User Generated Content, also known as UGC, comprises of any content generated by consumers and customers of a specific brand, namely on social media. This content includes photos, reviews or even Q&A’s. UGC can serve as a huge asset for your brand if leveraged properly by re-sharing consumer content and building customer relationship. Think of it as an online version of word-of-mouth marketing where both your brand and consumers can profit.
The last few years have seen many new brands and businesses setting up shop before finding themselves in a flooded and overly competitive atmosphere. To survive in such an inundated market, the major challenge for brands is to build awareness, gain visibility and reach their audiences through the saturation of many digital platforms.
Here are a few reasons why your brand should make the most of user generated content:
Your Audience Creates Your Content:
Creating a community that encourages and fosters user generated content is ideal for you and your digital marketing strategy because your audience creates the content for you! Sit back and relax as you let your customers do the work. By encouraging your audience to share feedback, re-share their posts and tag away through stories, you are continually establishing a good rapport with your consumers while making them feel like part of your brand.
UGC Improves Credibility:
User generated content helps build credibility for your brand. Given the saturation of brands offering a variety of products and services, it often becomes difficult to retain loyal customers. And given the fact that some brands are quick to promise but slow to deliver, every step in your business’ machine must be efficient and well oiled to guarantee customers stay loyal to your brand. What better way to build trust than through sharing your customer’s experience?
Boosts Social Media Reach:
This is one of the biggest benefits of UGC. By sharing your customers content you are likely to build engagement and increase your social media reach. By tapping into their audience pool, you ultimately grow your brand reputation.
Unique & Authentic Content:
I’m sure we can all agree that sponsored posts and paid ads at times are not the most credible content. Since they appear as messages, these ads can appear forced, but hearing what others have to say about your brand can help spread the word and build credibility.
Connect With Others:
Featuring UGC helps deepen customer relationships as it gives them a platform to been seen and heard. It is guaranteed that customers will always appreciate being included as part of your story and journey.
Ultimately, it all comes down to the fact that a happy customer is a repeating customer. If you are looking to grow your business, one of the most effective strategies is to take on feedback. Straight from the customers mouth means implementing suggested changes is one of the most effective marketing strategies you can obtain as you’ll be able to grow and expand your business in the most productive way possible. More so, your potential customer might be close to buying but are still not sure whether it’s the right decision. Here’s where UGC comes in handy as they now get to read or listen to product reviews from others. Interested in staying on top of your business’ User Generated Content? Contact our team today to find out how our Social Media and Digital Marketing strategies could work for you.