One of the most cost-effective and highly successful search optimization (SEO) and social media optimization (SMO) tactics is to leverage UGC or user-generated material. It effectively enhances traffic and conversions, a vital metric for determining if SEO ranking.

User-generated content can be in any form, from photographs and videos to blogs and forum postings, as long as it is user-created, organic, and unpaid.

It is definitely a rising online trend. In fact, UGC surged in 2020 as people resorted to sharing content online during lockdowns. For instance, The UGC platform, TikTok, became an 800-million-strong platform with 115 million downloads in the height of the pandemic. It continues to dominate other social media platforms today.

Meanwhile, on Instagram, UGC posts get more engagements and reposts, which enhance SMO and SEO for brands. 

In addition, authentic UGC boosts consumer trust, which is why 87 percent of brands depend on UGC to share original content.

UGC is more user-led than brand-led content. To strike the perfect pitch of content that helps organizations obtain leads and drive conversions, brands must intentionally have a balanced mix of both types of content.

Here are the top benefits that UGC adds to your marketing strategies today:

Fosters Brand Trust and Authenticity

Organic UGC is trusted by 92 percent of users more than sponsored commercials or brand-led content. Brands do not pay for user-generated content, which is typically seen as neutral and authentic.

When it comes to brand intelligence, people prefer to lean toward peers in their field. For this reason, encouraging peer reviews and user reviews to boost SEO standing. 

It is notably noticeable on eCommerce websites, where UGC is trusted by 60 percent of customers. Brands should allow people to share images of their experiences with the product or service. Users can offer feedback in the form of comments, ratings, and reviews. Before making any purchase selections, consumers often seek these trust characteristics.

Aside from making it simpler to build trust with clients, UGC material is also easier to consume than brand-generated content. Seeing other customers' thoughts, comments, and experiences gives other consumers a familiar and relevant feeling.

Users trust material from fellow users seven times more than what companies say about themselves, regardless of following an influencer, a fledgling firm, or an established corporate brand.

In today's digital age, where disruptive and inauthentic content runs rampant, UGC offers refreshingly intimate, authentic, trustworthy content and promotions that appeal to users.

Increases User Interaction and Engagement

User engagement is crucial since it affects your SEO rankings. The higher the rate of your engagements, the more likely you will convert visitors into subscribers and paying customers.

You will also receive pertinent information about what the market is currently raving about or searching for on search engines.

Have you ever wondered why your favorite TV show abruptly switches plots and, in some cases, drops characters in the middle of a storyline? Most of it is due to UGC, contributing significantly to such shifts. Media networks are well-known for adjusting broadcasts depending on user-generated content such as forums, comments, and reviews. 

Some users also produce UGC in reviews and unboxing videos to help brands get valuable feedback on their products and services.

Increases Traffic, Conversions, and ROI

User-generated content optimization in your SEO marketing efforts increases traffic, conversions, and ROI.

UGC increases clickthrough rates and acquires ten times the effect of influencer-led campaigns. If you're collaborating with influencers for brand awareness, don't lose sight that content needs to remain authentic so your UGC remains relevant to your target market.

Conclusion: Make the Most of the UGC

Incorporating UGC into a brand's campaign is a vital component of any digital marketing strategy. Now is a great time to be visible in your community and show your consumers you care. Continue to build relationships so you can help your customers with your content and provide users with as many outlets to be heard and connected as possible. These healthy practices allow you to optimize the power of UGC.

At Social Cali, we offer SEO services and other digital marketing solutions to boost any business into a top-of-mind brand. We are based in Los Angeles but can serve both local and global companies alike. We can take your brand to greater heights, so get your free audit today!