Unleashing the Power of User-Generated Content (UGC) for Building Trust with the Audience

User-generated content (UGC) is one of the strategies online marketers incorporate to keep brands in the minds of their audience or followers. The power of user-generated content is in the fact that it requires minimal efforts yet yields great results. When harnessed, brands can transform their entire digital presence and customer loyalty.

Let’s dive into the concept of user-generated content.

What is User-Generated Content (UGC)?

User-generated content is any brand-specific content that is created by users, as opposed to brands. In plain terms, it simply means content, whether visual or not, that is original and customer-created, usually used by brands to promote visibility and build trust. It can be in any form, such as tweets, reviews, testimonials, videos, images, comments, blog posts, and so on. Sometimes, when social media marketers or bloggers advertise products online, they portray products to be perfect, but UGC takes marketing to the next level because it is more believable.

UGC can be created by customers, brand loyalists, and employees. Basically, anyone but the brands themselves.

What Makes UGC Beneficial for Brands?

In the digital space, customers get to see several brands every day, and so it requires a lot for a brand to prove itself to them. Moreso, many customers take their time in making choices regarding brands they prefer. How does UGC come in to make this choice easier for them and the brands in question?

·???????? Engagement and conversions

The use of UGC gives a win-win outcome for brands and their followers. Customers get to use products from the brand and interact with the brand; brands get more online reach and conversions. People love to feel like they belong to a community and this kind of content gives them that feeling.

If you have been considering ways to boost your brand engagement on social media, this is one of your best shots. When you allow your customers use your products and share feedback on their pages, more people get to see your products as authentic and valuable. ?

·???????? Social proof and trust

UGC acts as a kind of social proof for customers because people trust people. For instance, when someone sees a friend or a known person wearing a nice pair of shoes, they tend to ask where he/she got the shoes. The next thing that happens is that they go to the same store and purchase those shoes or a similar product.

This is the same with user-generated content; it acts as word-of-mouth marketing. It speaks volumes about the brand and becomes the proof that prospective customers need to make their decisions. Incorporating UGC into your campaign sets you apart from your competitors and makes referrals easy.

·???????? Brand loyalty

User-generated content allows your customers to be the face of your brand on social media, and this makes them feel seen. It gives them a feeling of being a part of a community and as a result, keeps them glued to your brand. They feel valued, appreciated, and motivated to keep using your products.

Sharing content created by customers (consistently) paints a picture in their minds that they matter, and this leaves an impact. In no time, they will recommend your brand to the people around them and become ambassadors of your brand.

·???????? Purchase decision push

User-generated content influences the purchasing decision of buyers because it eradicates doubt in their minds and presents the brand as authentic. There are many fake brands all over the internet and this has made many people skeptical. However, UGC allows them to see other people using the products.

The originality of UGC makes the brand relatable and it eliminates doubts in prospects. It takes the customer to the final stage of the purchasing journey and inspires them to be loyalists.

How Do You Make UGC Work?

UGC is more effective when it is well-planned and strategically infused into your marketing campaign. As much as it is a flexible and cost-friendly approach, it needs to be carried out the right way to get the best results.

·???????? Deliver Value

For customers to share your content, you need to make your brand worth it. Make sure you have something unique to offer that will get them excited and stirred up to share. It is the little and big unique additions to your products and services that gets your customers talking…. and SHARING.

·???????? Incite UGC creation

Apart from making your products and services uniquely valuable to make your customers talk, you can encourage them to share UGC by hosting hashtag contests, giveaways, competitions, asking for reviews and testimonials. You can also reward customers for sharing UGC by offering discounts, free products, event tickets, and so on.

·???????? Get Permission Before Sharing

As a brand, you should always seek the permission of the person that created content for you before you share. It is one way to show that you respect their privacy. Reach out to them in their DM, or via email to confirm if you can share their content.

·???????? Give Proper Credits

Even after getting their permission to share, always remember to give credits to them as owners of the content. It makes them feel recognized, appreciated, and respected, and at the end, they are spurred to do more.

Finally….

UGC is a great way to give your brand the boost it needs, especially if it is a start-up. It increases the credibility and authenticity of your brand while promoting brand loyalty. However, it works best with strategy and value. Give out loads of value and watch your customers talk about your products/services.?

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