How to Leverage User Generated Content to Build an Empire

One method that can revolutionize your social media marketing is using user-generated content (UGC). According to one study, 79% of customers say they are likely to trust the recommendations of their close family and friends.

This is a clear indication of the significant impact of UGC on conversion. Whether you're a business selling a product or an individual building a personal brand, user-generated content (UGC) can help take your brand to the next level. This article will guide you on leveraging UGC to build an empire or become a creator CEO.

What is UGC?

UGC refers to original content about a brand created by customers without any cost to the brand, and published on a social media channel or any other platform. The content is often of different kinds, such as images, videos, testimonials, and reviews. This works because when customers create content on social media, they can easily influence the people around them to make buying decisions.

According to a study by AdWeek, 85% of people say they find user-generated content (UGC) more influential than content created by brands. Since it's common for people to talk about their favorite products, businesses can leverage the content to advertise their products. The content can be a powerful tool because other social media users see it as genuine.

Additionally, UGC helps foster a sense of community. When customers see a brand featuring their content, they feel connected and valued. This creates an emotional connection that can turn them into loyal brand advocates.

Why You Should Leverage User-Generated Content

If you want to connect with your audience powerfully and boost your credibility, consider leveraging user-generated content. There are several reasons why you should leverage user-generated content. These include:

Authentic Connections with Brands

When brand users make videos about what they feel, it can be seen as authentic, as such videos show real people using the products in real-life situations. According to one study, 86% of consumers say they prefer brands that show authenticity.

UGC is, therefore, a good way for brands to connect authentically with their customers, increasing their credibility and trust. This makes it a powerful yet affordable marketing method compared to traditional advertising methods.

A Social Proof

Traditional ads are seen to be dishonest because they only show the positive side of a brand. This is especially true among Gen Z, who have numerous options. As noted earlier, when users of a product create videos about it, they are seen as more authentic, and customers trust them. That means UGC can provide your brand with the much-needed social proof.

More Cost-Effective

Traditional marketing methods, such as radio and TV, are usually costly. On the other hand, UGC is a cost-effective marketing method. Since customers make the videos voluntarily, there are no shooting expenses, copyright costs, or payments for expensive models.

Higher Engagement and Reach

UGC can help spread the message about your brand when other social media users share their experience with their family and friends. Those who hear about your brand might also share their experience, resulting in a ripple effect that can expand your reach. Additionally, social media users tend to engage more with user-generated content (UGC), as people love relatable UGC posts. You can share the UGC as Instagram carousel posts for maximum engagement.

How to Leverage UGC to Build an Empire

UGC can be a great way of creating a dynamic and engaging marketing strategy. However, to achieve that, you need to understand how to repurpose, curate, and amplify the content to reach your target audience. You can do that by:

Encouraging Your Customers to Share

A Tintup study showed that half of consumers suggest they would like to get guidance from brands on the kind of content they should create. Therefore, don't just sit back and expect your customers to create content about your brand. Instead, guide them in different ways, such as: 

• Starting a challenge, creating content, or following a trend that inspires creativity. Make the process feel fun rather than forced.
• Creating a hashtag that customers can use to post content. Regularly remind them about the hashtag and provide participation incentives. Remember that successive UGC drives on mutual benefits and understanding.

Curating for Social Media Campaigns

Not all UGC will be suitable for your brand. You need to ensure that you choose the ones that align with your brand aesthetics and values. However, unlike what many think, polished content isn't always the best. Instead, social media users prefer raw and unpolished content, which can deeply resonate with your audience.

Once you find some standout UGC, you can amplify it through stories and reposts. Create room for UGC in your content calendar.

Encourage Your Staff to Participate

You can show the campaign's authenticity by encouraging your staff to participate as well. After all, they are the people who best understand the product, how it works, and why it is the best. According to a study, 33% of employees are usually comfortable posting videos, pictures, and messages about their company without their company's encouragement. 

When the company encouraged them to do so, the number rose to 50%. This is proof of the power of user-generated content (UGC). Additionally, employees can create various content options, such as a day in their work, behind-the-scenes videos of product making, and more.

Consider Other Ways of Reusing UGC

Don't just research UGC. Instead, repurpose and use it in different ways, such as:

• Ads. To show the authentic side of your brand, you can use customer content to create ads for a website, social media, or other platforms. Even if it was a Facebook post or a Tweet praising your brand, it will still work well.
• Website. You can take images of your customers outside of social media and post them on your website gallery.
• Email campaign. You can also use UGC in your email marketing.

In Conclusion

It has been proven that social media users trust the words of other users more than they do brands' messaging. This is why UGC has been spotlighted, transforming how brands engage with their audiences. If you're wondering how to leverage user-generated content (UGC) to build an empire, our guide will help you do just that.