People spend countless hours on social media. It has become one of the leading platforms that provide us entertainment.
We share everything on social media – a new haircut, new job, random pic of your dog, your thoughts and frustrations, etc. As a staple in our daily lives, brands and businesses understand the importance of using social media as a platform for digital marketing.
Aside from family, friends, and celebrities, you’ve probably followed several of your favorite brands. Social media has made it easy for consumers to catch up to the latest products and updates on brands they are patronizing. It is also a way for consumers to discover new products.
As you’ve scrolled through your feed, you’ve likely seen a majority of brands that have reposted content from everyday users.
Via Instagram // @yxepups @amazon
Via Instagram// @candasseats @starbucks
This kind of digital marketing is called User Generated Content.
UGC may be in the form of an image, video, or text. It is any media that is posted across different social media platforms.
If you own a business, you should probably start promoting user-generated content.
Why Produce UGC Content
Helps You Save Time and Money
As a business owner, managing your resources is important. The creative process of making content for social media takes hours of planning, and collaboration among the creatives team is needed to develop a marketing campaign. With UGC, you will be able to produce content for engagement in a shorter period. Shorter production time of content also means saving money.
Building Brand Community
User-generated content will also enable you to engage with your customers. As you continue to engage and promote posts from your customers, a community will be formed centered on your brand and products. That community will strengthen the trust of the customers in your business.
Based on traditional marketing, word of mouth is the most reliable form of marketing to introduce your product to new customers. That community will serve as a testament to the quality of your products.
Here are some ways to get you started:
3 Ways on How to Create User-Generated Content
1. Utilize the power of #Hashtag
One effective way to manage your marketing campaign is to create a brand hashtag. Encourage your followers and customers to use your brand hashtag.
You can also create challenges that will surely boost your product discovery.
Coca-Cola’s #shareacoke campaign is one example of a successful hashtag campaign.
Twitter is one of the leading social media platforms, as discussed in an article. It will be effective in encouraging people to share their images, experiences, and sentiments using your designated brand hashtag.
2. Giveaways!
Who doesn’t like free stuff! Especially from a brand that you really love. In an article by INC, giveaways are one of the most effective ways to encourage engagement with your brand.
Incorporate your brand hashtag in the rules of your giveaway. Twitter suggests that to ensure the success of a giveaway campaign, you should present a worthwhile prize. That prize must also attract your target customer.
Just keep in mind to set restrictions in your giveaway campaign. Ensure that you clearly state the rules for the giveaway, and don’t forget to emphasize the use of the brand hashtag.
3. Giving Your Costumers the Power to Make Decisions
Customers enjoy having the liberty to make decisions. Encourage engagement by asking your followers to take part in the decision-making process. Instagram and Twitter are just some of the social media platforms that offer features like a poll.
Are you having trouble choosing between red and orange for your packaging? In just a few seconds, you can create a poll and wait for feedback from your customers and followers.
Indeed, social media has become a big part of our lives. Our manner of consuming digital content is what has led to a transition in digital marketing. With thousands of content being posted every day, how do you stand out?
User-generated content reflects an organic and authentic representation of your brand and business. Trust and loyalty is key in a sustainable business, and user-generated content makes it easy and inexpensive to achieve both.
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