What is User Generated Content and how to ask for it!

User-generated content is original, brand-specific content created by your customers and posted to their social media!

Whether it be images, videos, reviews or even a mention in a podcast, user generated content is probably the most valuable source of marketing you can get!

It’s authentic, meaningful and trusted by your potential customers as a reliable insight into your brand. It’s like modern-day word of mouth marketing!

So, how do you get it? Here’s my top tips:

1. Encourage your customers to share their snaps of your exciting new product first you’ll have to create a welcoming space for them to share their experiences & reviews of your brand. Make it known that you’d love to see them using your products or the results they’ve seen from your services. This can be as simple as adding a little caption to your own social posts or weekly newsletters, encouraging your customers to share your product with their own audience.
   
   Don’t forget to promote the use of your brand’s hashtags so that you can find their posts!
   

2. When it comes to sharing user generated content for marketing purposes on your own platform, it’s important to get permission first! Make it a habit to reach out, ask permission & receive user’s consent before you go ahead and share this with your audience! Let them know what you intend to use it for and offer them their deserved credit for the snap when you repost!
   
   It’s all about creating connections with your customer base, don’t be afraid to reach out and get the conversation started.
   

3. One of the best things about user-generated content is the way it sparks engagement and fortifies community. For your customers, receiving a mention or repost from one of their favourite brands can be just what they needed to really solidify their connection to the brand & become a loyal, returning customer.
   
   Not only does user-generated content build a bridge between brand & customer, but it also exposes your brand to new people, growing your audience & increasing brand awareness.
   

4. This is your sign to stop treating social media engagement like a chore, and start treating it like an opportunity for growth. Treat your audience with respect, show them your human side! Answer their questions, give them recognition and show up on your stories!
   
   If leveraged properly, user generated content can add so much value to your brand.

Time to get to work!

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