Sterling member QBD is a firm believer in the power and value of user-generated content. Here, the full-service digital marketing agency shares some top tips to encourage your clients and social media followers to create content you can use to enhance your brand…
Encouraging and leveraging user-generated content – like social posts, reviews, photos and videos – can transform your satisfied customers into true brand ambassadors. When your followers generate positive branded content, they naturally become more invested in your company. The key is to invite your audience to share their brand experience.
Run hashtag campaigns on social media, set up product photo contests or create review incentives. Make it easy for people to submit testimonials or case studies.
To encourage user-generated content, think creatively about prompts and campaigns that inspire your audience to share about your brand. For example, you could run a photo challenge on Instagram, rewarding featured submissions with discounts or freebies. Or, ask customers to post video reviews of your latest offering on YouTube for a chance to be highlighted on your social channels.
Create fun branded hashtags like #MyFavoriteThingAbout[YourBrand] and encourage users to share stories and photos on Twitter and Instagram. Set up a simple submission form on your website for case studies and testimonials.
Send quick surveys asking how your products or services have impacted your customers. With their permission, you can repurpose this feedback into powerful social testimonials.
The key is to make it simple and rewarding for your community to generate branded content. Think beyond just reviews. Creative user-generated campaigns and incentives inspire genuine shares that authentically represent your brand through the eyes of real customers. This level of advocacy is priceless.
Be sure to share user-generated content on your own platforms after obtaining permission. Credit and tag the creators. It shows you value your community, which further engages them with your brand. Their social networks will also see the user-generated content you re-share, expanding your reach. You can even feature your best brand ambassadors as case studies or spokespeople.
The authenticity of real customers conveys trust and credibility better than brand-created content alone ever could.
Getting permission and properly attributing user-generated content is essential when re-sharing it.
When running campaigns, have clear submission guidelines stating you may repurpose content posted publicly with proper credit.
You can also have users sign social media consent forms to use their content in marketing.
When sharing user-generated content like social posts or photos, be sure to tag the creator’s handle and thank them for the submission. For longer testimonials or case studies, include a quote/credit line and link back to their website or social profile.
Reposting user-generated content shows you value supporters who take the time to create it. It gives them a sense of pride and accomplishment to be featured. Other followers will take note, making them more likely to participate in future campaigns.
With the creator’s permission, you can expand the reach of quality content by sharing on your own social channels and marketing materials. Their networks see the content, too, introducing your brand to new audiences. Just be sure proper attribution is always included when reposting user-generated content. The trust it builds is well worth the effort.
When handled well, user-generated content creates an excellent win-win relationship between your brand and your online audience.
To learn more about how QBD can help you, visit their website: https://www.qbd.co.uk/
