Have you heard of UGC? UGC stands for User Generated Content and is the posh name for brands using images generated by their customers. User Generated Content has huge value for brands, can be a great way to connect brands to customers, and can also be a great way to start relationships moving forward. So let’s delve into the world of UGC, shall we?
How not to use and abuse User Generate Content
User Generated Content (and its use!) has a whole load of benefits. Many brands use UGC on their social media, and it’s easy to see why. Professional shots bring a whole lot to the marketing mix, there’s no denying that at all, but UGC can complement this. So while professional shoots might be in the studio, or even highly styled lifestyle shoots designed to show the product in an aspiration setting, UGC is, usually, different. User Generated Content usually shows the product in real life, on real customers, in different locations. UGC can give style ideas, it can show the kind of hobbies your customers have (which can attract more of the same), tell a story, and so much more. And this can be so so useful.
If you’re an influencer, having your content shared on a big account can be a great way to get you and your account in front of more people. And it’s often why you as an influencer will tag images, to get attention from the brands that you love.
However, if you are a brand, you MUST ask permission from the photographer before you can repost. A lot of people don’t but it’s simply not correct as you don’t own that image. The photographer does. And you have to ask.
When it comes to how brands find these precious gems of User Generated Content, there are a few ways. On Instagram, tagging the image with the brands featured makes it easy for brands to find these images. Adding the brand’s @ to a caption will also generate a notification, but if the brand has a busy account, they might lose this amongst likes and various other things that the platform is notifying them about. Another really useful way to keep track of User Generated Content is to use a hashtag. As a brand, tell your fans about the hashtag you’ll be keeping an eye on. Do this through your bio on Instagram or maybe even add a card in with orders. With Facebook, looking at notifications and tracking down who has tagged your brand is a whole lot easier.
User Generated Content can be HUGE for brands, and a great way for influencers and users of the platform to get more eyeballs on their content. Just do it properly. As everyone wins that way.
