What You Need to Know About UGC and How It Can Help Your Business
One buzzword that you may be hearing a lot about right now in the online space is UGC. But what exactly is it? And is UGC something that you should consider using to promote your business and brand?
Whether you own a small business, or you’re a first-time author, there are definitely ways that you can use UGC to grow your platform. When it’s done right, this can be a super affordable way to draw new eyes to what you do.
What exactly is UGC?
UGC stands for User Generated Content. In other words, it’s content that’s created by an outside contributor and used on your website, in your advertising, or on your social platforms. User-generated content can take on a lot of different forms from video content to photos, testimonials, blog posts, product reviews, and more. Its popularity has grown most in recent days through short-form videos on TikTok and Instagram Reels. If you’ve been in business for a while, you know executing an online marketing strategy is hard work, from creating new content to engaging with the people you want to reach. UGC helps to make connection easier in an authentic way.
The Benefits of UGC for your brand
While UGC may initially bring to mind silly skits and dancing videos, there are ways to use UGC for your brand no matter who your audience is! It’s all about encouraging and inviting your audience to share what you do and repurposing that same content (with their permission of course)!
If used strategically, UGC can easily become an integral part of the customer conversion process for your book, brand or business. It’s also a great way to keep your platforms feeling relevant by adding a more human, personal touch to the content you share.
Here are a few more benefits of using UGC for your brand:
- It can provide an unlimited flow of new content.
- This content adds relationship-building elements can to your marketing.
- Online communities often develop with like-minded people who use your product, service, or brand.
Now, we know what you’re wondering. HOW do you actually get your followers and customers to create UGC for your platform? Let’s talk about it.
So how do I get started?
More often than not, user-generated content will be more creative and diverse than anything an in-house marketing team will ever be able to create. The feedback of your actual users is reliable and authentic, and it will go a long way to impact the audience you hope to engage.
The best people to get UGC from? Your brand advocates, active followers, or loyal readers. These are the customers who believe in your brand and are willing to speak positively about what you do. So how do you invite them to help by creating content?
Here are a few ideas:
- Invite your customers or readers to submit photos/videos using your product. Whether it’s through your website or over email, set up a process where they can easily submit proof of themselves using your product or service.
- Ask your audience for reviews or testimonials. This can include Amazon reviews or ones on your website or social media. Share how big of an impact their reviews can make on helping you get the word out! Bonus: When you make it easy for users to share their experiences, you’ll gain a wealth of valuable content. This wihelp you reach new audiences.
- Hold a contest or giveaway. This can be hosted on social media, your email list, or even inside a Facebook group. Ask your followers to submit a piece of content with your book or product. Then, choose one winner to send a free book, prize, or gift card to for free! This is a great way to get your customers excited about your brand. It can also help you to learn more about what they want from your product or service.
When you invite your audience to create content for your business, they’ll feel invested in your growth and success. They’re also more likely to share it with friends. Don’t miss out on trying some of these ideas in your own strategies in the coming months.
No matter how you decide to use UGC, make sure you always engage with your customers in a way that makes them feel appreciated. Thank them for their submissions and participation. Do your best to respond when they express wants, desires, or needs that you can meet – because reciprocity is what UGC is all about.
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Have you thought about using UGC in your marketing efforts? Curious about what that could look like for you and your business? We’d love to talk with you! Reach out to our Red Bird Social team for your FREE consultation right here.