The importance of User Generated Content for your business

Studio header: The Playground

De wereld van (online) marketing is er één die snel verandert, en daarom is het, als ondernemer, van belang dat je een beetje weet wat er speelt. Daarmee kun je op zakelijk vlak een voorsprong maken op je concurrenten! Wellicht heb je al eens van UGC, oftewel User Generated Content, gehoord. Op dit moment is het een van de krachtigste tools die je als merk kunt inzetten om meer betrokkenheid te creëren. Wil jij weten wat UGC precies is, waarom het zo belangrijk is en vooral: hoe je het kunt inzetten? Lees dan zeker even verder.

What is User Generated Content?

UGC refers to all forms of content created not by the brand itself, but by users or even customers. Think, for example, of an outfit video from the creator's living room, an enthusiastic DIY reel or a picture of your product in someone's interior. This form of content plays a big role in today's marketing, as it comes across as more authentic and trustworthy than the slick pictures brands often create themselves. Your audience recognises itself much more in real images made by real people. And it doesn't have to be perfect by any means.

So if, as an entrepreneur, you like to build credibility and engagement, UGC is an ideal tool. Or maybe you like to hand over the piece of content anyway because you are not very good at it yourself. UGC offers an honest, unscripted look at your product or service, and in addition, you more easily create a sense of community with this type of content. Users feel much more connected to your brand and get the feeling that their opinion and experience matter.

Even more benefits of User Generated Content

Besides the above benefits, we can also recommend this tool because it is cost-saving. Instead of investing in pricey advertising campaigns, you as a brand can benefit from content created by customers or special UGC generators. Besides cost-saving, this type of content is also nice because it provides more variety and diversity in your feed.

UGC can also contribute to your online visibility. When customers mention your brand in social media posts, for instance, it increases the chances of you being found by the right target group. In addition, the regular appearance of your brand name and products in customer-focused content can also improve your ranking in search engines. Speaking of those search engines. Customers are more likely to feel inclined to take action when they see authentic reviews, user photos and recommendations from other consumers. So UGC can also give your business better conversion rates.

Here's how to apply User Generated Content for your business

Now that you are aware of all the benefits of UGC, it is good to look at the practical side. How do you apply this popular tool to your own business? We would like to give you some tips.

Encourage your customers to create content
Actively ask your customers to share photos or videos of their experiences with your products or services. This can easily be done by approaching them with a friendly reminder after a purchase, or by rewarding them with a small discount or a chance to win something.

Deploy branded hashtags
Create a recognisable hashtag that your customers can use when posting content about your brand on social media. This not only makes it easier to collect content, but also reinforces your online brand identity.

Share User Generated Content on your own channels
Show your customers that you value their contributions. For example, by sharing their content on your own channels or website! This gives an authentic image of your brand and inspires other customers to start creating content too.

Organise a giveaway or challenge
Give customers or creators extra motivation to create content by organising a give-away or challenge. For example, ask them to share the best use of your product. This creates buzz around your brand and generates valuable content at the same time.

Collaborate with influencers or micro-influencers
Although not strictly a UGC, collaborations with influencers or micro-influencers have a similar effect. They bring their own authentic perspective to your brand and often have a loyal follower base that trusts them. There are also, as mentioned earlier, dedicated UGC creators. These online creatives get hired by a brand or company, and then, for a fee, create (a batch of) content.

This is what good UGC satisfies
Not all User Generated Content is necessarily valuable. It is important to ensure that the content you share or use is of high quality. Good UGC often meets the following criteria:

- Authentic and sincere
- Visually appealing
- Storytelling: the content tells a story
- Relevant for your target audience
Studio: The Loft

Why Atelier Oost Amsterdam is the ideal place for User Generated Content creation

Are you a UGC creator yourself or would you like a company to have a professional rent a studio In which, for example, clients can create aesthetic content? Then our studios are the ideal place. Unlike traditional photo studios that often offer only a white or black background, Atelier Oost Amsterdam offers beautifully decorated spaces with a minimalist atmosphere and natural light. This gives you the creative freedom to create content that really stands out.

Stylishly furnished, the studios provide the perfect backdrop for brands or creators looking to create high-quality, storytelling images. With four different studios, each with their own style, you can choose exactly the space that suits the look and feel of your brand or project. Moreover, the location is very accessible with good parking facilities, and you can choose from different time slots, making scheduling flexible. The studios can be booked exclusively, or shared with a team, depending on your needs.