From 0 to 100: UGC Strategies for CPG Start-up Brands
Starting a Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) brand is a thrilling adventure into unmarked marketing territory. You need to get the word out and stay relevant, but how do you do that on a shoestring budget? User-generated content (UGC) is your secret weapon, a game-changer for start-ups looking to make a big impact without breaking the bank. Here’s how you can harness the power of UGC to elevate your brand.
What Is User-Generated Content (UGC)?
UGC is the content created by your audience, such as photos, videos, reviews or social media posts. It’s like having an army of brand ambassadors who genuinely love your products and want to shout it from the rooftops. Think of it as your customers becoming part of your marketing team, sharing their authentic experiences and opinions to promote your brand.
Types of User-Generated Content
Social Media Posts
Content users share on Instagram, X, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and other social networking platforms
Reviews and Ratings
Honest feedback provided by customers on review sites or on your own website
Blog Comments
Engagement from your audience in the comments section of your blog or other blogging sites
Forums and Communities
Discussions and content shared in online communities and forums relevant to your brand
Podcasts and Audio Reviews
Audio content discussing and reviewing your products or services, shared on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud
Benefits of User-Generated Content
In a world filled with picture-perfect ads and carefully crafted social media posts, consumers crave authenticity. UGC is the real and unfiltered content that resonates with people because it comes from people. It’s genuine, relatable, and oh-so powerful. UGC can transform your brand in multiple ways:
- Building Trust: UGC provides social proof, showing that customers are willing to advocate for your products or services without reward. It’s like a recommendation from a trusted friend.
- Maximizing Conversions: When potential customers see real people using and loving your offerings, they’re more likely to sign up or make a purchase. It’s the ultimate seal of approval.
- Showcasing Uniqueness: UGC allows your users to tell your brand's story in their own words, adding a unique flair that sets you apart. When their flair aligns with your brand, there’s magic.
- Fostering Connections: UGC creates a sense of community as consumers connect over shared experiences and love of your product or service.
- Optimizing Budgets: UGC eliminates the need for big-budget photo and video shoots and possible licensing fees. Your audience creates top-tier marketing content for you!
What Are the Best UGC Campaigns for CPG
1. Photo Contests
Host a photo contest with fun and specific terms to excite customers to share photos of their favorite ways to use your product. Offer fabulous prizes to incentivize participation.
2. Testimonials and Reviews
Encourage happy customers to leave reviews and comments on your website or social media pages. With their approval, feature these reviews in your marketing materials.
3. Branded Hashtags
Choose a previously unused hashtag for your campaign and urge users to upload and tag content with it. That helps create a community and track engagement.
4. Early Product Access
Send new products to loyal customers with a substantial following and ask them to create unboxing videos and reviews. This can generate excitement and anticipation for new releases.
5. Community Events
Host virtual or in-person events to unite your community and encourage content creation. These events can be product-related workshops or live demonstrations.
6. Seasonal or Holiday Themes
Run campaigns that tie into holidays, encouraging users to share how they incorporate your product into their celebrations or routines. Offer themed prizes for added excitement.
7. Challenges
Create easy challenges that encourage users to participate and share their experiences with your product. These can be anything from recipe creation to exercise to dance.
How to Launch a Successful UGC Campaign
Creating an effective UGC campaign on a low budget is possible for CPG brands. By leveraging the creativity and authenticity of your audience, you can build trust, increase engagement and drive conversions without spending a fortune.
Ready to elevate your brand with UGC? Book an online marketing consultation with Elevate My Brand to learn more about how we can harness the power of UGC together.
Susha Galimova,
Account Manager
This isn't our only blog post to get start-ups and small businesses started on their marketing journey! There are plenty of other marketing insights in our 0 to 100 series to support you as you DIY. And, of course, when you're ready to get support, we'll be here. ;)