4 Tips To Engage Your Audience with User-Generated Content

Engagement can be measured in many ways: likes, comments, shares, link clicks, mentions, and using branded hashtags are just a few examples. 

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Here’s four tips to engage your audience with user-generated content. 

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Create Branded Hashtags

Social media hashtags are only effective if the right ones are utilised. When companies and influencers use hashtags that make sense for their niche, consumers can easily search for content that’s been published and find other fans of the brand online. 

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Hashtags Keep Brands in the Spotlight

One of the most successful hashtag campaigns in history was Adidas’ #HereToCreate movement that began in 2017. It didn’t take long for celebrities and athletes such as Lionel Messi and Pharell Williams to hop on board Adidas’ hashtag trend. By the time the 2018 Boston Marathon rolled around, more than 30k videos promoting the branded hashtag had been created.  

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Share Reviews and Testimonials

According to a recent study released by Reevoo, 70% of consumers prioritise peer reviews and testimonials over company-produced content. 

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Transparency is Key

Companies that create safe spaces for consumers to provide feedback experience greater brand loyalty. A great way to engage with your audience is by sharing their reviews and testimonials. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from current consumers—after all 62% of Millennials admit if a brand engages with them online they’ll end up becoming a loyal customer. 

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Show Appreciation by Featuring Your Customers’ Instagram Content

According to a study released by Adweek, 72% of brands believe that User-Generated Content helps them connecting with their customers. When companies reshare content created by their fan base, it shows a willingness to listen to their audience and inspires users to continue sharing their photos and experiences. 

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Promote Photo Contests

Well-designed photo competitions are a great way to collect user-generated content while engaging your audience. Studies show more than 34% of new customers are acquired through social media contests. Did you know Instagram accounts that promote photo contests grow at a rate of 70% faster than accounts that don’t? 

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Whether you’re giving away a free t-shirt, a complimentary subscription, or an experience, promoting photo contests is a win-win for audiences and companies. 

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Fun fact: Instagram contests receive 3.5x more likes and 64 times more comments than average photo posts.

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Tips on Organising Your Next Photo Contest

• Define the goals of the campaign and decide where you’ll feature the user-generated content
• Keep the rules simple and make sure the following questions are answered clearly: will people need to use a specific hashtag? Is following the business page or tagging friends a requirement to enter? Will the audience be able to vote for their favourite piece? How will the winner(s) be selected? How many entries can a participant submit?
• Thank all of the participants and announce the winner(s)

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Consumers lean towards businesses that emphasise the human touch. Engaging an audience with UGC allows companies the opportunity to build communities, increase brand loyalty, and serves as a reminder that there’s a real person on the other side of the computer.

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For more information on how to utilise UGC to maximise your brand, head back to SnapSea or give us a follow on LinkedIn.