User-generated content is a type of content that is created and distributed voluntarily by the clients of a particular brand. Some firms successfully incorporate UGC in their advertising strategy while some large brands completely build their campaigns on it.
It is difficult to provide an exhaustive list of types of user materials due to their variety. But several UGC categories are more common than others.
Types of User-Generated Content
- Feedbacks
- Comments and posts on social media
- Photo or video review and unpacking
- Professional content
Advantages of User-Generated Content
User-Generated Content is a relatively new strategy that provides a vast array of benefits if used properly:
- Minimum costs. There is no need to spend large amounts of money on advertising campaigns and generate content if it is already created by satisfied clients.
- Effectiveness. People trust people, especially if the feedback is not artificial but rather emotional and understandable.
- Building trust. UGC helps to analyze both advantages and disadvantages of a product or service before purchasing it.
There are many ways to stimulate the audience to create UGC and therefore attract new clients. It may simply be a direct request to express an honest opinion about a product or creating polls where clients suggest their ideas for further improvements. Apart from that, it is necessary to organize giveaways and raffle prizes regularly. Moreover, one of the most effective methods is to cooperate with bloggers and opinion leaders by bartering (this means sending products to them in exchange for advertising).
