In this blog, we’ll share our key findings and how you can use them to your advantage.

Immediate Product Display

Among the most common strategies employed in these UGC ads is showcasing the product right off the bat. The most successful ads either depict the product in use or incorporate text referring to it in the opening shot. This tactic, commonly known as ‘don’t bury the lead’, is all about showing the viewers upfront what you want them to focus on.

Highlighting the product early in the video ensures immediate engagement and prompts viewers to continue watching. It’s all about seizing attention within those crucial first few seconds. Think about using compelling visuals or an intriguing introduction text to grab your target audience’s attention right out of the gate.

For example, in Vuori’s ad for their Sunday Joggers, you don’t see the pants right away. But you do see on screen the name of the brand and the product.

OxiClean runs ads where users show how they clean their white sneakers using the detergent, and you always see the product right there on the counter in the opening shot.

Contextual storytelling

Another noteworthy point is that the most popular ads don’t just show the product, they also demonstrate its purpose and use. This clear visualization effectively communicates the product’s value proposition and establishes immediate relevance. 

Adding context helps connect viewers with your ad on an emotional level. By either presenting the ad as a solution to a common problem or offering it as a response to popular queries, your audience will feel engaged and valued. 

The ‘story’ doesn’t have to have an epic character arc. It can be as simple as framing your UGC as responses to comments (see example below) or using informative titles (such as “3 Bodycare tips to keep skin hydrated”).

Natural Settings

The best UGC ads let viewers visualize what it’s like to have the product in their own home. There’s nothing more convincing than seeing a product in an authentic, natural setting, as it gives the audience a real-world idea of the product’s use and function. This helps build trust as if the content is recommended by a friend rather than a faceless corporation.

Authenticity over Production

High-quality production is not the endgame in UGC. Instead, it’s about authenticity and a real connection. This authentic approach often yields better engagement, as viewers appreciate the honesty and genuineness of the content.

Unique Personal Touch

Lastly, the secret ingredient that gives UGC its charm is the distinctive personality of the content creator. A successful UGC ad feels personal and authentic, far from a sterile, corporate production.

Incorporating personal quirks and style into the videos fosters a sense of uniqueness and authenticity. This resonates with viewers because it humanizes the content, making it more relatable and engaging.

For example, this creator took a simple but engaging approach to creating a UGC ad for a customer’s campaign.

 

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The trends in UGC on TikTok underscore the shifting dynamics in online advertising. With a focus on instant product visibility, storytelling, authenticity, and personal touch, marketers can leverage these insights to enhance their UGC strategies. Incorporating these elements into your next ad might just be the key to unlock a better engagement rate and a stronger connection with your audience.

The good news is, we’re here to help you every step of the way. To learn more about the best way to scale your UGC ads on Tiktok, book a strategy call with one of Bambassador’s experts!.

The post Analysis: 5 Strategies Used in the Most Popular UGC TikTok Ads first appeared on Bambassadors - UGC and Creator Marketing for D2C Brands.

In fact, since UGC is one of the most powerful ways to engage your audience, according to a survey conducted by SEMRush, 87% of businesses use some forms of it in their marketing efforts! 

But to truly harness the power of your UGC, you’ll need to understand how to measure and evaluate the success of your campaigns.That means keeping your finger on the pulse of how your target audience feels about the content you create for them, what works best, and what you might need to optimize for next time.

Key Metrics to Measure Your UGC 

There are many different ways to determine the success of a campaign. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key strategies and metrics to start with, and explain how to analyze the data to gain insight into the impact of your UGC initiatives.

Track Your Reach and Impressions

The first and simplest metric to look at is your content’s reach and impressions.

Reach refers to the total number of unique individuals who have been exposed to a piece of user-generated content. This is basically the audience size reached by the UGC campaign. 

Impressions, on the other hand, represent the number of times UGC content has been displayed, regardless of whether it was viewed by a unique individual or multiple individuals. Both reach and impressions are vital metrics for measuring the visibility and exposure of UGC.

Understanding the reach and impressions of your UGC helps you gauge the overall awareness and potential impact of the campaigns. 

By tracking these metrics, you can assess the effectiveness of their content distribution strategies, identify popular platforms or channels, and make informed decisions to optimize reach and maximize the content’s reach potential.

What You Can Learn from Reach and Impressions

Interpreting reach and impressions data requires a holistic understanding of the metrics and their context. 

Some considerations for interpreting this data include:

Comparative analysis: Comparing reach and impressions data across different UGC campaigns or time periods can reveal trends, patterns, and the relative success of each campaign.

Demographic insights: Analyzing reach and impressions data based on demographics (such as age, gender, location) can provide valuable insights into the target audience reached by the UGC campaign.

Campaign optimization: By analyzing reach and impressions data, you can identify which platforms, channels, or types of UGC content perform best and optimize their strategies accordingly.

Content resonance: Monitoring reach and impressions data in conjunction with engagement metrics (discussed in the next section) can indicate the level of resonance or impact the UGC has on the audience.

Effectively interpreting reach and impressions data empowers brands to make data-driven decisions, refine their UGC strategies, and maximize the overall impact of their campaigns.

Understand Your Engagement Metrics

Engagements are actions taken by users on your content, including likes, comments, shares, retweets, mentions, and any other form of interaction or participation. 

These are key indicators of how actively your audience interacts with your user-generated content, and provide insights into the level of interest, involvement, and emotional connection generated by the UGC.

Some common types of engagement are:
Likes: The number of times users have clicked the “like” button to express their positive reaction to the UGC.

