How to Create a Foolproof UGC Marketing Strategy

User Generated Content (UGC) has become a goldmine for digital marketing firms. Many consumers are saying they are now more inclined to buy a product after seeing user-generated content. 

It’s no wonder that companies are jumping at the chance to use UGC in their marketing campaigns. 

A Case Study: Coca-Cola

Last year global soft drink brand Coca-Cola called on digital creatives from around the world to create original artwork with the help of AI. The “Create Real Magic” platform was a partnership between OpenAI and Bain & Company.

Fans were able to access branded elements, from the distinctive Coke bottle to the company’s advertising archives. The campaign was a huge success. The finalists were invited to Coca-Cola’s global headquarters in Atlanta to attend the Real Magic Creative Academy.

By leveraging the power of UGC and AI, the brand once again reinforced its status as a creative powerhouse. It’s also a testament that if you get it right, reaping the rewards of user-generated content will increase brand power.

In this article, we’ll look at ways to create a UGC-led marketing strategy.

Keep it Real

In a world blurred between fact and fiction, consumers crave authenticity. The environment is constantly shifting, making it hard for creatives to keep up.

UGC can play a pivotal role in shaping a brand’s narrative and influencing consumer behavior. 

According to Glossy, UGC increased conversions by 70% during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. It boiled down to the genuine experiences shared by consumers, not the brands.

Navigating the world of user-generated content can be overwhelming if you have no clue where to begin. Enlisting the help of a UGC agency will get you started on the right footing.

With years of experience, an agency will help create relatable content that aligns with your target audience. You’ll also get access to videos and content creators.

The biggest advantage of going with an agency is that they vet all content creators. You are then able to choose from a list of which one will be the best fit for your brand.

Companies like Brkfst.io help business owners by assigning an account director to create a brief based on their objectives, target audience, and messaging. It is like having professionals do all the heavy lifting for you. 

Popular Social Media Platforms

During their 2023 survey, Influencer Marketing Hub spoke to more than 1,000 UGC creators. The findings provided some insightful guidance for marketing firms.

For instance, the report showed that women are dominating the UGC space, with men accounting for 4% of content creators. 

The top social media platforms are predictably TikTok (54%) and Instagram (42%). Interestingly, X (Twitter) and YouTube are climbing up the ranks. 

The stats also showed how audience consumption of UGC influenced social media. Before the onset of user-generated content, Instagram was the most preferred platform.

Types of Content to Promote

Social Media Examiner says lifestyle content accounts for a large percentage of a brand’s tags and mentions. As a way of leveraging UGC, you can include content from a creator who’s used your service or product. 

This is where in-app sharing tools come in handy. They allow you to republish content, as well as tag the original creator. But always be sure to get permission before resharing any content that’s not your own.

Unboxing posts are also proving popular. Everybody loves the excitement of opening a new package. Encourage customers to tag you in their mentions and create a branded hashtag. Remember to keep it short and unique. You could promote the hashtag campaign via organic or paid social media posts.

Boosting Engagement

Unique strategy ideas will set you apart from the competition. Forbes says interacting with your audience is the best way to boost engagement.

Run creative social media campaigns such as contests or challenges to foster a sense of community. Reward their efforts with giveaways and discount codes. 

Use storytelling as an effective tool to create brand awareness. Your customer ends up becoming your brand ambassador. An easy way of doing this is with a short video showing screenshots of customer reviews and building your campaign around positive testimonials.

Parting Words

Traditional marketing strategies are taking a backseat to UGC. Many experts believe that companies should be cognizant of how they interact with their clients across all touchpoints. 

Audience engagement and brand loyalty are the cornerstones of every social media marketing plan. This is why user-generated content is one of the most effective ways of remaining transparent and keeping communication open with your customers.

Tap into the authentic UGC content creator base for original content creation. If in doubt, consult with UGC agencies and share with them your marketing objectives to meet your goals.