Can you remember a time when social media didn’t exist? No Facebook, Instagram or X (formerly Twitter)?
Now, social media platforms have infiltrated almost every aspect of our lives. We use it to share memories, keep in touch with loved ones and follow up on world events.
According to Pew Research, most people in the U.S. use Facebook and Instagram. A further 50% are found on TikTok, LinkedIn and X.
Social media marketing has fast become an essential component of every brand strategy. It’s a need and no longer a want.
When eCommerce websites like Amazon and Yelp allowed their customers to publish products and service reviews in the 90s, brand managers started noticing. These were the first forms of user-generated content (UGC).
UGC’s Staying Power
Referring to content created by regular people, from videos to reviews to comments, UGC has amassed a huge following. Brands are leveraging the voices of everyday people to create awareness and engagement.
Statista says YouTube and TikTok are the pack leaders in terms of UGC. In July 2023, YouTube Shorts clocked 2 billion monthly logged-in users, giving brands an overwhelming selection of content.
It goes to show that UGC has the power to sway consumer behavior and how they engage with your product. If you’re struggling to get your social media strategy off the ground, maybe the solution is user-generated content.
Below, we’ll explain how UGC can boost your social media strategy and help grow your brand.
Authentic content
Previously, big brands dedicated large parts of their budgets to influencer content. But it was missing one crucial aspect – authenticity. There was a disconnect between their brand and consumers.
The latest stats are a reflection of the sentiment. Consumers find UGC 9.8 times more impactful than influencer content when purchasing a product. Why? They want to relate to genuine people giving their honest opinions.
Bring in the Experts
UGC changed the game for many. It evens the playing field, allowing small businesses to compete with bigger companies. If you’re new to UGC, your best bet is to enlist the expertise of a UGC agency with years of experience in digital content marketing.
These companies help brands create authentic, tailored content for their audience and platform. As a client, you choose from hundreds of UGC video ads from over 5,000 content creators.
The collaborative process can spark some ingenious ideas from content creators that align with your brand voice and social media strategy.
brkfst.io says by utilizing authentic, social-proof-backed UGC, companies can launch their approved content on platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.
A Winning Formula
The best thing about UGC is that while a UGC agency can provide additional support, most brands can successfully leverage existing content.
Including content in campaigns is as easy as repurposing a positive review and incorporating it into your social media feeds. It highlights your company’s success with a satisfied customer.
Another way is to embed client testimonials or FAQs on your website, providing a natural platform for user-generated content.
Permissions and Rights Around UGC
This has become a gray area for some brands and businesses. However, there are laws governing the rights of content creators.
Obtaining permission for UGC is pivotal to creating trust between content creators and brands. Once a legal agreement has been approved, companies can use the content to display in campaigns, embed it on websites and share it on social media.
Brands need to foster relationships with UGC creators. By starting on the right foot, brands show respect for the creator’s work and contribute to ethical content management.
Noteworthy Takeaways
UGC can increase your brand presence in the digital space in several other ways.
Trust and credibility say a lot about a brand. As mentioned, consumers are more likely to trust recommendations from real people and not fancy marketing campaigns.
When compared to traditional paid content, UGC drives higher engagement rates. Users are more likely to like, comment on, and share content from their friends or people they follow online.
Marketing can eat thousands out of your budget. Along comes UGC. It’s a cost-effective option, allowing your business to choose content from community members.
User-generated content improves SEO rankings. Search engines prefer relevant, fresh content. This is exactly what UGC is all about. It enhances your search engine rankings.
Having a foolproof social media strategy is crucial in the digital age. Incorporating UGC into your plan is a roadmap for a winning formula.
Authentic, honest and relatable content will get you there sooner rather than later. And if you need help, call the experts to create a solid UGC-driven campaign.