Comments: The number of written responses or feedback provided by users in response to the UGC.

Shares: The number of times users have shared the UGC on their own social media profiles or other platforms.

Mentions: Instances where users have tagged or mentioned the brand or the UGC in their own social media posts or comments.
These engagement metrics not only demonstrate the level of audience involvement but also serve as indicators of UGC performance and the impact it has on the audience.

Click-through Rates (CTRs): If your UGC includes a call-to-action (CTA) or a link to a specific landing page, monitoring click-through rates helps you understand how effective your content is in driving users to take the desired action. High CTRs indicate that your UGC is compelling and effectively directs users to the next step in the customer journey.

Engagement Tells You If Your UGC Is Working

Analyzing your audience’s engagement data allows you to understand how well specific UGC resonates with your audience, and helps to determine the success of UGC campaigns. 

Key aspects of analyzing engagement data include:

Quantitative analysis: You can track the number of likes, comments, shares, and other engagement metrics to assess the overall level of engagement generated by the UGC. Comparing these metrics across different UGC campaigns or content types can provide insights into the relative performance and audience preferences.

Qualitative analysis: Looking beyond the numbers, analyzing the quality and sentiment of comments, feedback, and interactions can provide deeper insights into audience sentiment and the impact of UGC. Understanding the sentiment and tone of user responses helps you gauge the emotional resonance and effectiveness of your UGC efforts.

Audience segmentation: Analyzing engagement data based on demographic or psychographic segments allows you to identify which specific audience segments are more engaged with the UGC. This information can guide future targeting and customization strategies.

Understanding the Connection between Engagement and UGC Impact

Engagement metrics serve as indicators of UGC impact by revealing how actively the audience interacts and connects with the content. Higher engagement levels generally indicate a stronger impact and greater effectiveness of UGC. Increased likes, comments, and shares demonstrate the UGC’s ability to capture attention, generate interest, and foster engagement.

Additionally, higher engagement levels often lead to extended reach through viral sharing, increased brand visibility, and improved brand perception. When users actively engage with UGC, they become brand advocates, potentially influencing others’ opinions and purchasing decisions. Therefore, understanding the correlation between engagement metrics and UGC impact helps you assess the effectiveness of their UGC campaigns and make informed decisions to optimize their strategies for better results.

Measure Your Conversion Rates 

Calculating conversion rates involves comparing the number of conversions achieved with the total number of users exposed to UGC. The formula for calculating conversion rate is:
Conversion Rate = (Number of Conversions / Total Number of Users) x 100

Measuring UGC’s impact on conversions goes beyond calculating conversion rates. You should also consider factors such as the quality, relevance, and placement of UGC content. 

Now that we’ve covered the most important metrics to look at, you’re ready to measure the impact of your user-generated content!

 

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But you don’t have to do it alone. Bambassadors can help your brand leverage the power of UGC. Contact us to gain more insights into how to unlock the potential of authentic customer experiences. 

The post Measuring the Impact: How to Evaluate the Success of User-Generated Content Campaigns first appeared on Bambassadors - UGC and Creator Marketing for D2C Brands.

Many different car brands are on the market, and it can be overwhelming to consider them all. So, to narrow your choices down, you go online to read customer reviews and ask your friends if they would recommend their vehicles. Ultimately, you are drawn to the car with over 1,000 testimonials online. 

There’s a name for this marketing phenomenon, and it’s called social proof.

Also known as “informational social influence,” social proof is the idea that consumers rely on reviews, recommendations, and the experiences of others to inform their buying decisions. Think of it as every interaction you make to represent your brand and your customers’ actions to recommend your products to others. 

Marketers that prioritize building their social proof are better at establishing their credibility and value than counterparts that don’t. 

But how convincing is social proof? 

Take a look at these stats:

• 83% of consumers recommend a brand they follow on social media to friends and family 
• 95% of shoppers read online reviews before making a purchase
• 82% of Americans ask for referrals and recommendations from family and friends before making any kind of purchase 

As a marketer, how can you position your products for success? The answer is user-generated content (UGC). Whether repurposing customer reviews into ad campaigns or highlighting case studies on your website, UGC can go a long way in supporting a buying decision. 

UGC content creators are real people with a real passion for your products. Expressing this genuine interest can encourage consumers to invest their time, money, and energy into supporting your brand. 

At Bambassadors, we are committed to helping brands in all industries find the right UGC content creators to partner with. We understand the power of social proof and want to help your products get authentic video content that drives sales and builds a community around your products. 

@bambassad0rs You need to check out @Timmy Hart Barron in @Particle for Men vid! This is how you create amazing #ugc for amazing products! #bambassadors #growyourbusiness #ugccontent #business #creatoreconomy ♬ original sound – Bambassadors

Here are three key reasons to work on your Social Proof: 

Boosts Your Credibility 

9 out of 10 consumers say reviews play a role in discovering local businesses–and social proof establishes your company’s credibility and authority in the market. When a customer posts a positive review, they are letting fellow consumers know that your brand will deliver the results they are looking for. 

The greater the buzz your brand receives online, the higher its authority within your industry:

• 54.7% of consumers read at least four reviews before buying a product
• 49% of shoppers say they trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations 
• 62% of consumers say they will not buy from brands that censor online reviews

Marketers should repurpose these reviews, testimonials, and other kinds of UGC content into their social media strategies to highlight proven expertise in their field. This will set you apart from your competitors and help your company become the only choice for consumers to research further. 

Proves That Your Strategies Drive Results 

Social proof proves that you are an expert in your field, showing how you drive results for your customers. 

