“How to Use User-Generated Content to Grow Your Brand”

OVERVIEW

WHAT EXACTLY IS USER GENERATED CONTENT

CONTENT

BOOST YOUR INCOME

What better way to get User Generated Content than using our extensive Social Media Lists for endless content ideas.

The best part about UGC is that it’s free, organic, and helps you build a stronger connection with your audience. It’s not just about your voice anymore—your customers can become powerful advocates for your brand. Here’s how you can make the most of it, step by step.

Step 1: Encourage Your Audience to Share Their Experiences

If you want user-generated content, the first step is to ask for it! Start by encouraging your customers to share their experiences using your product or service. You can ask them to post photos or videos on social media with a branded hashtag. For example, if your brand is about fitness, you could create a hashtag like #MyFitJourneyWith[YourBrand].

Pro Tip:

Offer an incentive! Run a contest or giveaway where people can enter by sharing content and tagging your brand. This gives them a reason to engage and boosts participation. Remember to make the hashtag easy to remember and relevant to your brand.

Step 2: Feature UGC on Your Platforms

When people post about your brand, showcase it! Reposting UGC on your Instagram feed, stories, or website not only helps you maintain a consistent content flow but also makes your customers feel appreciated. For example, GoPro does this brilliantly by regularly sharing user-created videos and photos taken with their products, which increases trust and brand loyalty.

Example:

If you run a clothing brand, and someone posts a photo in your latest collection, repost that on your Instagram story with a thank you and tag them back. Not only do they feel valued, but their friends will also see your brand in action.

Pro Tip:

Create a dedicated UGC section on your website. Showcasing real customers using your products builds credibility and can influence new visitors to trust your brand.

Step 3: Leverage UGC for Social Proof

People trust other people more than brands. Highlight reviews, testimonials, or video feedback from happy customers on your social media, website, or even in email campaigns. This kind of social proof can drive more sales by showing new customers that real people love what you offer.

Example:

Platforms like Amazon are built on social proof—reviews and ratings are key factors in purchasing decisions. Similarly, you can use customer testimonials as the driving force behind your brand’s credibility.

Pro Tip:

Create a dedicated highlight reel on Instagram showcasing customer testimonials or reviews. Make this a living space where potential customers can instantly see why others trust your brand.

Step 4: Turn UGC into Ads

UGC can be a goldmine for creating authentic, relatable ads. Instead of professionally staged ads, why not use photos or videos created by real customers? Not only is this cost-effective, but it resonates more with people because it feels real.

Example:

Beauty brand Glossier often features real customer testimonials and images in their ads. It creates a sense of authenticity, showing potential customers how the products work for people like them.

Pro Tip:

Make sure you ask for permission before using UGC in ads. You can DM the creator or comment on their post to request approval. Many people will be happy to be featured!

Step 5: Collaborate with Micro-Influencers

Sometimes, your most loyal customers with small followings are your biggest advocates. Identify your top customers and collaborate with them as micro-influencers. These people have more genuine engagement with their followers, and their audience trusts their recommendations.

Example:

Let’s say someone with 2,000 followers regularly shares their experience with your products. Reach out and offer them a discount code or free products to share with their followers. These micro-influencers are often more affordable and effective than bigger influencers.

Pro Tip:

Use tools like BuzzSumo or HypeAuditor to find micro-influencers in your niche who are already talking about your brand or similar products.

CONTENT

WHAT TO CONSIDER

1. UGC Builds Trust and Authenticity

• Trust is crucial in today’s digital marketplace. Customers are increasingly wary of polished, overly-promotional content. UGC, created by real people, feels more genuine and is far more likely to resonate with potential buyers.
• Stat to use: According to a report from Stackla, 79% of people say UGC highly impacts their purchasing decisions, while only 13% are influenced by branded content.
• Tip: Encourage customers to share how they use your product in their daily lives, which not only adds authenticity but also demonstrates the practical value of your offering.

2. Boosts SEO and Engagement

• UGC can improve your website’s SEO rankings by increasing engagement metrics like time on site, social shares, and organic backlinks. Every time a customer shares content about your brand, it’s a new touchpoint that can lead to more traffic and improve your search visibility.
• Example: If your customers leave reviews, post testimonials, or share product photos with branded hashtags, it increases the chances that your brand will rank higher on search engines for specific queries related to your product.

3. Crowdsourced Content Can Save Time and Resources

• As an entrepreneur, you likely have a tight budget and limited resources. With UGC, you can rely on your community to help generate content for you, reducing the need for costly in-house content creation or professional photo shoots.
• Example: Instead of hiring models and photographers for a new product launch, ask your customers to share photos of themselves using the product. You can feature this content in marketing materials, saving both time and money.

4. Improves Social Proof

• Social proof is one of the most powerful motivators for new customers. When potential buyers see real people using and endorsing your product, they’re more likely to trust your brand and make a purchase.
• Tip: Incorporate customer reviews and testimonials on product pages, or create a dedicated landing page showcasing UGC to highlight your brand’s impact.

5. UGC Fosters a Community Around Your Brand

• One of the biggest benefits of UGC is that it helps you build a community. Customers who feel like part of your brand’s story are more likely to become repeat buyers and advocates.
• Example: Brands like Lululemon and Starbucks excel at creating communities where customers share their experiences and encourage others to do the same. This drives engagement and builds a loyal customer base.

6. Diversify UGC Across Multiple Channels

• UGC doesn’t have to be limited to social media or your website. You can use it in email marketing, ads, and even offline marketing materials. For example, use customer photos in your newsletters or feature testimonials in print ads.
• Tip: You can also incorporate UGC into your product packaging. Imagine including a QR code on the packaging that leads to a customer gallery or a thank-you video from real customers.

7. Legal Considerations When Using UGC

• Be aware of legal considerations when using UGC. Make sure you have explicit permission from users before using their content, especially in ads or other marketing campaigns. You can ask for permission via direct message or set up a clear hashtag campaign where the terms of use are clearly stated.
• Example: Brands often use a simple message like “By using #YourBrand, you agree to let us use your content in our marketing materials.”

Final Tip:

• Make UGC part of your brand culture: Integrate UGC into your day-to-day operations. Whether through contests, social shoutouts, or simply thanking your customers publicly, showing that you value their contributions will encourage more UGC in the future.