Influencers, endorsements or customer reviews – businesses rely heavily on the positive words of their customers. It is through their endorsement of a product or service that potential customers can be influenced into making similar purchases.
Using the words and reviews of customers as a form of marketing is nothing new, but it has certainly evolved over the years. If you find yourself scrolling through your Instagram or Twitter feed, you may have noticed that a brand you favor post images of customers wearing products or showing off a service the business provides. This is user-generated content and it is quite the effective marketing tool. Continue reading to learn more about user-generated content and how your business can use it toward marketing efforts.
What is User-Generated Content?
Defined by Hootsuite as, “original, brand-specific content created by customers and published on social media or other channels,” user-generated content is a mutually beneficial exchange. Businesses can connect with customers in an organic way, using their content as a way to promote their business, while customers get noticed and have the potential to grow their own audience.
Examples of User-Generated Content
User-generated content can be shared across any social media platform. Here are specific types of content you’re likely to see on social media.
- Images
- Videos (Youtube, TikTok, Reels)
- Tweets
- Product reviews
- Blog posts
- Testimonials
- Live streams
Rules of User-Generated Content
Of course when it comes to user-generated content, there are a few rules that businesses should follow, including the following.
Ask for Permission
It is important to always ask for permission before publishing or using customers’ content. When customers create popular posts using your company’s hashtag, it can be tempting to quickly republish that content to ride the popularity wave. However, using content without permission has the potential to burn bridges with advocates.
When asking for permission, first thank the creator for taking the time to make content around your product/service. Then share with them what you plan to do with their content and finally ask if they are okay with their work being posted to your business pages.
Give Credit to the Original Poster
When reposting user-generated content, it is important to give clear credit to the original poster. This includes: tagging them in your post and clarifying if their words are being used in the caption. If you plan to republish the content on multiple social media platforms, ask the creator if they have a Twitter, Instagram and/or Facebook page so they can be credited across the board.
Giving credit is a way of publicly honoring, respecting and recognizing customers/creators who appreciate your products enough to make content around it.
Benefits of User-Generated Content
Shows Brand Loyalty
User-generated content shows that customers care enough about your brand to create content about it even though they aren’t associated with your business. Businesses can gain customer support when they place their audience at the center of their marketing efforts.
Cost-Effective
This type of marketing allows businesses to forgo spending thousands or more on social media marketing, commercials, paid ads, etc..
Blufish Knows Social Media
We know that finding ways to engage your audience on social media can be difficult at times, which is why Blufish is here to help. If your business wants to boost its social media efforts, contact us today to learn more about our services!