User-generated content refers to any form of content—such as images, articles, and videos—posted by online users. It’s a concept that came into discussion during the mid-2000s, being mentioned by countless media establishments and businesses.
Back then, most businesses overlook the importance of utilising user-generated content for marketing. Other than customer reviews, it was uncommon for companies to post articles or visuals created by consumers.
Nowadays, however, establishments are starting to see user-generated content as an asset for marketing. Thanks to widespread Internet access, users can post reviews, images, and videos at their pleasure. As a result, some companies would take advantage of such content and use it for marketing.
If you need to establish credibility and authority, utilising user-generated content is the way to go. It’s one of the most effective digital marketing strategies for earning trust and building a reputation. You have the potential to engage with hundreds and thousands of consumers if you know how to take advantage of user-generated content.
However, not everyone is aware of the importance of user-generated content for marketing. Why should you start a user-generated content campaign anyway? Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why it’s essential for marketing.
3 Reasons Why User-Generated Content Is Important
1. Establish Credibility And Authority
The truth is, businesses are untrustworthy in the eyes of the consumer. There’s nothing you can do about it but to try your best and earn trust from the public. To do so, you must prove your brand can be trusted.
Fortunately, the simplest way to provide proof is to take advantage of user-generated content, such as images, videos, and reviews of your products or services. Whenever a customer gives you a positive review, you can ask permission from them to post their sentiments online. That way, it’ll be easier for people to trust your brand once they see positive reviews of your products or services.
2. Influence Purchasing Decisions
Building your reputation is the priority when it comes to managing a user-generated content campaign. However, the most important goal is to influence a customer’s purchasing decision. Doing so will help them decide whether or not your products or services are worthy of purchasing.
Sure, brands use commercials and advertisements all the time to affect a person’s purchasing habits, but many people don’t trust ads these days. In reality, most people believe in reviews and recommendations from customers, not businesses.
Mix your social media marketing strategies with both business and user-made content. Continue posting quality ads, but remember to share customer reviews from time to time as well.
3. Engage With Customers
If there’s one thing why many people don’t trust companies, it’s because most businesses often look robotic in both action and appearance. If your business is receiving the same treatment, try mixing up your marketing efforts by utilising user-generated content in your campaigns.
Encourage your customers to review your products and services so you can engage in meaningful conversations. Doing so will help you get insight into your business’s weaknesses and convert them into strengths. Not to mention, your healthy discussions with customers will prove that you’re responsive and willing to assist them when necessary.
How To Take Advantage Of User-Generated Content?
1. Read Reviews
Customer reviews come in different forms. For example, some people like to post images with a short review, while others prefer to write in-depth articles. Either way, you should check out what most people have to say about your brand.
Check social media sites like Facebook and Twitter to see if your customers posted reviews of your business. Remember to include websites and online forums like Reddit or Quora to find out if anyone has mentioned your brand.
2. Share Images Or Videos
After you encourage your customers to review your products or services, see if anyone has posted images or videos. You can use these to your advantage by sharing them on social media or including such content in your ads. Of course, try asking for permission first before posting.
The best platform for sharing customer reviews with images and videos is Facebook and Instagram. Your posts will immediately pop up on your customers’ news feed, especially on Instagram, where videos and images are its specialities.
3. Give Incentives And Rewards
Some people aren’t willing to provide feedback unless there’s a reason to do so. If that’s the case, then perhaps you should give your customers a few incentives or rewards for sharing their reviews.
You can encourage your customers to review your products or services by giving them rewards. Try establishing a loyalty program that will benefit both your business and your customers.
Conclusion
Get ahead of your competition by taking advantage of user-generated content! If you need help, consider working with a digital marketing agency to utilise SEO, SEM, and other efficient marketing strategies.
If you’re ready to partner with a professional, contact our SEO company in Singapore at 6391-0930.
