To survive the marketing game of the competitive modern-day business world, B2B companies are turning to user-generated content (UGC).
Of course, UGC is mostly associated with consumer brands. However, it’s a strategy that can be just as effective in the B2B space.
Now, you might be wondering: how exactly do B2B companies utilize UGC marketing strategies to ensure their success? Let’s answer your question.
The idea behind user-generated content is simple. It refers to all forms of content, including images, videos, and reviews created by individuals. That means, instead of the brands, the content surrounding the brand or their product or service is being created by their users.
According to brkfst.io, UGC can be a powerful tool for building credibility and trust with potential clients. After all, seeing real users share their experiences with your products or services can make a significant impact.
Adobe is a good example of how B2B companies can use UGC in their favor. Adobe allowed its users, both normal consumers and businesses, to share designs made using the Adobe platform. By asking users to attach certain hashtags in their image captions, Adobe managed to share these contents on their social media feeds.
That way, Adobe was able to show off its software capabilities through UGC.
This is exactly where the beauty of UGC lies: authenticity. Businesses can connect with relevant creators through a reliable UGC platform. In doing so, they are essentially getting genuine endorsements that resonate more deeply with their customers. This works, because you, without doing a sponsored ad, are convincing someone that a product or service is worth purchasing.
If you closely look at your social media feed, you’ll realize how social media channels are becoming the perfect playground for UGC marketing. Platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram are now the avenues for businesses to showcase user-generated content.
For B2B companies, leveraging these channels to highlight UGC can amplify your brand's reach and engagement. The Adobe UGC example we shared with you earlier was also done through social media.
Consider creating campaigns that encourage your clients and partners to share their experiences with your products or services on social media. This could be through testimonials, case studies, or even UGC videos that showcase how your solutions have helped them achieve success.
To further boost engagement, consider partnering with UGC creators who specialize in B2B content.
From blog posts and newsletters to webinars and whitepapers, you can seamlessly integrate UGC into various aspects of your marketing efforts.
For example, let’s say you own an app development company. Your latest product is a phone app that gives users a bird’s eye view of their supply chain. One of your users posted how beneficial the app is for their supply chain management purposes. Now, you can feature their UGC videos in your email marketing campaigns as well as social media accounts to showcase real success stories.
UGC can also play a vital role in B2B marketing strategies, just as in the case of B2C marketing. Hence, you should not shoot down the opportunity to incorporate UGC as part of your existing or new marketing strategy.
Collaborate with people who are already using your products or services and can help you reach a wider audience. Work with these content creators, meaning their following should mostly consist of other businesses that your B2B company caters to.
For UGC marketing strategies to be successful in the long run, it's essential to encourage ongoing contributions from your customers and partners. Building a culture of participation around your brand can help you consistently generate fresh content that keeps your marketing efforts relevant and engaging.
To achieve this, consider implementing incentives for users who contribute to UGC. This could be in the form of discounts, exclusive access to new products or services, or even recognition within your community.
Another effective approach is to create UGC challenges or contests. For example, you could ask your clients to share their success stories using your products and offer a prize for the most impactful submission.
User-generated content is a powerful tool for B2B companies looking to build trust, engage with their audience, and drive success in their marketing efforts. It offers a refreshing and trustworthy alternative that resonates on a deeper level.
Therefore, don’t overlook the power of user-generated content; embrace it as a key component of your B2B marketing strategy and watch your brand thrive.