When it comes to outdoor brands, UGC can be an especially valuable resource, allowing the brand to showcase their products in action and inspire others to get outside and explore.
According to Sprout Social, 93% of marketing experts agree that consumers trust content created by consumers more than content created by brands, and 75% of experts agree that adding UGC makes brand content more authentic.
Why use user-generated content? Here are 5 reasons:
1. Authenticity
UGC is inherently authentic, as it is created by real people in real situations. It provides a real-life look at how people are using and enjoying your products, which can help build trust and credibility with potential customers. By using UGC, brands can create a genuine connection with their audience, which often leads to increased loyalty and repeat business.
2. Social Proof
User-generated content is a powerful form of social proof (reviews, customer recommendations, etc.) This is particularly important for outdoor brands, where the experience is often the most important factor.
3. Community Building
By sharing user-generated content, you can create a platform for your customers to connect with each other and share their experiences. This can help to establish credibility and foster a sense of community.
4. Marketing Content
User-generated content can also serve as valuable marketing content. By sharing photos and videos of your products in use, you can showcase their features and capabilities in a way that is both engaging and informative.
5. Cost-Effective
User-generated content is often more cost-effective than creating your own content. By encouraging your customers to share their experiences with your products, you can create a steady stream of content without having to invest significant time or resources. This can be particularly beneficial for smaller outdoor brands that may not have large marketing budgets.
How can you encourage your customers to create user-generated content?
Encourage your customers to share their experiences with your products by providing a clear call-to-action. This could be something as simple as providing a unique hashtag for community members to use while sharing their experiences.
Your brand can also offer incentives, such as discounts or giveaways, to help motivate your customers to engage and share content. This will also help you get more of your product out into the community. Giveaways can be particularly helpful for smaller brands looking to grow quickly.
Finally, engage with your customers! Respond to their comments and questions on social media. This may seem like a no-brainer, but engagement is one of the most tried-and-true ways to foster a sense of community.
Are you looking to improve your brand’s presence in an ever-competitive market? As a fully integrated marketing firm, TBA Outdoors can cover these bases — and lots more — for your brand. Reach out to our team of marketing professionals today to see how we can help your outdoor brand with its marketing campaigns and more.
