The Power of User Generated Content

Susana Vargas

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August 24, 2023

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minutes

With so many new terms in marketing every day, it's hard to keep up with what's top in digital strategies. Still, we understand why everyone is talking about UGC, or, more known as User-Generated Content, the tactic brands are now executing to innovate in their marketing efforts.

UGC is getting your customers to naturally share their thoughts about what you offer. And guess what? It can help you spread the word without having to spend money on ads. We're talking about a smart way to get lots of attention for free. Let’s explore how this content format works and give you tips on how to make it a smooth part of your overall marketing plans.

User-Generated Content in Simpler Terms

Hootsuite defines UGC as original, brand-specific content created by customers and published on social media or other channels. It is nothing more than original content created by consumers inspired by their experience with a brand.

UGC is very engaging and generates more powerful feelings in people than any standard ad, as it makes audiences feel related to your brand by hearing thoughts about what they are looking for in a product. After all, 28.4% of the audience, according to Datareportal, spends time on the internet seeing what's being talked about.

Why Is User Generated Content Important?

When your audiences talk about their experience using your product naturally and authentically, it generates trust and credibility. In this digital age, people are motivated to live authentic experiences and are more informed about purchasing decisions.

These days, the competition to get a customer’s trust is fierce. Brands are fighting to build trust, and customers are taking smarter decisions when it comes to buying a product or service, According to the statistics of customer-generated reviews, 72% of customers believe it is more credible when other customers share their experiences rather than brands speak for themselves.

UGC’s role in a real marketing campaign

An excellent example of how this trend has applied in a successful marketing campaign is the latest movie produced by Warner, "Barbie the Movie," which succeeded before even anyone knew about the film. Their initial marketing strategy consisted in which the audience published content authentically, sharing their photos with a selfie generator as if they were one of the characters of the movie, leading millions of users to participate in a fun trend.

Overall, Barbie’s marketing campaign has been considered as one of the Best Marketing Campaigns of the year according to Variety , and UGC had an important role in its success.

How to Create Engaging User-Generated Content

Know Your Audience: Understand who your target audience is and what type of content they enjoy. Tailor your UGC prompts to resonate with their interests.

Clear Guidelines: Provide clear and specific guidelines for the type of content you're seeking. This helps contributors understand what you're looking for and ensures consistency.

Incentives and Recognition: Offer incentives like giveaways or shout-outs to motivate users to participate. Acknowledge and appreciate their contributions to build a sense of community.

Note: Finding good brand ambassadors who enjoy and use your products is crucial, as their honest recommendations will make potential customers want to use your brand. The more natural the media content, the better it will be perceived as unmanufactured, unintended, and, therefore, more real.

Revolutionize Your Content Strategy with User-Generated Content Ideas

With Lean Marketing, you can find an expert professional team that strives to think outside the box and complement your audiences’ clever ideas with specific industry knowledge that will result in unique content.

How do we do it? Through our staffing or agency model we set you up with a team of vetted marketers to plan, execute, measure marketing strategies, campaigns, and creative pieces that will engage and delight your audience.