How to Use User-Generated Content on Instagram

In the second quarter of 2021, most companies are aware that they need to be leveraging social media to engage with their audience and spread awareness about their brand. It is no secret that content is king; content is how we communicate our story, values, message, and tell our audience what we are currently doing and how we can solve problems for them. But creating content is not easy – it takes time, research, talent, enthusiasm, and money.

User-generated content, as opposed to official content, is content that is created by someone outside of your company that is about your product, service, or brand. For example, there is a huge community of Instagram users known as “sneaker heads” who utilize the platform to buy, sell, and show off their shoes, all the while generating thousands of posts of user-generated content that spreads awareness for brands like Nike and Adidas without their social media marketing team lifting a finger.

User-generated content is ideal for brands because not only does it save you money and resources, but it can be more effective in certain situations. People trust their family, real life friends, and the influencers who they choose to invite into their news feeds by following them, and when they see user-generated content praising a specific product or company, they are more likely to choose them for their own needs. This makes user generated content the perfect option for social media marketing campaigns trying to expand brand awareness.

While having user-generated content about your brand is great for brand awareness, there are steps you can take to maximize the opportunities presented by such content.

1. Encourage user-generated content – Put the idea in your customers’ minds by encouraging your existing audience to engage on social media. Provide branded hashtags that are relevant to your message and current campaigns. You should have an official social media account using @your-company-name to post your own content and encourage users to tag you in their own content!
2. Engage With User-Generated Content – In addition to sharing your own content, engage with the content that users post, especially when they tag your page, or use your branded hashtags. Be generous with likes and comments, because these users took the time to share your product or service with everyone they know.
3. Hold Contests – One of the most effective ways for companies to encourage users to generate content is by hosting contests that require users to share content or post using an official hashtag in order to win.
4. Share Effective Content – When you come across exceptional content, don’t hesitate to share it to your own page and build a deeper relationship with the customers who are already engaging with you, and encouraging others to do the same! How do you know if content is worth re-sharing? When content matches your brand’s colors, style, and tone, it makes it a perfect choice to share it through official channels. Make sure you have permission to post the content, which can often be attained simply by directly messaging the user who created the content.

User-generated content is an effective tool to leverage in your social media marketing efforts in 2021 and beyond, but it is not the only benefit to leveraging social media in your business. At Intero Digital, we have a team of Social Media experts who can make sure that your brand is making an impact on all relevant platforms. We work directly with our clients to make sure that we understand all aspects of your business before designing a comprehensive strategy that matches your goals and translates your message into conversions.

If you’re looking to step up your Instagram game, give Intero Digital a call. We’re here to help get your customers to engage more effectively on your social media accounts for more successful campaigns. Contact us today!