Why is User Generated Content So Important For Online Growth?
When you are online, whether you are looking for a local hairdresser or car dealership, how do you choose the right one for you? Do you go based on the output of a search engine, or do you look for something more?
Research has found that as many as 95% of online consumers will only purchase a product or service when they read reviews. This is what is known as user-generated content (UGC). If you want to grow your business online, no matter what it is, you will need to invest in getting some reviews of your company or service online for potential clients and customers to see.
How User-Generated Content is Trending in 2024
It seems that user-generated content will be one of the top trends in 2024. This article will explore the reasons for this. So, read on to learn more.
It’s Authentic
Almost everybody is aware that the internet is a whole of bots.
If you are on LinkedIn, you may be at the mercy of automated individuals offering you jobs. Of course, world-famous platform X has been accused of having bots on its platform for some time. This is not the end of it, as many services and companies have used bots to create false reviews, and now, the algorithm or most search engines can detect bot-related activity.
So, why UGC is important for marketing? Simply because it is authentic, it makes a brand’s image seem more real and adds to customers’ real-life experiences. It also harbours trust in a brand, and even if you get bad reviews, engaging in user-generated content will often get you ranked higher on search engine algorithms.
It’s Cost -Effective Marketing
It’s no secret that marketing can be costly. If you are a relatively new brand, you may not have the financial availability to invest in some higher-end online marketing and SEO options. However, when you engage in showcasing user-generated content, like reviews, this will help to boost your company or product’s standing via the algorithm while also having lower marketing costs. Research has found that if a brand adds user-generated content to their social media account or even their home page instead of their content, the cost of pay-per-click advertisements drops by 50%, thus saving you money.
It Promotes Engagement From Potential Customers
The research behind customer engagement is pretty straightforward: most people are less likely to engage with services or products if there are no reviews about what previous customers or clients have said. This is because a lack of insight into the services that you will provide can make people feel uneasy and, therefore, less likely to engage. Active participation from your previous customers or clients fosters a sense of community and increases overall engagement with your brand or service. So, if you are brand new to the world of trading, try to make sure that you ask your customers or clients for reviews if they can leave a review on Google, your company website, or another review website.
Remember, even if the reviews are bad or mediocre (due to common errors that occur in the early stages of a business), it is best to have them and to respond to them rather than to have nothing. The engagement from your business will increase your position on search engine algorithms and will be viewed as positive by potential customers.
It Makes You More Relatable
Businesses worldwide are learning that the best way to engage with their customers or clients is to be more relatable and approachable. Therefore, by engaging and showcasing your user-generated content, you can show that you, your team, or those who manage your social media are responding to the queries and comments left by previous customers. This will make you feel and seem more relatable. You should be careful in this area, as you don’t want to use heavy jargon, even if you are in a business that operates that way. Try to ensure that any responses to user-generated content are simple and to the point, making it easier to understand for most of those seeking out your service or business.
Again, this will make you and your team feel and appear more relatable, increasing a company’s business. Remember, be polite, offer guidance and solutions, and, even if the UGC is not ideal, respond positively and seek to solve issues where possible.