At Bambassadors, we work with a lot of companies who want to demonstrate how their products work and improve their customers’ lives in real time. That is why we partner with UGC creators that offer unique and authentic content incorporating these products. Even more so, we choose partners who make content that is just as informative as it is engaging. 

Whether highlighting fun and easy-to-use fitness products like the Bobo Balance Board or smart home devices like Sensibo, viewers want to see your brand’s products in action, without the fluff. This is why UGC is such a powerful way to prove your expertise in action. 

Builds Client Trust and Loyalty

Marketers that integrate UGC content into their strategies will improve their social proof and boost client trust tenfold. This is because consumers can directly see your product’s value in people’s lives. 

Enthusiasm is contagious, and the more people hear about how your brand has impacted their lives for the better, the more they will trust you to help them solve their pain points. Plus, UGC can go much further in building a community around your products than brand-created content:

• 79% of people say that UGC highly impacts their purchasing decisions
• Although 92% of marketers think they’re creating authentic content, only 51% of consumers believe their favorite brands offer authenticity
• Consumers are 2.4x more likely to say user-generated content is genuine compared to brand-created content 

These are just three reasons why you should prioritize social proof in your brand’s marketing strategies. The more visible you are, and the more people share their stories working with you, the more likely you will build a loyal following that supports you through thick and thin. 

And if you’re looking for help kickstarting your UGC campaign, you’ve come to the right place! Contact us – we’re here to help you establish your social proof in 2023 and beyond.

The post Why Social Proof Matters first appeared on Bambassadors - UGC and Creator Marketing for D2C Brands.

Still not buying the hype? These stats speak for themselves:

• 90% of TikTok users report that the platform makes them happy and never gets boring.
• In the first quarter of 2023, TikTok generated almost $500 million in revenue from users worldwide.
• Gen Z uses TikTok as a search engine: nearly 40% of this demographic prefers searching for info on TikTok and Instagram over Google.

But let’s be real, creating content for TikTok isn’t as simple as just hitting record and hoping for the best. You need to understand the algorithm, so you can optimize your content and get those sweet, sweet views. 

 When is time to talk to me on tomorrow? We have a pack day of kids stuck tomorrow.

At its core, the TikTok algorithm is all about giving users what they want. It uses machine learning to analyze user behavior, such as likes, comments, and shares, to determine which content to show on the “For You” page.

There are a few factors that influence the algorithm, and understanding them is key to getting your content seen by the masses. For example, video completion rates and watch time are crucial. If people are clicking away from your content after a few seconds, the algorithm is going to bury it like a bone in a backyard. So make sure you’re keeping your viewers engaged and entertained, and they’ll stick around for the whole ride.

But let’s talk about the “For You” page because that’s where the real magic happens. This page is tailored to each user’s interests and behavior based on the videos they’ve interacted with in the past. So, if you want to get on this page, you need to create content that resonates with your target audience.

In short, the TikTok algorithm is all about relevance and engagement. The more your content resonates with your target audience and the more engagement it gets, the more likely it is to be seen by a wider audience. 

So, now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s move on to the good stuff: how to optimize your content for maximum exposure.

Optimizing Your Content for the TikTok Algorithm

To get into the nitty-gritty of optimizing your content for the TikTok algorithm, we have to start with posting times. While there’s no hard and fast rule for the best time to post on TikTok, you can look at your own analytics to see when your audience is most active. 

According to Hootsuite, the best times to post on TikTok are (in PST):

• Monday: 9 to 11 p.m.
• Tuesday: 8 to 10 a.m. 
• Wednesday: 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.
• Thursday: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (with Thursday at 7 p.m. being the best posting time of the week) 
• Friday: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. to noon
• Sunday: 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. (the second most popular time of the week)

But finding the right time isn’t just about posting during peak hours when everyone is scrolling through their “For You” page. In fact, the best posting times for some brands are during off-peak hours, when there’s less competition for attention and your niche is more active. It’s all about knowing your audience.

And how do you get to know your audience? User interaction. 

The more likes, comments, shares, and saves your content gets, the more likely it is to be shown to a wider audience. So, don’t be afraid to engage with your followers and encourage them to interact with your content. After all, engagement is a two-way street.

For an audience to want to engage with your brand, they need to see it regularly. 

Consistency is key on TikTok, and you need to be posting consistently in order to build up momentum and keep your followers engaged.

So, what does that mean for you? Well, it means you need to create a posting schedule and stick to it. Whether that’s posting once a day or a few times a week, make sure you’re consistent with your content creation and posting.

And what kind of content is best to post? What is optimized for the TikTok algorithm? 

There are a few things to keep in mind. 

First, avoid video duplicates. The algorithm doesn’t like seeing the same video over and over again, so make sure you’re mixing it up with fresh content. Also, make sure you’re using a variety of hashtags that are relevant to your target audience. Don’t just slap on every hashtag under the sun. That’s not going to help you out.

What will help your brand? User-generated content (UGC).

User-Generated Content on TikTok

UGC is gold. Not only does it help you build a sense of community around your brand, but it also shows the algorithm that people are engaging with your content in a meaningful way. Encourage your followers to create their own content and share it with you.

UGC helps with all of the aforementioned tips too. Leveraging UGC—engaging with real content creators using your product—builds trust and loyalty with your target audience. 

Our client, Lumen—touting metabolism-hacking tech—leveraged Bambassadors’ UGC strategy and decreased CAC by 20% while increasing ROAS by 28%. This enabled them to scale ad spending by an additional 31%.

