Have you ever come across a product review post or a testimonial from a consumer? This post is called User Generated Content or UGC. In this article, you will learn about what UGC is and how it can benefit businesses.
UGC is one of the best ways to promote a product or business, you know.
Maybe you think that product promotion must spend a budget to advertise on Instagram or pay for endorsements. Even though you can get promotions for free from consumers through this UGC.
Then what is UGC and what are the benefits for a digital business? Just read this article to the end, OK!
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What is User Generated Content (UGC)?
User-Generated Content or UGC is content created by users or consumers voluntarily. The content can be in the form of writing, reviews, photos, or videos that they upload to the internet.
In the content they create, consumers often share their experiences or opinions after using the product. And don’t forget to mention the brand’s account. After that, the brand will re-upload (repost) the content on their social media.
According to Stackla, 9 out of 10 people value the authenticity of content in deciding which brand they want to choose.
With UGC, your product is indirectly promoted by consumers in a positive tone.
UGC is also often referred to as one of the original forms of marketing.
Why?
Because the content is created naturally by buyers who have used the product (experienced users). This is certainly very important for a business to have, especially those that use digital marketing as a marketing channel.
Positive reviews uploaded by experienced users will certainly increase brand equity. In addition, uploads from these users will certainly increase brand awareness because they are definitely seen by their followers.
Examples of Using UGC for Business
After knowing what it means and what it looks like, here are some examples of businesses that have implemented UGC.
One of the Starbucks customers who just bought coffee and took the time to take a picture of it. Then uploaded on Instagram by mentioning the Starbucks account.
The post went on their radar and was eventually reposted on Starbucks’ Instagram account.
Why is UGC Important for Business?
Maybe many of you are wondering, why is user-generated content so important for business? Aren’t there many other options such as placing advertisements on social media, buying endorsements, or using public figures as brand ambassadors?
You can do this option, but there are several reasons why UGC can be the key to the development of your digital business, including the following.
1. Increase Brand Awareness
What comes to your mind when you are asked the brand of instant noodles? Surely most will answer Indomie.
This is called brand awareness or brand awareness.
Brand awareness is the extent to which your product is recognized by consumers. Because this is one of the first steps to find more customers and keep them buying.
Making consumers aware of the brand is certainly not an easy thing and requires a long process.
Well, one that can increase brand awareness is this UGC. When there is one of the customers who makes a review about your product that they bought.
Of course, from there, there will be more new users who recognize the product and of course they don’t stop there. Users will find out more which in the end, indirectly they will continue to remember your product or brand.
This will happen continuously like that, the more UGC the easier it is to recognize. That’s why UGC is important in a business.
2. Increase Organic Traffic
When your consumers create UGC, of course their posts will mention your business IG account.
In addition, these posts will also reach a wider user or target market. And furthermore, if the user is interested, they will definitely click on your brand mentions and delve deeper into the product.
So, from here your account can get traffic organically.
3. Provide Authentic Content Sources
In fact, consumers trust content that contains reviews or reviews that come from direct customers. Customers who have used these products will certainly provide honest personal experiences, whether they are happy or sad.
It’s different if it’s from the brand itself that provides reviews. Consumers tend to be less confident.
In addition, consumers who make UGC are also not paid anything, meaning that they voluntarily provide authentic or factual reviews and reviews.
If there are consumers who accidentally find UGC posts, they are interested and grow trust in the product. So over time, they will buy the product one of them because of the honest review .
3. Strengthen Digital Presence
As the owner of a brand or business, appearing or appearing on digital platforms such as websites and social media is an important thing to pay attention to.
This is commonly referred to as a digital presence or online presence. Be it your website, social media, or something else. Digital presence is an important thing to do because this is where more and more users will know about your product.
One thing that can make your brand appear on the internet is user-generated content. Content is one of the factors that can help strengthen an online presence.
By getting UGC from consumers, it means that you can also repost it again. From there, the opportunity for your product to appear on the internet will be greater and further strengthen your digital presence.
How to Get User-Generated Content for Your Business
After knowing the importance of user-generated content for a business, this time it’s your turn to find out how to get the UGC.
Below are several ways to get user generated content that you can try.
1. Influencer marketing
The first way you can try is with influencer marketing services. Influencers here are people who have thousands or even millions of followers (followers) and can have a strong influence on their followers. Examples such as:
- Celebrity
- Influence
- Content Creator
- Blogger
- And others
The first and easiest way to get UGC is to run influencer marketing
Currently, influencer marketing is becoming one of the trending product marketing strategies. Some of the main objectives of which are to increase brand awareness and expand market reach.
When influencers provide reviews or testimonials, they will automatically mention the brand that is being used.
From here you can get user-generated content. But what you need to remember, this influencer marketing strategy is in the paid category, so at least you have to prepare funds according to the influencer you want to use.
In addition, each influencer also has a different rate card. The more influential the public figure, the greater the price they charge.
2. Hold a giveaway
The second way is by holding a giveaway, this method is arguably cheaper than before. Although you still have to pay for the giveaway prize. Here is an example of giveaway content on Instagram.
In order to get UGC from there, you can apply several conditions to be able to enter the giveaway, such as:
- Must follow your brand’s IG account.
- Make posts in the form of reviews when using your brand.
- Must mention the brand’s IG account.
Well, from the conditions above, you will not only get UGC, but also get additional followers for your account.
In addition to getting UGC, from these conditions you can also get additional new followers. How much can you get from one giveaway?
3. Interaction with followers
The third way to get UGC is by interacting with your followers.
If you don’t have enough budget to hire influencer marketing services or hold a giveaway. Then another alternative that you can do is increase interaction with followers.
Follower interactions also take various forms, for example, as.
- Opening a QnA session on Instagram Stories.
- Playing This or That, usually this is done in an online business selling account (food, clothing, thrift, etc.).
- Make a post that contains an invitation for discussion in the comments column.
And there are many more types of interactions with followers . The more often followers interact with you, the desire will arise from them to provide reviews or reviews voluntarily as well.
Don’t forget to also maintain an attitude, give the best possible consumer response so that they stay comfortable with your brand.
4. Start a trend or challenge
The next way to get UGC is to start a trend or challenge.
Currently, there are many trends or challenges that are often held by brands with the aim of inviting their followers to participate in enlivening the trend.
Especially with the current TikTok and Instagram Reels, it really helps market products through video.
Well, to get UGC from this method, you only need to create a trend or challenge, it can be a product review video, photo contest or something else.
Then invite followers to join in on the fun and ask them not to forget to mention your business social media accounts. From here you can get user-generated content.