This is a great article on UGC and if you want to market your business using UGC in your Social Marketing Mix, then this is a must read.
“It’s no surprise that marketers love acronyms. In fact, I think every industry has it’s own set of acronyms that usually evoke an eye roll when dropped in a business meeting. So it’s only fitting that we shorten user-generated content, better known as, UGC. UGC is defined as any form of content such as blogs, wikis, forums, posts, chats, tweets, podcasts, images, and video created by users.
UGC started becoming popular in 2005 and has grown exponentially over the last decade. More and more brands are using UGC to relate to and reach their audience. Thanks to new digital applications and technology, consumers are empowered more than ever before to share and contribute.
Audience produced content can be extremely powerful for brands. It makes perfect sense – customers trust the voice of other customers more than the voice of a brand. UGC is cost effective too and can strengthen your brand’s community. Ultimately, brands that connect, win. If you’re looking to “up” your UGC game, here are some ways to create more content by leveraging your audience. Oh, and not to be a Debbie Downer, but before you do anything you may want to consult with your legal team or representative to ensure you’re not breaking the law by collecting or using the content your audience creates.”
1. Leverage big data and consumer trends
No longer are marketers making decisions blindly. Assumptions are a thing of the past, use customer insights, websites, social and search analytics, and surveys to understand your audience’s behavior. This information can help you answer the five W’s so you can determine who is sharing and engaging with your content, what they are sharing…
2. Make the campaign personal
People connect with people, not things. If you make your campaign relatable people are more likely to share and engage. It’s too easy to become consumed with your brand’s story. Take a step back and understand what types of stories will resonate with your target audience. What type of emotion are you trying to create? Do you want people to laugh? Cry? If you can create…
3. Don’t ignore your influencers – get their help!
Digital influencers typically boast large followings that can become potential customers and brand loyalists. Influencer marketing isn’t necessarily the best tactic for every brand but when used mindfully, these influencers can drive awareness and boost engagement…
4. #hashtagsFTW
What more can I say? You won’t want to implement a UGC campaign and not include a hashtag. That would be a major #fail. However, this hashtag shouldn’t be the name of your brand or product. Make it something your audience is more inclined to use. Look at your existing community to determine if there is hashtag being organically used…
5. Speaking of events…
What better way to promote your brand than in an environment you can control? Events bring online experiences offline, while encouraging attendees share these offline experiences, online – it works both ways. Consider creating “Instagram-able” moments that your attendees can’t help but snap and post…
6. Reward UGC interaction
Sometimes your UGC campaign needs a little push despite most engagement being authentic. To encourage interaction consider launching a contest that aligns with a fun element of your brand. Look at what your audience is currently sharing – it may spark ideas…
7. Publicly recognize your customers
If your customers are active on social, featuring them could make their day! Incorporate your most engaged customers’ photos on your Instagram or website and call them out. This engagement will work two ways – your loyal customers…
8. Consider guest posts and takeovers
Guest posts can increase engagement not only with your brand’s social channels but your blog, website, and newsletter. Remember, customers trust the voice of other customers more than the voice of a brand. Takeovers can also show-off another side of your brand...
9. Encourage your audience to interact with you
The way we communicate has drastically changed over the last decade. Thanks to the internet, brands can now engage in two-way dialogue with consumers. Leverage this ability and create content that is positive, fun, or informational…
10. Market during social and current events
Majority of trending topics are related to social, political, or current events. Engaging with these topics can help you scale your UGC campaign but can be challenging to implement…
More on this awesome subject: Insights