Optimizing your content for the TikTok algorithm is all about relevance, engagement and authenticity. Keep these factors in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to TikTok success.

Need help? Let’s talk.

The post State of the TikTok Algorithm: A Comprehensive Guide first appeared on Bambassadors - UGC and Creator Marketing for D2C Brands.

While there is reason to celebrate your recent win, there is still much more you can do to leverage the user-generated content you curated throughout your campaign. Repurposing these videos is a great way to keep the buzz about your business alive and to stay relevant with your audience. With a keen eye for the right content (and permission from the creators!), this strategy will undoubtedly help you drive sales sky-high.

Authentic engagement with audiences is crucial for businesses, and repurposing UGC empowers you to establish a more personal and relatable connection with them.

Using the creative input of customers and followers enables businesses to generate more genuine, reliable, and captivating content. Who doesn’t want that?

From customer reviews and testimonials to social media posts and beyond, you can incorporate reimagined UGC into your current marketing strategy to increase sales, drive engagement, and build stronger relationships with your audience.

Include Customer Photos in Your Email Newsletters

One of the simplest and most effective ways to repurpose UGC in your marketing campaign is by incorporating customer photos into your email newsletters. Doing so can add an authentic and personal touch to your communication with subscribers, while showcasing your customers and their experiences with your products or services. For example, a makeup company could create a GIF or collage of content creators wearing their products.

This can be as easy as asking customers to share their photos on social media using a branded hashtag or submitting them through a form on your website. Once you’ve collected a pool of images, you can feature them in your newsletters with a brief story or testimonial from the customer.

This approach not only creates a more engaging and visually appealing newsletter but also provides social proof and credibility to your brand. 

Make Creator-Based Reels and TikToks

For a fun and creative way to repurpose UGC, consider making creator-based reels and TikToks by compiling video footage into a single, vertical video.

By collaborating with creators who have already generated UGC related to your brand and using their content to create a new, engaging piece of media, you can leverage the popularity of Instagram and TikTok to showcase your brand in a more authentic and relatable way. 

To get started, identify creators who have already generated UGC related to your brand and request permission to use their content. Once you have the green light, you can compile the footage into a video that showcases your brand and the creators involved. This approach not only helps to promote your brand but also helps to support the creators who have already shown an interest in your products or services. Give it a try and see the impact it can have on your marketing efforts.

Include UGC on Your Website

Incorporating UGC onto your homepage and product pages can enhance your website’s appeal and drive more conversions. Adding UGC to your website can help to establish social proof and build trust with potential customers.

One way to do this is by featuring reviews and testimonials prominently on your homepage or product pages. For example, try including a video of a customer trying the product on the associated sales page. This provides an authentic and unbiased perspective of your products or services, which can be a powerful driver of sales. Additionally, incorporating UGC from customers using your products or services can add a personal and relatable touch to your website, making it more engaging and memorable for visitors.

With these tips in mind, start exploring the possibilities of including repurposed UGC in your current marketing strategy and watch it transform your business.

Are you looking to elevate your digital marketing game? Let us guide you through our process of linking your company with established creators who are passionate about your brand and capable of producing content that resonates with your desired audience. Schedule a call with us today and take your digital marketing strategy to new heights!

The post 3 Ways to Repurpose Your User-Generated Content first appeared on Bambassadors - UGC and Creator Marketing for D2C Brands.

But how influential IS the social media platform? Take a look at these stats from Sprout Social: 

• TikTok influencers see an average engagement rate of 15.86% 
• 55% of TikTok users have bought something after seeing the brand on the app 
• 50% of TikTok users have bought something after watching a TikTok Live 

With over 150 million US monthly active users on the platform, it is a no-brainer for marketers to leverage TikTok in their strategies. 

But if you’re new to the game, where do you start? 

With over 100 thousand TikTok influencers creating content, it can feel daunting to add your brand’s voice into the mix. You may feel your videos will get lost in the shuffle or not resonate with the right audience. 

Lucky for you, Bambassadors is here to help! We partner with unique and authentic UGC content creators to produce engaging videos for the platform. These creators are real people with a real interest in working with your brand–not the typical influencer who may not even use your products in everyday life. 

The key to success on this platform is driving authenticity–and we wrote this article to help you go from zero to TikTok hero!

Here are five steps to kickstarting your TikTok campaign with confidence. 

Pick The Best Type of UGC Content For Your Audience 

Like any digital marketing strategy, you want to begin by picking the types of content to focus on. In the brainstorming process, think about the kinds of videos that resonate with your target audience. 

While we typically think of TikTok as a platform geared towards teenagers, there is space for everyone to find engaging content that they can connect with. In fact, 31% of TikTok’s audience falls into the 25-34 age group. 

There is truly something for everyone–all you have to do is get creative with the types of videos you choose to ask creators to make and participate in. 

Some UGC content ideas include: 

• Challenges
• Product reviews
• Giveaways and contests
• Informational videos 
• Demonstrations 
• Before and after comparisons

At Bambassadors, we take pride in partnering with creators to make these assets and many more. Just make sure that whatever you choose, it is simple and straightforward for anyone to do! 

Brand Your Campaign With a Hashtag 

Creating a specific hashtag for your UGC campaign is a great way to add brand consistency and build a strong foundation for your TikTok profile. You’ll want to use this hashtag in all of your posts associated with this campaign. You’ll also ask the content creators you partner with to use this hashtag specifically on their videos and in their captions (for those posting on their own accounts). 

