.jpg){kind=avatar}
Why Brands should be focusing on UGC in 2024
As someone who has worked in the digital landscape for several years now as A Content creator, Influencer and UGC creator, I've noticed a shift happening this year with more and more brands wanting to move more away from Influencer marketing and use UGC more heavily as part of their marketing strategy. But why the sudden shift? And what exactly is the difference between UGC and Influencer Marketing.
Understanding UGC and Influencer Marketing
UGC refers to any content, such as images, videos, text, and reviews that has been created by users. This year in Australia there's been a big shift in brands utilising UGC creators to create visual user-generated content for their brands and businesses.
On the other hand, Influencer Marketing involves a strategic partnership between a brand and an influencer - an individual commanding considerable online following and influence. The influencer promotes the brand's offerings to their audience, leveraging their trust and 'influence.'
Unpacking the UGC Preference
Despite Influencer Marketing's large-scale reach, UGC's increasing popularity stems from its unique advantages:
Authenticity and Trust: In an era where consumers are becoming more advertisement savvy and sceptical of traditional marketing tactics, the authenticity that UGC brings is irreplaceable. It's genuine, unfiltered content that effectively breaks through the advertising noise, thus fostering a deeper level of trust with potential customers. It's essentially a word-of-mouth recommendation in the digital realm, known for its high conversion rates.
Cost-Effectiveness: In contrast to the significant expenses often associated with Influencer Marketing, UGC represents a more budget-friendly approach, lets be honest, It's also a lot cheaper than a brand having to hire a creative team to do it themselves.
SEO Benefits: UGC can give your search engine rankings a notable boost. Frequent user reviews and ratings generate fresh, organic content that search engines love. Additionally, the sharing of UGC across social platforms can result in a high volume of inbound links, driving traffic to your website and further enhancing SEO performance.
While Influencer Marketing still holds its ground, especially in specific industries, the multifaceted benefits of UGC are undeniably persuasive.
The UGC revolution and what it Signifies
UGC symbolises a paradigm shift in the advertising world. It echoes the change in consumers' trust dynamics - the voices of fellow consumers are now more powerful in shaping brand perception than any celebrity endorsement or influencer affirmation.
In conclusion, UGC represents the future of digital marketing, where authenticity, diversity, and consumer participation are celebrated. While Influencer Marketing has its place, the power of UGC and its multifaceted advantages make it a compelling choice for today's brands to use as part of their marketing strategy.
Are you a brand looking for help creating UGC? Reach out today to have a discussion on ways we can work together