brand online be sure to share this and tag the creator (and thank them). This is a win / win.
User generated content can be a powerful marketing tool if used correctly. By incorporating user generated content into your marketing strategy, you can tap into the collective power of your customers and fans to help promote your brand. When done right, user generated content can help increase brand awareness, build customer loyalty, and drive sales.
If you need any help with USER GENERATED CONTENT, I am now offering collaboration opportunities on my social media channels and would be delighted to discuss generating content for you. I am also connect to a number of bloggers and influencers who might be interested in collaborating with your business too. Please contact me we can discuss.
