MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY: HOW TO LEVERAGE USER-GENERATED CONTENT AND INFLUENCER PARTNERSHIPS FOR GREATER ENGAGEMENT
Looking to boost your engagement on social media with some new techniques? There are two great strategies that can be a game changer when used effectively. I’m talking about leveraging user-generated content (UGC) and creating partnerships with influencers. When done correctly, these two approaches can really amplify your brand’s reach, credibility, and engagement.
THE POWER OF USER-GENERATED CONTENT
User-generated content is full of authentic, relatable content that comes directly from your audience. This can be anything from customer reviews or testimonials to photos, videos and social media posts that your users have created showcasing your product or service. Here’s why it works
Authenticity: UGC is truly authentic since it’s created by real customers who genuinely use and love your brand. Showing this authenticity builds trust and credibility among your audience, making them more likely to engage with your content.
Diverse content: UGC helps provide a diverse range of content that can add variety to your social media fee. It also helps to showcase different use cases, perspectives, and demographics which makes your content more relatable to a wider audience.
Community building: By featuring user-generated content, you’re essentially celebrating your customers which builds a sense of community making your customers feel valued and more connected to your brand.
Cost-effective: Creating high-quality content can sometimes get pricey, so this is a great FREE way to get some better content into your feed.
THE POWER OF INFLUENCER PARTNERSHIPS
Influencer partnerships are all about collaborating with other individuals who have a large following and ultimately an influence over your target audience. These influencers can help you reach a larger audience and boost engagement since they are seen as credible sources. Here’s how to use influencer partnerships…
Relevance: Choose influencers whose niche aligns with your brand and target audience. The content they create should easily line up with your brand’s values and messaging as well.
Authenticity: Encourage influencers to create content that feels authentic to their style. Don’t force your brand on them. Authenticity builds trust, so what they are putting out there should feel real and relatable…NOT salesy.
Micro-influences: Sure, you could go after an influencer with a jaw-dropping number of followers, but don’t forget about the little guys. Micro-influencers (typically have a smaller but very engaged following) can sometimes get you even better results because of their close relationships and relatability.
Long-term partnerships: Building long-term relationships with influencers can be more beneficial than one-off campaigns. It allows for the development of a genuine connection between the influencer and your brand and allows them to really begin to love your product or service.
BLENDING THE TWO
When user-generated content and influencer partnerships are done correctly and combined successfully, what you have is a huge advantage to drive successful engagement and brand visibility. Influencers can create great user-generated content that is authentic and credible which you can in turn use on your own platforms. And this cycle goes round and round. And above all else? Make sure you are listening to your audience. If they like what they are seeing, they are going to engage. Here’s a great oldie but goodie Rocky Mountain Marketing episode all about how to successfully make sure you are listening to your audience and taking them into account. Because if you aren’t creating your content for your audience, then who are you even creating it for?
If you could use some help with your content, or figuring out how to successfully tackle the items above, don’t hesitate to reach out. That’s what we’re here for!