User generated content is a strong tool for any business. It can strengthen the connection between a brand and its audience and make your brand appear more authentic.
In recent years, the rise of UGC creation has become very apparent, particularly on video platforms like TikTok, Instagram reels and stories – making it a key marketing tool used by brands in all sectors.
Here we’ll explore what exactly UGC is, unravelling the confusion around the difference between influencer partnerships and UGC creators, as well as the benefits that sharing UGC can have on your brand.
The Rise of UGC and Video Content
In an age of digital transformation, it’s no longer about fancy, airbrushed TV advertisements and polished brand messaging. It’s about real people and real experiences. Anyone with a smartphone can now become a content creator and video content has become the centre of it all, allowing consumers to share their lives, showcase their purchases and provide authentic reviews.
This is where the golden opportunity for your business lies.
Why You Should be Utilising UGC and its Benefits
A statistic that is hard to ignore is that 95% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase. And 58% say they would pay more for a product of a brand with good reviews.
People trust people, not necessarily businesses. So, when potential customers see happy existing customers utilising your product or service, it instantly validates your brand. It’s just like getting the seal of approval to say this actually works, and works well!
Plus, UGC provides an incredible opening for user engagement. By encouraging your customers to create content related to your brand, you’ll be amazed at the sense of community it fosters and the genuine content you can use.
Not only does UGC build trust and authenticity, it’s also a super cost-effective strategy for boosting engagement, and allows for market research at the same time. You can gather valuable insight from this content, helping you to understand what customers love about your brand and products as well as where there could be room for improvement.
It also allows for a constant stream of fresh content, relevant for your social media pages and website, so you can keep your content plans diverse alongside your brand content.
What’s the Difference Between UGC Creators and Influencers?
There can be confusion around this topic as the two seem very similar, however, there is one big difference, and that is UGC creators usually are not in any contract with the business and do not have an obligation to post content involving the company’s product. A lot of the time they post simply because they wish to – its organic content, as opposed to paid.
Whereas influencers will have a larger, more engaged following, scouted out by the company who will usually pay a fee for the content and its exposure to a specific audience.
UGC is often less polished than influencer content, again, giving more authenticity.
Like this blog? Why not read another to boost your brand’s potential?
- Five Ways to Repurpose Your Video Content
- Social Media Updates
- How To Ensure an Effective and Trustworthy Influencer Marketing Campaign
At Prohibition, we work with a range of B2B and B2C brands across all sectors to create engaging social media marketing strategies that allow brands to stay up to date with the latest trends and updates. Get in touch today to find out how we could help you.
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