User-generated content (UGC) is one of the best practical forms of free marketing that an e-commerce business can ask for: authentic, trustworthy content developed by fans and influencers, sharing images and videos of your products, and reviews. Ultimately, people trust people more than brands. This is why social media is a fantastic way to harness the power of UGC, reinforcing its importance as a marketing tool.
Enhance the Organic Presence of Your Online Store
Most consumers will start their online journey by first researching online. Generally, shoppers seek product reviews, testimonials, product demonstrations, or video reviews. This also includes discussions on forums and social media channels.
If there’s one thing search engines love, it is fresh and vital content that provides good value to users. Authenticity is critical now more than ever, so using UGC can make your company more desirable to your audience and gives you a strong advantage against competitors. So, how will this aid your SEO strategy? Users engaging with your online brand will help attract website traffic and assist your local SEO.
Receive Positive Product Feedback from Customers
As a business brand, you must contribute to the online conversation and answer questions on social media. This demonstrates to people that their opinions matter and develops a two-way conversation that enables brands to build trust online. Over time, this will lead you to receive positive reviews organically.
Furthermore, businesses must be wary of fake online reviews and testimonials. Negative reviews must be taken seriously, and user-generated content can help with that. The main goal of each online business is to embrace negative thoughts and create a positive outcome. This will show you are interested in what your customers have to say.
Save Money to Grow Your Business
Businesses don’t need to pay for using user-generated content since users create it. Companies can incentivize users to share content, like competitions or giveaways. In particular, UGC is cost-effective and assists small businesses in expanding their reach. It also builds up consumer loyalty and confidence with growing brand awareness.
Community-Building
People trust people, not marketers. They’ve become socially conscious about their purchases from brands and want to support ethical and worthwhile businesses. As a result, consumers turn to UCG as if they would go to their family or friends. So, user-generated content builds consumer confidence. It’s an effective way for your brand to influence your audience and convert them into buyers.
In today’s competitive online landscape, brands benefit from the reviews and attention their customers provide. It’s the proof brands must know their customers love what they offer and the proof shoppers need to become loyal customers of a brand.
User-generated content is authentic and more experience-driven because it is the modern word-of-mouth advertising method. This plays a significant role in consumer purchasing decisions. Fortunately, Adventure Web Interactive collaborates with Maryland eCommerce businesses to develop e-commerce solutions. Our team can do more than bring your ideas to life—we can help you build an online business that optimizes your potential.
Craig Kahl is the President and CEO of Adventure Web Interactive. AWI has been recognized as Baltimore’s Top Web Design Firm by The Daily Record and named one of Silicon Review Magazine’s Top 50 Most Admired Companies in the country. Before founding Adventure Web Interactive in 1997, he was VP of Operations for Campus Concepts, Inc., and the youngest division head in history for Pitney Bowes at age 24. He has a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from the University of Maryland and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Loyola University. Craig is a member of the International CEO Club and Rolling Road Golf Club and loves spending time outdoors with his wife and son.
