Did you know, the User Generated Content (UGC) industry is set to grow 26.6% between 2021 and 2028? If you're not investing in a UGC strategy then you're missing a big opportunity to grow awareness about your brand and increase sales!
So let's get into why you need a UGC startegy and what the benefits of investing in UGC...
What is UGC?
It's any form of content (e.g. written, photo, video) created and shared by customers based on their experiences and opinions of using that product/service. It's when brands employ, or work with, their ideal customers to create content about their product/service. The best UGC is raw and unfiltered, and reflective of your ideal customers situation.
How effective is UGC?
The UGC industry has boomed! It's projected to be a $18.65 billion industry by 2028. This increased spending by brands in UGC is because UGC delivers results. Studies have found that UGC social campaigns receive a 50% lift in engagement. This is largely because the content looks so real that consumers don't realise they are watching an 'ad'. Instead they are viewing someone like them who loves the product/service. In fact, 70% of consumers will consider UGC reviews or ratings before making a purchasing decision! The proof is in the pudding - User Generate Content drives results.
What are the benefits for you as a business owner?
Other than driving awareness and sales for your business, investing in UGC can also help you as a business owner. If you're a small business owner, or only have a small marketing team, incorporating UGC is a key tool for your marketing strategy. Here are three key benefits of having a UGC strategy:
⌛ Saves you time as you're not having to create the content yourself - re-invest this saved time in working on other areas of your business
♻️ Re-purpose and re-use content to feed the algorithms - it's impossible to keep up with the rates of content the algorithms demand, but UGC helps with that
🤝 Builds trust and likeability with your ideal customers - people buy from people, by sharing customer experiences and reviews you'll convert future customers
How do you get started with UGC?
It's super easy to get started with a UGC strategy! Here's how to set up a UGC strategy:
Identify your goals - what do you want to get out of a UGC startegy? Is it driving clicks to your website? Is it generating more sales? Is it just spreading awareness of your brand? Pick one clear goal to shape your strategy and content.
Define your ideal customer - it's so important to know exactly who it is you want to be speaking to with your UGC content.
Find suitable UGC creators - now that you know your ideal customer, you can find UGC creators that reflect this. Don't just pick the best UGC creator, find creators that reflect your ideal audience and the style of your brand/content.
Review your performance - don't forget to review the performance of your UGC strategy! It's all about test and learn. Identify what creators, posts, themes perform the best (based on your initial goal) and find ways to re-create this.
It doesn't have to be complicated! Just follow these four simple steps to get started with UGC and soon enough you'll be reaping the benefits.
Want support with your UGC strategy?
I have over 2 years experience working as a content creator and in the digital marketing industry, and a degree in Global Sustainable Development (BASc). I can help support your UGC strategy in two ways:
As a UGC creator - I can create photo, video or written content about your sustainable business for you to share on your channels from a sustainability expert. Find out more here.
Freelance social media support - I work with sustainable brands to help them reach their marketing goals. I can set up, or run, your UGC strategy. Get in touch if you're looking for more hands-on marketing support.
I hope this post has shown you the importance and benefits of investing in UGC! Want to learn more about marketing your business? Make sure to follow @all.things.greeenn.marketing on Instagram for free marketing advice and resources!
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