User-generated content or UGC as the world knows is a powerful technique where the end users create content in the form of online reviews, digital photographs, testimonials, videos, etc. Such content can be utilized to its maximum potential for deriving organic traffic onto your website and building a stronger, positive online presence.
About 84% of consumers believe in buying a product only after thoroughly reading other consumers’ reviews. In lieu, various marketers across the globe have their trust in user-generated content marketing campaigns to receive acknowledgments, increase the brand’s reach, and engagement, and thus boost sales.
For instance, every year in December, Starbucks, the leading coffee company and coffeehouse chain, starts a campaign with #RedCupContest. The loyal customers must buy the red cup first, paint it, post a picture, and get rewarded with a Starbucks gift card.
Such a campaign was welcomed by the customers which increased the sales during the quarter. It also made news of converting the campaign into leads and more clientele.
Based on these successful events, user-generated content acts as a magical wand to expand and market the brand. Let’s have a look at how it is useful.
For the Customer and by the Customer
Brands don’t have to rely on costly marketing campaigns or paid promotions as the content is created by the users themselves which is directed to other customers. The outcome is a win-win situation where the existing customers get acknowledgments from the brand. Furthermore, the brand increases its chances of boosting sales.
The Product Gets Social Proof
In today’s customer-oriented market, more than anyone, customers trust other customers when purchasing a product. At the same time, it is crucial to monitor your online reputation. And what the world speaks about you on the digital platform. In these events, with the use of user-generated content, a brand can provide social proof of its service or product for increased credibility and authenticity.
Effective and Economical Content Marketing Strategy
To date, it is difficult to curate an effective content marketing strategy that speaks volumes. Where brands usually invest in graphic designers. For content marketers to devise a content marketing strategy, less effort, time, and cost involved when generating user-generated content. It is usually beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses. They don’t have bigger marketing budgets to compete with the bigger fish in the market.
The way your audience uses your product can get more leads as compared to scripting it on reel life. Likewise, more trust is built among consumers. This results in a better and positive online reputation as well which qualifies the brand to search at the top of different search engines. If UGC can be so useful, why not utilize it. Think about it and get it going!!