Today, your business’ social media accounts are some of the most important tools to use in your marketing strategies. So, if your business’ social game isn’t strong, then it’s time to get to work. However, that doesn’t mean you need to hire a high-end photographer or pay for a partnership with an influencer. An efficient way to spice up your business’ social media accounts is to implement user-generated content into your pages. Check out why and how user-generated content can improve your social game below.
What is User-Generated Content?
User-generated content (UGC) is any media that has been created by consumers and customers, not by the brand themselves. UGC comes in many forms including photos, videos, tweets, reviews, blog posts, and more. For example, a customer may have bought a new pair of your jeans and liked them so much that she decided to post a picture of herself in them on her social media.The customer tagged your business, and you repost her photo on your social media page. Just like that, your business is now using UGC.
How Does UGC Help Your Business?
85% of consumers find UGC more influential than other content, but why? UGC takes authenticity and legitimacy to the next level. Any business can pay people to wear their clothes, add filters, and post high-quality content. However, sometimes a lower-quality image of an everyday person is exactly what your feed needs. When consumers see everyday people wearing your clothes, using your products, or leaving positive reviews, it builds trust and ultimately influences consumers’ purchase decisions in a positive direction.
Not only does UGC build trust and legitimacy, it is also quite cost-effective for your business. Customers are doing the hard part and creating the content, all you have to do is repost it and give the creator the appropriate credit. When users post content with your products or services, they are exposing your brand to their followers and encouraging them to become customers as well.
How Do You Implement UGC?
The point of UGC is that non-professional users create the content, not you. So, you won’t be able to control every aspect of the photos you receive, but that is sometimes the key to more user engagement. Check out these tips and tricks below to keep your UGC organized and how to implement it into your profile properly.
- Create custom hashtags for customers to use when posting about your products so that your UGC content remains in one location ready for use.
- Check your location tag frequently to pull images that were shared in one of your physical locations by customers.
- Create signage in your stores near registers, entrances, dressing rooms, etc. to encourage your customers to share their shopping experience.
- Create a contest that invites customers to submit their best photos to win a discount, gift card, or free item in store or online.
Businesses of all types and sizes can use UGC to help improve their digital marketing strategies. When used properly, UGC can help you reach new audience, build trust with your customers, and create a genuine connection between your business and your customers. If you need assistance with UGC or any more of your marketing needs, contact Bad Rhino!
