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User-generated content (UGC) is a type of content created by your customers rather than your business. Using user-generated content is a great way to build relationships with your customers and helps build trust.
User-generated content isn’t something that businesses have complete control of. Though, it is a good way to measure where your business stands with its customers, how they utilize it, and how your marketing efforts are.
The reason this has taken over every marketing trend is that it is freely published by users on numerous online platforms. Making it the most authentic, reliable, and creative, content you see online.
Companies are no longer promoting themselves; it is the users doing it for them. So, anything you see online, including testimonials, reviews, feedback, social media content, blogs, videos, or images, is a part of users’ build-up content.
What Types Of User-Generated Content Are There?
User-generated content is a term under which different types of content fall. Below are a few vital ones.
- User-Generated Image Content
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest are visually appealing photography platforms. The captivating photographs posted on these sites motivate users to scroll and explore more. This also provides an opportunity for companies to collect user-generated photos.
- User-Generated Video Content
Videos are better perceived by the audience and give them a better insight into your company.
- User-Generated Reviews/Testimonials
Another popular type of user-generated content is customer reviews. They act as a company’s advocate and create hype through word-of-mouth marketing.
So, why should companies consider implementing user-generated content into their marketing strategy?
- More Effective
- Content is Authentic
- Promotes Company Advocacy
- Cost Effective Way of Marketing
- Evokes Emotions
Exclusively curating user-generated isn’t enough; companies must maximize their marketing efforts. Formulating strategies that can, in a real sense, help brands optimally capitalize on user-generated content is needed. Below are a few ways in which companies can do it.
- Showcase Reviews on Your Website and Social?
User-generated content creates authenticity, uniqueness, and diversity, which can modify your website’s impact. It creates a voice for the company and improves credibility, awareness, and user engagement all while indirectly improving the website’s ranking in search results.Leveraging user-generated content like customer reviews can take your users’ experience to a whole other level regardless of how captivating your company’s visuals are.
- Create Strong Email Campaigns
Email marketing is the traditional form of marketing. A plethora of marketers uses email marketing to communicate content organically. But all marketers would agree on the challenges they face to move the reader’s attention and keep them engaged with the company.
Companies can now overcome this fear by leveraging user-generated content in their email campaigning. User-generated content is not branded; it is created by different individuals adding their dash of individuality to the content, helping companies serve some rare visuals to the email.
What’s great about user-generated content is that they are mostly free. Plus, it is organic and authentic, and that type of content stands out When using these for referrals and likes, positive remarks can significantly influence purchasing decisions.
Reputation Sensei offers a variety of services that can help you start creating user-generated content today! Want more info? Schedule a call with a specialist today!
Check out this video, where Bill Courtright, talks more about User-Generated Content.
