You’re scrolling through Instagram and seeing a friend wearing the most excellent sneakers, looking happy. That’s user-generated content (UGC), capturing genuine brand love in everyday life. In social media marketing, UGC is mighty – an authentic endorsement much more convincing than a polished ad. In this guide, we’ll dive into UGC in detail – what it is, why it’s essential, and how to use it to its fullest.
Easy Ways to Get People Sharing About Your Stuff and Create User-Generated Content:
Ask Them What They Think and Create User-Generated Content
- Talking with friends or asking your customers on what they think about your products, can help others decide to try them!
- Example: Sephora encourages user-generated content by prompting customers to share their makeup looks on social media using hashtags like #SephoraHaul or #SephoraFavorites. This approach allows others to see firsthand how the products perform, like receiving recommendations from friends.
See What’s Trending and Create User-Generated Content
- Keep an eye on what your customers like so you can make products they’ll love and want to share with others. This strategy, known as user-generated content, involves understanding customer preferences to inspire product development and encourage sharing.
- Example: Fashion Nova follows hashtags like #FashionNova to keep up with the latest trends. They use this information to create new clothing collections based on trends and encourage customers to share photos of their latest outfits.
Make a Cool Tag to Create User-Generated Content
- Create a catchy hashtag that people can use when they post about your brand. This will give them a fun way to connect with others who like your stuff, too.
- Example: Adidas promotes #HereToCreate to share stories about pushing limits and sparking creativity. It’s about art, innovation, and breaking barriers. Join a global community to share and celebrate victories
Join the Fun with Contests and Create User-Generated Content
- Hold contests where people can show off what they do with your stuff. The winners will win fabulous prizes, and you will have fantastic content to share!
- Example: Starbucks had a #RedCupContest where people could decorate holiday cups. The winning designs were featured on Starbucks cups everywhere, making everyone feel festive and creative!
Listen to What They Say Online to Create UGC
- Check social media marketing to see what people are saying about your brand. Join the conversation and ask them to share their experiences.
- Example: Lush Cosmetics monitors social media for hashtags like #LushLife, where customers share their bath bomb creations and skincare routines. They engage with these posts by reposting them on their official channels, celebrating their customers’ creativity.
Team Up with Trendsetters
- Partner with famous online people who love your brand. When they share about it, their followers become interested, too!
- Example: Gymshark collaborates with fitness influencers and athletes to showcase their activewear collections, inspiring followers to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Get Your Team Involved
- Let your employees share why they love working with your brand. Their enthusiasm can inspire others to join in.
- Example: Google encourages employees to share their experiences and projects on social media marketing through the hashtag #LifeAtGoogle. This showcases the company culture, attracts talent, and fosters brand advocacy.
Turn Fans into Super Fans
- Find your biggest fans and give them special perks for sharing about your brand. They’ll feel like VIPs and spread the word even more!
- Example: Apple’s dedicated fan base eagerly shares their unboxing experiences, product reviews, and app recommendations across social media platforms. Apple recognises and engages with these super fans, creating a community of brand ambassadors.
Challenge Them to Get Creative and Create User-Generated Content
- Create fun challenges that showcase your customers’ creativity with your products. It’s like a friendly competition that everyone enjoys.
- Real Example: LEGO runs the #BuildToGive campaign during the holidays, encouraging fans to build LEGO ornaments. For each ornament shared, LEGO donates a set to a needy child, inspiring creativity and goodwill among its community.
Give Them Something Back
- Reward people who share their experiences with your stuff. Discounts, special deals, or a shout-out can make them feel appreciated and eager to share more.
- Example: Lululemon encourages sharing workouts on social media with #thesweatlife to connect with others and feel part of a healthy community.
Tips for Sharing Their Awesome Stuff
- Give Credit: Always mention who created a post when sharing it.
- Ask Permission: Get okay before using someone’s photos or videos.
- Respect Comfort: Make sure everyone feels good about sharing; don’t push.
- Be Honest: Tell if someone got a reward for sharing.
- Feature Stories: Show off user posts on your site or social media.
- Stay Updated: Use tools to find new posts and keep things fresh and exciting.
People love to talk about their favourite brands when you make sharing fun and respectful. So, get ready to see your brand shine through the stories of your happy customers!