Revolutionizing Inbound Marketing: The Power of User-Generated Content in 2023
In 2023, social media is seemingly becoming oversaturated with brands trying to sell you something. Sponsored content is typically unrelatable, boring, and just like all of the competition. One way that companies have been combatting this is through User-Generated Content. This method of social media marketing highlights the perspectives of consumers that are just like your customers.
User-Generated Content (UGC) can be either organic or sponsored. Organic UGC is often found on social media and features a real-life customer using the product. Sponsored UGC is when a brand sends a creator the product and typically a stipend. They then create the content, whether it be a video, podcast, review - you name it, and send it back to the brand. The brand can use it for their marketing efforts and the creator often shares it on their platforms as well. By harnessing the creativity of your customers, you can create a dynamic and engaging experience that sets your brand apart. And the best part? There are countless benefits to going this route! Here are just five of the top reasons why UGC is the way to go in 2023:
SOCIAL PROOF: A major benefit of UGC is that it provides social proof. When a customer sees someone just like them using a product and raving about it, it's much more convincing than a brand telling them to buy it. In fact, studies have shown that UGC is 42% more effective than branded content! By featuring real-life customers using their products, brands can build trust and credibility with their target audience, which ultimately leads to more conversions.
FRESH PERSPECTIVES: One of the biggest advantages of UGC is a variety of fresh perspectives is easily accessible. By working with different creators who each have their own unique style and approach, brands can showcase their products or services in new and interesting ways. This not only helps keep content engaging, but it also shows future customers that the product or service is versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
LOWER COSTS: Another advantage of UGC is that it can be an incredibly cost-effective marketing strategy. Traditional advertising methods can be quite costly but working with UGC creators with an already engaged following and that produce authentic and genuine content can help brands save money. Not to mention, producing content in-house often requires having employees, which brings up a whole slew of expenses.
CUSTOMIZED NEEDS: With countless services facilitating the use of UGC creators, there’s a creator out there that can meet your criteria, no matter how specific. Whether it's finding a creator with a certain demographic or working with someone who specializes in a specific type of content, UGC can be tailored to fit a brand's unique needs.
NO COMMITMENT: One of the best things about using UGC is that there's no long-term commitment required. Brands can work with creators on a project-by-project basis, giving them the flexibility to experiment with different types of content and creators without having any big commitments. This allows brands to try out different strategies and curate their methods as they go.
Overall, UGC is a valuable and exciting marketing strategy that can bring fresh and unique perspectives to your brand. By working with a diverse range of creators, brands can showcase their products or services in new and innovative ways, providing customers with an experience that they won't soon forget. Additionally, UGC is an effective way to build social proof and establish trust with potential customers, as they can see real-life users appreciating the product. And the best part? UGC is cost-effective, allowing brands to reach a wider audience without breaking the bank. So, why not jump on board and see how UGC can create a lasting impact on your audience? Email simone@lake.marketing and we’ll see what we can work out!