The best hashtags are easy to read, spell, and are unique to your brand and campaign. So keep them short and sweet while also piquing the interest of viewers. 

Here are some successful brand hashtags from companies on TikTok: 

• #PlayWithPringles (343K videos): A campaign challenging creators to “get creative with a Pringles can and film it.”
• #Snoozzzapalooza (2.3M videos): A challenge created by Simmons, the mattress company, encouraging quarantined creators to film their own headlining performance from the comfort of their bed. 
• #improvisewithJUKE (34.3K videos): Nissan Australia’s awareness campaign and contest for creators to be featured in a TV commercial for the brand’s new crossover car. 

According to statistics from TikTok, their branded hashtag challenges have a median engagement rate of 17.5%. This whopping percentage shows that you can spark massive engagement and organic visibility with a hashtag.  

Partner with Content Creators 

Now, it’s time to ask content creators to get in on the fun. Pick TikTokers in your industry or niche to pitch to be a part of your campaign. Give them simple instructions for being a part of your strategy while offering them the autonomy to be creative with their videos. 

If they want to work with you, stay in touch during the creative process and let them know you are there to support them. Provide them with any hashtags, sound clips, or information you want them to include in their posts. However, the more freedom you give creators to share their honest opinions on your products, the better. 

Get Creative With In-App Features 

You don’t need fancy editing software to make your videos entertaining. TikTok has many in-app features that allow for powerful cross-promotion between creators and companies. 

For example, the “Duet” and “Stitch” features allow brands to showcase their favorite UGC submissions on their own TikTok page. If a creator’s video about your product is blowing up, or if you want to give a creator’s content the spotlight, try one of these features to boost its visibility. This will go a long way in making your creators feel valuable and fostering a community around your company. 

Repurpose UGC Content for Future Assets 

Lastly, don’t forget that UGC content does not just have to be shared once–it can be repurposed for future assets, including paid ads and organic social posts. 

Save every submission you receive so that when you are looking for new inspiration, you have a catalog of videos to dive into. 

Just remember to always give credit to creators and ask them for their permission to repurpose their content! 

Are you ready to take TikTok by storm? Let’s have a chat. We’d love to work with you! 

And for a final bit of advice, don’t miss our Instagram…

 

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Did you know there are over 10,068 brand ambassadors currently employed in the United States? It is so important to make sure their personal brands and posts resonate with your target audience. Ideally, there may even be some crossover between your followers and theirs.

As a result, successful creator partnerships can drive growth and boost your company’s digital presence–and the market continues to grow. Take a look at these stats:

• 52% of marketers lean on creators to strengthen their social community, with 41% saying they want to work with content creators to promote their brand values.
• The total creator economy market size is around $104.2 billion and is set to grow on par with the trajectory of the Gig Economy.
• There are over 30 million creators on Instagram, 3 million on Twitch, 13 million on YouTube, and 2 million on other social platforms.

Authenticity wins in today’s market, and today’s consumers are more likely to invest in products backed up by customers like them. So brief, engaging UGC videos—like consumer product demonstrations on TikTok Live, short-form video reviews, and more—are grabbing people’s attention. 

At Bambassadors, we help brands create authentic partnerships with content creators that are passionate about the brands they work with. With 88% of consumers today saying that authenticity is important when deciding what brands they like and support, we are on a mission to empower our clients to continue scaling with the help of creative assets that are genuine, high-quality, and engaging.

Ready to get started? Take a look at the checklist we use to match content creators with top-tier brands. 

They Understand Your Audience 

When partnering with UGC creators, make sure their content aligns with your target audience. You need an ambassador who understands your customers’ wants and needs—or is in that demographic themselves. 

Think about it: it wouldn’t make sense for a beauty industry influencer to make content for a supply chain logistics company. (Although we’d love to see that crossover campaign.)

During the research process, ask yourself and your team the following questions:

• Does this content creator speak to buyers in your niche market? 
• Does their content speak to your buyers’ pain points? 
• Are they knowledgeable about your product and/or industry? 
• Do they relate to your target audience? 

On top of talking to the right people and having industry knowledge, you want to find UGC creators who gear their creative assets toward your buyer demographics’ preferences:

• Baby boomers prefer watching long-form, in-depth product reviews on YouTube. 
• Millennials and Gen X prefer email newsletters, blog posts, and quick social media tutorials
• Gen Z likes watching TikToks, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. 

The right influencer will be on the platforms your buyers frequent and know how to talk and relate to them. 

They Create High-Quality Content 

Partner with brand ambassadors who produce high-quality content. While creators don’t need expensive cameras or flashy setups to create engaging videos, the successful ones leverage editing apps and portable tools that are affordable and adaptable. 

The right creator finds the balance between making content that is authentic and professional. They ensure their audio is clear and their videos are well-lit and without pixelation. At the same time, they are unafraid to experiment with text, music, props, and editing tools to keep users engaged. They should be well-versed in creating videos optimized for today’s social networks and are open to learning new tips and tricks as algorithms change. 

Whether they are making a video review or livestreaming their unboxing, you want their content to be high-quality and dynamic. Just remember not to favor sleek and highly produced over authentic and relatable. 

 

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They Are Collaborative and Align With Your Company 

No one likes working with someone who won’t collaborate, and this is especially true in content creator partnerships. You want to partner with creators who are open to receiving feedback and will fine-tune their content based on your notes. 

Here are some ways you can collaborate with your brand ambassadors: 

• Ask them to share their creative concept ideas.  
• Take a look at social media analytics and come up with ideas to foster engagement.
• Show your UGC creators your upcoming marketing strategies and messaging and ask for feedback.
• Offer your creators feedback on how to better align their content with your vision.

