User-generated content (UGC) is a game-changer for brands that want to build trust, engage their audience, and boost conversions. By leveraging content created by your customers or followers, you can form an authentic connection that traditional marketing often struggles to achieve. But how do you get started with a UGC campaign?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step to create a successful UGC campaign, with insights and strategies to help you tap into the power of user-generated content. Whether you’re a brand manager or marketing professional, this guide will set you up to launch a UGC campaign that truly resonates with your audience and amplifies your brand message.

1. Understand the Power of UGC

Before diving into the details of starting your UGC campaign, it’s important to understand why UGC is so effective. User-generated content is trusted by consumers because it feels more authentic and relatable than content created directly by brands. Studies even show that UGC is perceived as 85% more influential than brand-created content.

UGC lets your audience become part of your brand’s story, building a sense of community and loyalty. It also provides a treasure trove of content that you can repurpose across social media, email campaigns, and more. For more details on how brands are making the most of UGC, take a look at how UGC videos can fit into your overall strategy.

2. Define Your Campaign Goals

Every successful campaign starts with clear goals. UGC campaigns are no different! Ask yourself what you want to achieve. Some common goals include:

  • Increasing brand awareness: Encourage your audience to create content that spreads the word about your brand.
  • Driving engagement: Build a deeper connection by involving your audience in your brand narrative.
  • Generating social proof: Show real customers using your products to build trust and credibility.
  • Gathering content for marketing: Collect high-quality content you can repurpose for future campaigns.

Once your goals are set, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the types of UGC you need, and how to guide your audience in creating it.

3. Choose the Right Platform

The platform you choose for your UGC campaign is key to its success. Different platforms cater to different content types and audiences, so it’s important to pick one that aligns with your brand’s goals and your audience’s preferences. For example, Instagram is great for visual content, while TikTok offers a more playful, video-centric experience, particularly for younger audiences.

Consider where your audience spends most of their time and choose a platform that aligns with the type of content you want to generate.

4. Create a Clear Call to Action (CTA)

Your audience needs to know exactly what you want them to do. Whether it’s posting a photo with your product, creating a video testimonial, or sharing their experience on social media, your CTA should be specific and easy to follow. A strong CTA is key to driving action and participation.

For example:

  • “Share a photo using #MyBrandExperience for a chance to be featured on our page!”
  • “Create a short video telling us why you love our brand, and tag us to enter our giveaway!”

5. Establish Guidelines for Content Submission

To ensure the content you receive aligns with your brand, set clear guidelines. Include details like:

  • Content format: Specify if you want photos, videos, or text.
  • Style/theme: Provide examples of content that fit your brand’s aesthetic.
  • Hashtag usage: Encourage participants to use specific hashtags to make content easier to track.
  • Legal requirements: Ensure your audience knows you’ll be using their content in your marketing efforts.

For more tips on running effective UGC campaigns, see our guide on starting a UGC campaign.

6. Promote Your UGC Campaign

Promote your UGC campaign through your existing marketing channels—email newsletters, social media, and your website. Collaborating with influencers or brand ambassadors can help you reach a wider audience. You can even run paid ads on social media to boost visibility.

The more exposure your campaign gets, the more likely you are to receive diverse and high-quality content.

7. Curate and Showcase the Best UGC

Once your audience starts submitting content, highlight the best submissions on your social media, website, or even in ads. This rewards participants and motivates others to join in. Choose content that aligns with your goals and resonates with your audience.

Want to take your UGC to the next level? Growth Spurt’s UGC video creation service works with top creators to produce high-quality videos that align with your brand and drive results.

8. Measure the Success of Your UGC Campaign

Finally, measure the success of your UGC campaign to see what worked and what didn’t. Track metrics like:

  • Engagement: Likes, comments, shares.
  • Reach: Number of people who saw the UGC content.
  • Conversions: How many viewers took the desired action (purchase, sign-up)?
  • Content quality: Evaluate how well submissions align with your brand.

Use these insights to refine future campaigns and keep building stronger connections with your audience.

Next Steps…

Starting a UGC campaign can be a game-changer for your brand. By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to launching a campaign that resonates with your audience and drives real results.

Ready to take your UGC campaign to the next level? Contact us to learn how Growth Spurt’s expert team can help you create high-quality UGC videos that captivate and convert.

About the Author Growth Spurt

Your New Favorite Video Team

About the Author Growth Spurt

Your New Favorite Video Team

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}
>