UGC: How to Make the Most of Your Customers' Content!

USG: How to Take Advantage of the Content Your Customers are Creating

Have you ever scrolled through social media and spotted a customer praising your products? Or perhaps you've received a 5 star review for your services? If so. you’ve already encountered user-generated content (UGC).

Whilst this may seem run of the mill, UCG can act as a powerful tool that you can use to build brand awareness, trust, and real connections with your audience.

With more than 80 percent of consumers trusting customer recommendations over branded ads, UGC can act as a fantastic addition to your marketing strategy. But the question is: How do you make the most of it?

In this week’s Inside Track, we're sharing the different types of UGC and giving advice on how you can use it effectively for your business.

Let’s dive in and explore!

What is user-generated content (UGC)?

User-generated content refers to content created by individuals rather than brands. Since authenticity is now such a significant factor when it comes to purchasing decisions, businesses now use it to connect with their audience and position their brand as legitimate and trustworthy.

UGC can come in all forms, each in their specific formats and uses. Read on to discover the main ones that you can start utilising for your business success!

1. Customer reviews & testimonials

Did you know that 71% of consumers read online reviews when researching businesses? With scams and low-quality products getting more and more prevalent in the digital space, people rely on social proof before making a purchase.

Why does it matter?

Reviews and testimonials are first-hand experiences from your customers. When potential buyers know a real person is satisfied with your product/service, it gives them confidence that they’re making the right choice.

How to make the most out of it?

• Showcase positive reviews on your homepage or service pages.

• Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google or other platforms.

• Respond to each customer review to show your dedication to being a trusted brand.

MASTERING GOOGLE REVIEWS

2. Social media posts & mentions

You can’t deny the wonderful feeling when a customer tags your business in a post and shares their positive experience with your brand. And the best thing about it is that it’s free, making it feel far more authentic than advertising copy or self-proclaiming social posts.

Why it matters?

Social media posts and mentions are the digital version of word-of-mouth. When people see their friends, family, or favourite personality talking about your product or sharing your services. it helps your brand reach a wider audience organically.

How to make the most out of it?

• Reshare customer posts on your social media channels - think Instagram Stories or re-tweets via X.

• Create a hashtag that your customers can use to share experiences, which in turn will encourage others to do the same.

• Engage by liking and commenting on your customer’s post to get your name out there!

3. Photos & videos from customers

A picture is already attention grabbing, and a video? Even more engaging! When customers share photos and videos of your products, it shows authenticity and fosters engagement.

Why it matters?

Visual content from satisfied customers builds trust and drive engagement because consumers like seeing how products work before they purchase it. Plus, with multimedia-driven platforms like Instagram and TikTok, this visual content is more likely to be seen and shared.

How to make the most out of it?

• Encourage customers to share their experience through a contest or giveaway.
• Feature customer photos and videos on your website, social media, or ads for more credibility.
• Re-purpose video and video content via Instagram or TikTok, showcasing happy customers using your product.

4. Q&A and forum discussions

Q&A and forum discussions are a goldmine for authentic engagement. When people share their experiences, ask questions, and get answers from real users, it creates a sense of community around your brand.

Why it matters?

Forum discussions are valuable because they provide insights, build credibility, and encourage potential customers to take action. By actively participating or showcasing these discussions, you can strengthen customer relationships, address concerns, and reinforce your expertise in the industry.

How to make the most out of it?

• Answer questions and provide helpful insights on platforms like Quora or Reddit.
• Share important discussions on your website or social media to highlight customer experiences.
• Create a space where you can connect with your customers, like a Facebook group or Q&A section on your site.

How INSPIRE can help you make the most out of your UGC

My team at Inspire understands the power of authentic content. That’s why we’re here to help businesses harness the full potential of UGC.

Whether it’s integrating customer reviews into your website, managing your social media content, or curating user photos and videos to enhance your brand’s storytelling, we can help you make the most of UCG to expand your brand awareness and build more trust with your audience.

We're experts at creating strategies that can turn UGC into a powerful marketing tool that boosts credibility and conversions.

If you’re ready to make the most of user-generated content, send me an email and we can discuss the steps needed to bring your brand to the next level!

GET IN TOUCH WITH DAVID