The best partnerships are the ones where both parties are candid, encouraging, and open to creativity and new ideas. It never hurts to schedule a call with your UGC creators and have a brainstorming session about how to take your campaign to the next level. 

Overall, the brand ambassadors you choose should align with your company’s values and mission. If they are knowledgeable, engaged with your buyers, and passionate about collaborating with brands, they can prove impactful to your marketing efforts. 

Ready to find the right brand ambassadors? Let’s chat.

The post Brand Ambassador Checklist: How to Choose the Right Content Creators first appeared on Bambassadors - UGC and Creator Marketing for D2C Brands.

Are your social media posts lacking engagement? 

Do you want to boost brand loyalty and trust?

Then you may want to try a UGC ad campaign! 

User-generated content is a great way to promote your products on social media. By getting followers involved, you can increase your online presence and highlight the real value that your offerings can bring to consumers.

The successful UGC ad campaign: 

• Appeals to your target audience and is easily shareable 
• Offers incentives like prizes or social media features to inspire participation
• Gives simple directions for users to follow 
• Keeps users engaged and shows your appreciation for them

At Bambassadors, we partner with top brands to help them get user-generated videos that sell their products. Our solution connects companies with real people who create authentic assets that are high-performing and drive ROAS. 

This is our bread and butter, and we’re here to help! 

Ready for your company to go viral? Here are four UGC ad campaigns that can offer inspiration!

Coca-Cola’s #ShareaCoke Campaign

Coca-Cola’s marketing campaigns are always on point. Their consistent advertising and messaging across all digital platforms keep their products relevant after being in business for over a century. 

The proof is in the statistics:

• The soft drink company’s brand awareness is at a whopping 96% in the United States
• In October 2022, about 47% of U.S. soft drink drinkers had heard about Coca-Cola in the media, on social media, or in advertising over the past three months 
• 85% of Coca-Cola drinkers show loyalty to the brand 

The soft drink company loves making their loyal customers the focal point of their advertising strategies. Even though it’s a few years old, their #ShareaCoke campaign is a great case study. 

It all started when the marketing team in Australia printed 150 of the most common male and female names on bottle labels. By personalizing each bottle, they aimed to encourage people to gift their loved ones a bottle of Coke with their name on it. 

What began as an Aussie-led ad campaign became a global UGC campaign in 80 other countries. Coca-Cola drinkers worldwide got so excited to see their names on their favorite soft drink that they began making content to post on social media. From fun photos to narrative-driven videos, real people used #ShareaCoke to show off their personalized bottles. Even celebrities like Selena Gomez got in on the fun!

At Bambassadors, we understand the importance of aligning authentic videos with a fun hashtag or engaging call-to-action. You can see value in this combination through Coca-Cola’s clever use of #ShareaCoke and its encouragement of UGC content. It sparked sales and digital engagement for the brand worldwide. It teaches us that personalization can go a long way in engaging customers with a product. Today, over 621,000 posts use #ShareaCoke on Instagram. 

Calvin Klein’s #MyCalvins Campaign 

Calvin Klein remains one of the most popular clothing brands today–and their #MyCalvins campaign inspired young UGC creators to post unfiltered photos of themselves in the brand’s underwear and loungewear. 

You may be familiar with the classic brand’s tagline, as whispered by Brooke Shields: “Nothing comes between me and my Calvins.” 

But their UGC ad campaign sparked a REAL interest in REAL people wearing the brand, not just celebrities. 

Calvin Klein asked its followers to snap a photo of themselves wearing their briefs and completing the caption: “I ____ in my Calvins.” 

At the campaign’s start, the #MyCalvins hashtag was flooded with over 190,000 photos, and today it is at a startling 873,000 on Instagram. The trend has taken over other social networks, including TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter, allowing the brand to gain millions of new followers worldwide. 

@nregge @calvinklein #mycalvins ♬ Sígueme en instagram maaiikaaii – LA NEA

Why was this UGC ad campaign a success? 

For starters, #MyCalvins was an inclusive trend emphasizing body positivity and diversity in fashion and modeling. Rather than hiring models to wear its underwear, the brand highlighted the natural beauty of its customers. 

Consumers today want to relate to who is creating content. We prioritize relatability by recruiting creators who understand our client’s target audience and are passionate about their products. UGC campaigns are the most successful when they resonate with the user–and Calvin Klein’s use of empowering visuals and messaging spoke to its diverse consumer base. 

National Geographic’s #WanderlustContest 

Do you have wanderlust? Then you’ll love National Geographic’s #WanderlustContest campaign! 

The well-known travel network tapped into its viewers’ creativity and photography skills by promoting a unique competition. They asked their customers to post their best photos from their travel adventures using #WanderlustContest. The winner was rewarded with a seven-day photo expedition in Yosemite National Park with a professional photographer. 

This once-in-a-lifetime prize sparked users worldwide to share their photos with the brand and the world. They received so many inspiring submissions that the brand began using them in their paid ads and organic content strategies! 

Since then, National Geographic has organized many similar contests, including one for National Geographic Kids and another for National Geographic Traveler. We love this campaign because it continues to get customers involved annually. They even have a photography community now on Instagram. 

Apple’s #ShotOniPhone Campaign

Many brands kickstart UGC ad campaigns to show their customers that they listen to their wants and needs. Rather than responding to feedback in the comments section, some of our clients turn consumer criticisms into a positive learning experience. 

