U.G.C. is the answer if you're looking for a way to create content at scale. It's the kind of thing that can make or break your business, and it's something we're all dealing with today. From status updates and tweets to reviews and comments, there's a whole world of user-generated content (U.G.C.) out there waiting to be seen.
This guide will explain how U.G.C. works and why it's essential for every type of business—from small businesses to large corporations like yours! We'll talk about how you can use this information to help your company succeed from day one. So let's get started!
What is user-generated content?
User-generated content (U.G.C.) is a consistent buzzword in web content marketing. User-generated content refers to unpaid or unsponsored social posts and internet content that people across every network share when they're using or raving about a product, service, or business.
User-generated content is a staple of the internet. It's what makes up half of the internet, after all. And it's also an essential part of your business, no matter what type of business you're in. The more brand-related user-generated content you have, the more likely you will have success—and you don't even have to do anything special to get there!
Where does U.G.C come from?
U.G.C. content is a massive part of the digital landscape and comes from various sources.
Customers
This is where most of the content is coming from. Real customers are constantly asking questions and posting on social media channels, so it's not a surprise that they generate most of the content. It's also natural that they're more invested in your brand than non-customers, so they're more likely to seek opportunities to share their experience with others.
Brand loyalists
Brand loyalists have been following your company for a long time and may have gotten involved in your community over time. They're also likely to be interested in the latest trends and news about your products, which can lead them to be more open about sharing their experiences with others on social media platforms.
Employees
Employee-generated content demonstrates the brand's worth and story. It speaks to your values and shows your employees' commitment to those values. If you're not using employee-generated content, you're missing out on a golden opportunity to engage with your customers meaningfully, build credibility with them, and attract more business.
Forms of U.G.C.
User-generated content (U.G.C.) can be a great way to add value to your business and engage with customers in a way that's more personal than traditional advertising. Here are the different authentic forms of U.G.C.:
- Images
- Videos
- Status updates/tweets
- Customer testimonials
- Customer reviews
- Product reviews
- Comments
- Blog posts
- Social media posts
- Live streams
- YouTube content
Why it is important
U.G.C. promotes your brand, your company, and yourself as an expert in your field. It's also a great way to build relationships with influencers within your industry who can help spread the word about what you're doing and how they can help.
The idea behind U.G.C. is that users can contribute to the greater good by sharing their own experiences with other users. By sharing authentic content like this, you're helping other people connect and learn more about topics they might otherwise miss out on.
If used wisely and authentically, U.G.C. can help your brand and increase trust, engagement, and traffic to your website or social media channels. It also helps the customers feel like they are essential to the conversation.
Provides social proof
U.G.C. provides social proof, which helps create a sense of trust between businesses and prospective customers. U.G.C. can boost your company's reputation, especially if it has been well-received by your audience.
It promotes authenticity
When you get feedback from customers that they like the product or service you provide, you know it's something real people want and need. This tells you how reliable and valuable your product or service is.
It facilitates brand loyalty.
People who use user-generated content feel more connected to their products and services, making them more likely to recommend them to others.
It shows you value your customers.
U.G.C. can show how much you care about your customers' experience, which tells them that you're committed to something more than just making money.
Six tips on how to utilize U.G.C. in an authentic way
Look no further if you're looking for advice on using U.G.C. authentically. We've got six tips for you!
1. REPOST
Regularly post images, photos, or videos from happy customers to encourage engagement and motivate other users to contribute their own U.G.C.
For example, beauty brand Glossier drives customer engagement with its social content by encouraging customers to get vulnerable and share their selfies by reposting customers' photos using their products.
2. REVIEWS
Leverage online reviews by posting them on your site or social media stories and letting others know what people think about your business. Due to the very nature of a review, they tend to be the most authentic and considered a form of U.G.C.
This is a great way to build trust with your customers because they'll be able to see firsthand what other regular people have said about you—and if you're doing a good job.
3. DETERMINE YOUR PLATFORM
It is essential to determine which platform fits best for your ideal customers. Don't be afraid to experiment with different media.
Here are the five major platforms and their audience expectations:
• TikTok: videos
• Facebook: videos and curated content
• Instagram: high-resolution photos, quotes, stories
• Twitter: news, blog posts, GIFs
• LinkedIn: Jobs, company news, and professional content
• Pinterest: Infographics and step-by-step photo guides
4. BLOGS
Keep a look out for blogs and articles about your product or service. They are suitable for S.E.O. backlinking and invaluable as pieces of content to post on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
It shows that you support your loyal customer's content and only reinforces others to write more. Everybody wins.
5. CONTESTS
Giveaways and discounts are two of the best ways to encourage users to create more U.G.C., and they're a great way to engage your audience while they're already involved with your brand.
It's also a great way to build excitement around a new product or service, which will help draw more consumers into the fold and make them more likely to purchase down the road.
6. Q&A/FORUMS
Users look for authenticity and will respond to you if you're genuine.
It's important to remember that your users are looking for more than just a social post; they want to engage with you, the brand, and other users in a meaningful way.
You need to be able to do this effectively on social media and forums by responding quickly, clearly, and thoughtfully to questions and criticisms that your users may have.
Start using user-generated content in your marketing strategy
For your content campaign to succeed, you must be willing to try new things and experiment with different creative efforts. We also know that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to content marketing campaigns—you have to find what works for you, but that doesn't mean you can't get any help along the way.
You can use U.G.C.s for many things in your business—and we're just getting started here! U.G.C. allows you to connect with your actual customers personally and build a relationship that will last forever. If you want to know more about utilizing U.G.C. in your business best, connect with Evolvbam today!
