The concept of user-generated content (UGC) is as old as content itself. Online forums, blog comments, and the ability to publish content at the click of a button have propelled UGC to record highs. Shows like Be Your Own Director have naturally morphed into YouTube compilations, where around 300 hours of video are uploaded every minute.
When used correctly, UGC can be a huge advantage for content marketers. According to the Nielsen Consumer Trust Index, 92% of consumers trust user-generated content more than traditional advertising.
According to a Curata study, content marketers consistently cite a lack of resources as their biggest challenge. UGC can help save your company time, save your financial resources, and increase your credibility.
But that's not all. Here are six additional benefits of user-generated content and how to monetize it.
Read also: Online Marketing for Beginners: Use Content to Attract an Audience
1. Benefits of Content Curation
The good news: UGC falls under the umbrella of content curation (the process of discovering, collecting, and publishing digital content on a specific topic). Curation also means that the content must be owned by the third party being linked to and be relevant.
If you're not already familiar with the benefits of content curation, here are some of them:
Increase brand awareness;
Strengthening your reputation as an expert in your field;
Streamlining the Lead Nurturing process ;
Improved social media performance;
Lead generation support.
2. Increased audience reach and growth in social networks
Social platforms and UGC campaigns go hand in hand. When combined, their strengths create something magical, strengthening your brand reputation and developing your relationships with customers.
Social media tactics that encourage user-generated content include:
Create a custom hashtag or photo contest on Instagram;
Polls and tasks on Twitter or Facebook;
Launch of the video competition.
Examples of outstanding user-generated content on social jamaica phone number data media include the #AerieReal campaign from activewear and lingerie brand Aerie on Instagram and last year's Starbucks #RedCupArt contest.
It is extremely important to respond to user-generated content. By asking people to contribute, you should acknowledge their efforts. This ensures more meaningful interactions and encourages other users to create content.
This type of interaction is beneficial for both parties. 75% of people are likely to share a successful experience on their profile.
Moreover, UGC campaigns on social media increase social traffic, which in turn leads to:
Increasing the subscriber base;
Greater audience reach;
Increased brand awareness;
Improving social media metrics such as likes, comments, retweets and shares;
Increasing website traffic and increasing the number of views.