Apple prioritized the satisfaction of iPhone users with their #ShotOniPhone campaign. After receiving feedback from their customers being disappointed in the quality of their phone cameras, they decided to challenge users to try all of their features and macro capabilities for themselves. They asked their followers to post their iPhone pics online with the hashtag #ShotOniPhone. Apple encouraged both professional photographers and hobbyists to show off their skills for a chance to be featured on their website and social networks. 

Kaiann Drance, the VP of iPhone Marketing at Apple, sat down with Apple Insider to explain the reasoning behind this strategy: 

“One of the things we believe at Apple is that the true potential of our products is fully realized when it gets into the hands of our users,” she said. “This challenge, in particular, really showcases that beautifully as we have people from all different backgrounds.” 

The campaign began in 2020 and is a prominent part of Apple’s marketing today. Whether they are asking users to capture an image in Nightmode or make a music video from their phone, the tech giant will continue taking social media by storm. 

In other words: don’t underestimate the power of user-generated content. If you’re looking for a company that empowers your brand to scale through UGC campaigns, then let’s talk.

 

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The post Going Viral: 4 UGC Ad Campaigns That Took Social Media by Storm first appeared on Bambassadors - UGC and Creator Marketing for D2C Brands.

Yes, this is a thing. And it’s exactly what it sounds like. 

Deinfluencers are content creators who tell their audience what they shouldn’t buy. Rather than falling victim to the social media hype around certain products, deinfluencers use their platforms to share their genuine thoughts and experiences—no matter how popular the brand is. 

The goal is to build consumer trust and bring authenticity to the forefront. Many deinfluencers want to dissuade their followers from overconsumption and inspire them to be more choosy with how they invest their money. 

Just look at these stats:

• 54% of people either made a sporadic purchase at the moment or after seeing the service or product on Instagram.
• 40% of Gen Z is willing to spend more on experiences rather than necessities, though 20% admit to not saving money in favor of either having these experiences or shopping 
• Over a third of people admit to overspending to “keep up with the fun” they see their peers having on social media. 

Deinfluencers want to discourage these spending habits and provide their followers with cheaper alternatives that would better fit their needs. 

There are deinfluencers in every niche market, including: 

• The beauty industry (makeup and skincare)
• The wedding industry (wedding planning)
• The music industry (which instruments and gear are worthwhile, etc.)
• Gaming and podcasts (microphones, chairs, games, and consoles)

With over 424 million views on TikTok, #deinfluencing is a content trend that is not going away anytime soon. 

So what does that mean for your brand? 

While this trend may sound negative, there are many ways to integrate it successfully into your marketing strategy. For example, you can leverage user-generated content (UGC) to stay relevant in the era of deinfluencing and highlight the value your products can bring into customers’ lives. 

Ready to get started?

Here are three tips for navigating the deinfluencing trend and staying relevant on social media.

Position your product as an alternative.

Today’s market is competitive, and consumers want the most bang for their buck. 

A great way to leverage the deinfluencing trend is to position your product as a cost-effective alternative to your competitors.

Let’s talk about the beauty industry. Many Sephora employees are telling their followers which viral makeup products aren’t worth the hype on TikTok. After giving honest reviews, these creators often encourage viewers to try “dupes” that are more affordable and of higher quality. 

You want your brand to be the “dupe” that today’s deinfluencers recommend. 

Partner with creators in your industry and ask them if they could include your products in their content. Ask them to give their honest feedback about your products as well. You can even repurpose this content for your own organic social posts and UGC ad campaigns. 

Respond to feedback with poise and humor.

There may come a time when your brand is the subject of deinfluencing. 

Before you go into panic–mode, take a deep breath: you can make things right by responding with poise and humor. Instead of ignoring your customers’ criticisms or deleting comments, take note of their feedback and show them how you will improve your product. 

You can do this by following these steps: 

• Respond promptly via comments and video responses
• Empathize with their problems to diffuse the situation
• Take accountability and apologize 
• Offer them the corrected version of your product 
• Ask them to re-review your updated products 

When responding to feedback, adding a little humor can also be fun. Take a look at Wendy’s Twitter page. Describing their tweets as “hot, crispy, and better than anyone expects from a fast food restaurant,” the burger chain proved this true when responding to a comment criticizing their “fresh, never frozen” slogan. 

What a clap back! 

Whether you are responding to a tweet or TikTok video, don’t just leave the conversation there. Repurpose this content to your advantage and show your customers you listen to their feedback. This will go a long way in showing your commitment to solving their pain points.

Emphasize Your Product’s Value 

As we said earlier, a significant component of deinfluencing is helping people save money and invest in fewer items with greater value. To stay relevant, it is up to you to highlight why your products are worthwhile. 

Create UGC content strategies to show off the authenticity of your brand and the quality of your offerings. With 80% of people saying that UGC impacts their decision to purchase, there is no better way to emphasize your product’s value. 

 

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Ask yourself the following questions: 

• What does my product offer my target audience?
• What features of my product stand out from our competitors?
• What are the features our customers focus on positively in their content?
• What features do our customers give negative feedback on?

The first step is calling real creators to try your products and create honest content around them. The next step is amplifying them through the following channels:

• Social networks
• Newsletters
• Blog posts
• PPC Ads 
• Your website 

This way, you’ll be able to effectively incorporate deinfluencers’ content into your strategies. This will drive awareness, boost sales, and keep your brand ahead of the curve!

Don’t hide from this trend: embrace it! At Bambassadors, we pride ourselves on finding relevant and proven creators who are genuinely passionate about your brand. We understand the power of UGC in building brand credibility and customer loyalty–and we want to help you! So book a call with us today.

