It’s harder than ever to grab viewers’ attention. In today’s fast-paced social media landscape, businesses are scrambling to find new ways to stand out, engage their audience, and drive results. Traditional advertising tactics still have their place, but are they enough to truly succeed on social media? The numbers say no.
By embracing trends that users are already interested in and keeping content brief and to-the-point, user-generated content (UGC) used in tandem with pre-produced content (PC) allows businesses to create a more engaging experience and build a more authentic relationship with their audience. This translates to increased brand visibility and audience engagement.
The Power of Trends
Social media thrives on trends. Whether it’s a viral song, challenge, or meme, playing into trends with UGC provides an opportunity for businesses to cut through the noise and capture their audience’s attention in ways that PC alone can’t.
- Viral Potential: Trends have inherent viral potential because people are already engaging with similar content at high volumes. By joining in, brands can show they’re fresh, relevant, and tuned into the digital world.
- Increased Engagement: UGC, especially trendy UGC, is often familiar, fun, and easily digested. Viewers are less likely to scroll past a trend they recognize, even when it comes from a business.
- Authenticity and Trust: People trust people more than brands. UGC provides social proof and adds a human touch that resonates more deeply than polished PC.
- Cost-Effectiveness: UGC is typically less polished by nature, making it faster, easier, and cheaper to create.
Best Practices for Leveraging UGC
- Stay Authentic: Not every trend is right for every business. Ensure the UGC aligns with the brand’s voice and values. Forcing a trend can feel inauthentic and may backfire.
- Track Performance: Pay close attention to metrics. Measure how engagement, reach, and website traffic change when UGC is incorporated. Does it improve PC performance? Analyze the data to understand what resonates with audiences and adjust strategies accordingly.
- Act Fast: Trends are fleeting. To capitalize on a trend’s momentum, you need to act quickly. Don’t wait too long to join the conversation!
Pre-produced Content is still important, but User Generated Content, especially when it leverages trends, can supercharge social media marketing efforts. UGC humanizes businesses, builds trust, increases engagement, and drives results. In the crowded world of social media, embracing both the new (UGC) and the familiar (PC) can help businesses stand out and foster lasting connections with their audience.
