User-generated (UGC) content is becoming increasingly popular in our digital world. Consumers lap it up because they’re getting real reviews from customers who have used the products or services they’re interested in. UGC content can range from snapping and uploading a picture of a product you love on Instagram 📸 to leaving a review for your favourite restaurant and is a very powerful form of authentic marketing.
Here, we’ll go through the ins and outs of user-generated content and why your brand should be looking into it to build trust with your customers and to grow your business. 🌱
So, what exactly is user-generated content? Basically, it is the digital version of OG 😎word-of-mouth advertising. USG content creation is an organic and unfiltered endorsement from trusted customers and can be created in many ways, like:
The main idea with USC content is that the content is authentic and that it comes from a place of genuine experience.
If you haven’t already started dabbling with UGC marketing and UGC content creation, here’s why we think you should 👇👇👇
Customers trust other customers. When you receive 5 stars from your customers, this is worth its weight in gold! 💰Those potential customers who are sitting on the fence will trust UGC content from their peers over your paid ads, trust us! Social proof reassures potential customers that your brand is credible and that your products deliver on their promises.
Watch your socials explode when you start using UGC content creation as a form of marketing! 📈UGC marketing encourages interaction and conversation amongst your customers, making them feel valued and prompting their followers to engage with your content, too! It’s a win-win for everyone. Your community on social media will thrive!
Now, let’s talk numbers. 💸
When you focus on using high-quality, professional content, not only is this time-consuming, but it can really rack up the pounds! Whilst this type of marketing is crucial for your business, too, UGC content creation provides a steady stream of authentic content with a next-to-nothing price tag.
You basically have your customers acting as your content creators, which will provide you with ample content for your next marketing campaign. 🎉
You wouldn’t think it, but UGC content can be loaded with keywords that will help improve your search engine rankings. Google likes customer-driven content because it is a signal that your brand is authentic, dynamic and relevant to the market.
UGC marketing will also offer your business invaluable insights because you’ll be able to gain a deeper understanding of how they feel about your product or service. You’ll quickly be able to find out what they love and hate, giving you insights into what you can improve upon. This type of tough love can feel disappointing at times, but is extremely important, nonetheless.
How to leverage UGC content marketing
Are you thinking of getting into UGC content marketing for your business? Let’s break it down for you ⬇️
1. Create a branded hashtag
Having a branded image is an easy way for your customers to be able to tag your brand and can become the go-to when they start creating UGC content. This can then be used in social media contests 🤩
2. Run social media contests
Social media is the gateway to most UGC content creation and marketing. Use your branded hashtag and invite your followers and customers to share images of videos of them using your product or that are brand-related to stand a chance of winning a prize, for example. Think Apple’s #ShotOniPhone campaign📱
3. Encourage reviews and testimonials
You need to constantly be asking your customers for reviews after a purchase. A quick follow-up email after a purchase will prompt customers to give you their feedback. You can then use this feedback on your website and socials. 📣
4. Feature your customers
If you’ve found a golden nugget of UGC content created by your customers, ask them if you can repost it on your brand’s social media channels and make sure you give them credit! This way, you get fresh content, but you’re also building your relationship with your customers. 🔥
5. Embed UGC content on your website
The great thing about user-generated content is that you can use it on more than just your social media channels. You can use this social proof on your website, too, to help drive conversions. 📊
User-generated content is definitely going to be your secret weapon in scaling your business and creating meaningful relationships with your customers in an authentic way. This way, you’re inviting your customers to become a vital part of your brand’s journey.
Get in touch with our team of experts at Assisted for more information on UGC content marketing today! We know how to help your business grow in an authentic and meaningful way.