The post How Brands Can Navigate the Deinfluencing Trend and Stay Relevant on Social Media first appeared on Bambassadors - UGC and Creator Marketing for D2C Brands.

Your target audience is the specific group of consumers who you want to invest in your product or service. With their own wants, needs, ages, and cultural backgrounds, these people will be your biggest fans–as long as your marketing content is engaging and relevant to solving their pain points. 

User-generated content (UGC) can go a long way in attracting your target consumer and influencing them to support your brand. Research shows that an estimated 90% of consumers say UGC has more influence over their buying decisions than promotional emails and search engine results. This includes short-form video reviews, images, tutorials, live streams, and blog posts, all created by a mix of content creators, everyday customers, and brand loyalists that do not work for your company. 

No matter the targeted demographic, UGC can drive authenticity and relatability to the forefront of companies’ marketing strategies. Consumers are 2.4 times more likely to say that user-generated content is more authentic than brand-created content. The goal is to meet your target audience where they are and relate to who they are–whether they are a Baby Boomer, Gen Z, or somewhere in between. 

Where should you start? Let’s dive into some best practices. 

Best Practices for UGC

Of course, there are best practices for leveraging user-generated content that companies should follow no matter who they are marketing their products to. Make sure you are repurposing and utilizing UGC that successfully follows these key points:

• The content aligns with your brand’s values and vision
• The content is creative, engaging, and informative
• The content creator highlights your products in an authentic way
• The content creator is targeting the right audience 

At Bambassadors, we pride ourselves on connecting clients with content creators who can best inspire the audiences they are looking to target. But, of course, not all user-generated content is created equal. So we evaluate our data to better understand what different consumers are looking for, their shopping habits, and the types of content that resonate with them–which, in turn, gives our clients a leg up in their digital marketing strategies. 

Let’s review the best practices for curating and leveraging UGC that connects with each demographic. 

UGC for Baby Boomers 

Baby Boomers are the least engaged in marketing content on social media. According to HubSpot, only 17% of individuals ages 55 and above have discovered a product on it in a three-month period—and only 4% have purchased a product on a social app in that time. 

Instead, they find the products they are looking for through television ads, internet searches, and visiting retail stores. But that doesn’t mean UGC isn’t effective for Boomers. In fact, boomers are more likely to prefer written content and photos over short-form videos and prefer Facebook and YouTube to all other social networks. They react positively to straightforward and informative content, so be sure to cut the fluff. Instead, focus on how your product can bring value to their lives and make for a smart financial investment. 

Here are some types of UGC to implement when marketing to Baby Boomers:

• Long-form and in-depth product reviews via YouTube 
• Reviews and photos published on blogs, digital publications, or Facebook 
• Reviews on community forums and discussion boards 
• Facebook ad campaigns repurposing UGC photos and videos 

In short: Make sure your UGC geared towards Baby Boomers is informative, accessible in design, and relatable. 

UGC for Generation X 

If you’re targeting the Generation X crowd, you should know that 90% of them use social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. While they prefer to discover new brands through internet searches, television ads, and retail stores, they find the most success on social media. They use it as a resource to research businesses and ensure that brands align with their values and needs. 

This demographic also loves video marketing and appreciates the shareability of digital content. Whether this is a video clip embedded into your email newsletter or an Instagram reel, Gen X wants to see your products for what they are in real life. 

Here are some types of UGC to implement when marketing to Gen X:

• Repurposing testimonials for email newsletters 
• Facebook videos 
• Instagram reels 
• YouTube reviews 
• Client reviews on your website

UGC for Millennials 

When it comes to UGC, millennials support authentic, creative, and customer-focused brands. They also believe UGC is 35% more memorable than other media. 

Millennials are asking brands to ditch marketing fads and focus on building customer relationships. They want the shopping experience to be immersive and experiential rather than transactional. Successful UGC geared towards this demographic should be both informative and entertaining. They want a brand’s expertise to be highlighted but in an authentic and transparent way. They also want to feel like companies want to use their insights to help them solve their pain points. 

Here are some types of UGC to implement when marketing to millennials:

• Quick video tutorials on social media 
• Product reviews on blog posts 
• Testimonials in E-books 
• Unboxing and “first-impression” videos on YouTube

UGC for Gen Z 

Last but certainly not least, Gen Z primarily discovers new brands through social media, YouTube ads, and internet searches. As the demographic with the most prominent presence on TikTok, Gen Zers are the most influenced by digital content creators. 

In fact, 33% of Gen Z have bought a product based on a creator’s video recommendation in the past three months.  

 

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When it comes to creating and repurposing UGC that resonates with them, ensure that your product is not glamourized. Content that looks like a sales pitch or glossy commercial is not going to be as effective as a video of a real person on TikTok trying your product. Just make sure that there is a strong opening that hooks them into watching the entire video. 

With watch-times continuing to decline, you want to get to the point fast. 

Here are some types of UGC to implement when marketing to Gen Z:

• Memes and gifs 
• TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts videos and paid ads 
• Unfiltered product photos and videos via Instagram 
• Livestream product reviews

Do you want to take your digital marketing strategy to the next level? Schedule a call with us, and we’ll walk you through our process of connecting your company with relevant, proven creators who are excited about your brand and will produce content that relates to your target audience.

The post How User-Generated Content Can Help You Connect with everyone from Baby Boomers to Gen Z first appeared on Bambassadors - UGC and Creator Marketing for D2C Brands.