You’re looking at photos on Instagram and see a friend wearing cool new shoes. They’re really excited about them. This is called ‘user-generated content’ (UGC). It’s like a real person sharing their love for a brand. People trust their friends more than ads.
This guide will teach you how to use UGC, like pictures, reviews, and videos, to make your brand feel more real and relatable.
What’s the magic behind UGC?
User-generated content (UGC) is the unscripted, unfiltered storytelling that your customers create, inspired by your brand like heartfelt reviews, candid photos, and viral videos. It’s the raw, authentic gold that boosts your credibility.
By showcasing UGC on your social channels, you’re not just promoting your brand; you’re celebrating your community. Every share, every repost, amplifies your reach and draws more eyes to your story.
Types of User-Generated Content
User-generated content (UGC) is a powerful tool for modern marketing strategies. It comes in various forms, but can be broadly categorized into two main types: organic and paid.
Organic user-generated content (UGC)
This is content created by your customers without any direct incentive. It’s the most authentic and valuable type of UGC. Examples include:
- Reviews and Testimonials: After using the product from the brand, the customers post their honest reviews on social media. Leveraging those can benefit the brand into creating an authentic trust into their communities.
- Photos: Photos are one of the most popular USG content out there as these are in the form of Images of customers using your product or sharing results on various platforms. One Strategy is to use relevant hashtags to collect and share them on your own personal brand page.
- Videos: Many YouTubers create product hauls to showcase products, this can be used and shown in your account as well. As the visual content consumption is increasing day by day, brands should be well aware of using such a powerful medium to act in their favour.
- Social Media Mentions: Positive mentions can be reposted or shared as graphics on platforms like Twitter and Instagram.
- Blog Posts: Blogging is one of the oldest methods for sharing User-Generated Content (UGC). As one of the most authentic and engaging ways to experience a brand, blogging offers detailed and informative insights. If users seek to discover a product or learn about it comprehensively, blogging is an excellent approach.
Paid User-Generated Content (UGC)
This involves hiring creators to produce content about your brand. While it’s not as organic, it can be a valuable way to generate UGC, especially for newer brands.
Paid UGC is created by UGC creators, distinct from influencers. This type of content is generally as genuine as regular UGC, but it’s produced with financial compensation.
You can directly connect with UGC creators on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. Alternatively, if your brand has a loyal following, creators might approach you.
Once you’ve finalized a contract, you can utilize the created content on your website or social media channels as authentic user-generated content. If you want to know why User Generated Content is Crucial for your Brand, read our next blog.
Best Practices for User-Generated Content
User-generated content (UGC) can be a powerful tool for businesses. Here are some best practices to ensure your UGC strategy is successful:
1. Always Get Permission
- Obtain consent: Before reposting or using a customer’s content, always ask for explicit permission.
- Avoid misunderstandings: People may use your branded hashtags without realizing they’re part of a UGC campaign. Re-sharing without permission can damage goodwill and alienate your community.
- Show appreciation: By seeking permission, you demonstrate that you value the creator’s work and are excited to share it with your audience.
2. Provide Proper Credit
- Acknowledge the creator: When sharing UGC on social media, clearly credit the original creator. Tag them and specify if you’re using their visuals, words, or both.
- Check preferences: If you plan to share UGC across different platforms, inquire about the creator’s preferred crediting method.
- Build relationships: Giving credit recognizes the creator’s work, fosters positive relationships, and makes it easier for your audience to verify the content’s authenticity.
3. Be Specific About Your Content Needs
- Guide creators: Clearly communicate the types of UGC you’re looking for. Be specific to make it easier for people to share content that aligns with your goals.
- Set expectations: Avoid ambiguity and provide clear guidelines to ensure you receive the content you need.
4. Align UGC with Your Overall Strategy
- Define goals: Determine how UGC can contribute to your marketing objectives.
- Create a clear ask: Develop a concise statement that outlines the specific type of content you’re seeking.
- Promote your UGC request: Share your UGC guidelines on your social media bios, user-generated posts, website, physical locations, and product packaging.
- Measure success: Use analytics tools to track the performance of your UGC campaigns and assess their impact on brand awareness and conversions.
By following these best practices, you can effectively leverage UGC to enhance your brand’s authenticity, engage your audience, and drive business results.
