The Impact of User-Generated Content on Social Media

User-generated content in social media marketing (UGC) is one of the most powerful tools used in social media today. It’s a great way to promote products, services, and brands by giving users the opportunity to create their own content to share with their followers. 

UGC has the potential to increase engagement, create and nurture relationships, build brand loyalty, and ultimately drive sales. But what is the impact of user-generated content on social media?

User-Generated Social Media Marketing

User-generated social media marketing is an effective and cost-efficient method of marketing that leverages the power of social media to promote a product or service. It capitalizes on the influence of people already engaged in a brand’s messaging. This strategy also allows users to create and share content about the brand. 

This content can come from reviews and testimonials, ratings and endorsements, or even images and videos. 

This kind of user-generated content is more credible than traditional advertising. Because of this, UGC makes it a great way to reach a broader audience and build trust with potential customers. 

Why You Should Take Advantage of UGC

To give you a perspective on this, research has found that after a positive interaction with a brand, consumers are 70% more likely to purchase the products more. Additionally, 75% of consumers are twice as likely to share user-generated content than content produced by the brand. 

In other words, user-generated content is: 

• Becoming increasingly trusted by consumers due to its authenticity and transparency. Consumers are often more likely to believe reviews and opinions from other consumers, as opposed to content written by a company for promotional purposes. 
• Often more thorough, providing detailed reviews and feedback gives consumers valuable insight into products and services. 
• Often includes both positive and negative reviews, allowing consumers to make their own decisions based on the range of opinions. 
• More timely and relevant, as it is typically written by people who have recently experienced the product or service. 

How to Use UGC to Benefit Your Business

Consider setting up systems for sharing user-generated content on your social media accounts. Here are some UGC marketing tips for small business owners to get you started and going. 

Create a campaign specifically for your UGC goals

A UGC campaign can be tailored to meet your company’s goals, whether promoting a new product, increasing brand awareness, or fostering customer loyalty. Companies should begin by clearly defining their goals and objectives for the campaign. When planning a user-generated content (UGC) campaign, it is vital to identify and establish your target audience. 

This involves researching the demographic of your current customers and understanding who you would like to reach. Additionally, consider the interests of your target audience and the channels they use to consume information. 

Gather and filter your content

It is essential to ensure that your brand remains represented accurately and respectfully. Before launching the campaign, research potential influencers who reflect your brand’s values that can help spread the message. Utilizing user-generated content can effectively promote your brand, but it is important to ensure that it is relevant to your campaign and brand messaging. 

You can create a hashtag and guidelines for participants to ensure that the content is relevant and up to standards. Utilize social media channels like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to showcase the UGC and encourage more participation. 

Responding to user-generated content promptly and professionally is also essential to ensure that participants feel heard and appreciated.

Share everywhere

Share user-generated content across all your channels with permission from the users. Be sure to credit or thank the user, as they are likely to share your post with their own network. Use these posts to remind your followers to use your hashtag and participate in your contests or campaigns. 

Offer incentives or discounts to customers who post about your products or services. Additionally, use high-quality visuals and include an appropriate call to action. The more you share user-generated content, the more it will be seen, increasing the chances of customers posting under your brand hashtag. 

Stand out 

Online and social media sharing can be a challenge. With the high volume of digital messages received daily, it is very easy for emails and pop-ups to be blocked and go unnoticed. A strategy to consider is targeting influencers or high-value prospects with the UGC through direct mail. By including a call to action, you can encourage them to view the content online and connect with your brand on social media to share the UGC with their network. 

It is important to analyze your campaigns and adjust your strategy accordingly to ensure that you make the most of your UGC campaigns.

Succeed with UGC with the Right Company 

Indeed, by leveraging the power of user-generated social media marketing, brands can effectively reach and engage their target audiences, creating meaningful relationships that lead to conversions. While  digital marketing in the Philippines can be challenging, you can have a reliable partner to help you reach your goals. 

Eight Media has an automated system that sends out emails or advertisements to customers on a regular basis. We also provide comprehensive analytics and insights to help you analyze and optimize your UGC campaigns, allowing you to make data-driven decisions that will help you succeed in your social media marketing efforts. We can ensure your customers will receive the best possible experience.

Check out Eight Media and take advantage of our free consultation to get started today.