What is user-generated content?
User-generated content is created for a brand by its audience. This content is specific to your brand and is unpaid and unsponsored – completely organic. This content should also be leveraged to associate your brand with specific attributes and ethos.
Who can create user-generated content?
User-generated content can be created by customers of course. However, it is also created by brand advocates with a deep-set interest in the brand and its ethos. Compared to the average customer, brand advocates are excellent content creators for brands. UGC is also created by the brand’s employees. This will give further behind-the-scenes insights into the brand.
What types of user-generated content are there?
- Reviews
- Social media posts
- Forum posts
- Blog posts
- Video content (reels & tiktoks)
- Podcasts
- AR lenses & filters
So, what are the benefits of user-generated content?
1. It influences purchases
90% of shoppers say that user-generated content is beneficial. This is because it influences their purchase decisions compared to traditional marketing tactics. Using UGC also makes your brand look more credible. Therefore, you can convince prospective buyers/users to make a purchase. Today’s consumers view UGC as modern-day word-of-mouth.
2. It is cost-effective
In comparison to influencer marketing, UGC is cost-effective. Additionally, user-generated content can be cheaper to generate than one piece of in-house photographed content. With UGC, customers are essentially creating all your content. They also bring their own audience – friends, family, and followers.
3. It gives unique insights into your target audience
User-generated content gives unique insights into your customer. This includes who they are, the social media channels they use, how they are purchasing, and their demographics. You can then learn which aspects of your brand resonate with your target audience and interest them most effectively.
4. UGC increases brand credibility and authenticity
Increases brand credibility and authenticity, and consumers are 2.4x more likely to view UGC as authentic. By extension, they view your brand as more trustworthy. This is especially true for millennials, over 50% of whom make purchases based on personal recommendations from those around them.
5. It grows a community of loyal online followers
UGC allows you to grow a community around your brand of loyal followers who create content for you. Then, these customers who create posts for your brand become advocates. A brand with loyal advocates also appears to new customers as a brand worth buying!
Start including user-generated content in your digital strategy!
The trend of including user-generated content is growing. Now, more brands are realising the benefits that this type of content can have for their growth. Get involved before it’s too late! If you have any questions or queries on how to include it in your brand strategy, we are here to help.
At Rapid Agency, we have an impressive team of professionals who are passionate about social media. No matter how big or small your business is, we can create unique content for you. We are happy to help you create a digital strategy using user-generated content that works for you to help achieve your goals. Contact us today to find out more!