If you run an online store, you probably know that driving traffic and conversions is crucial for your business. One way to do this is by leveraging user-generated content (UGC)- content that your customers create and share about your products on social media. UGC can help increase brand awareness, boost engagement, and drive sales. In fact, online shoppers who interact with UGC are 97% more likely to convert than those who don’t. Just think, with UGC, you can make more money without lifting a finger - now that's what we call a real win-win situation!

What is User-Generated Content (UGC)?

User-generated content refers to any content created by users or customers of a brand. This can include product reviews, photos, videos, social media posts, and more. UGC is a powerful marketing tool because it allows customers to share their experiences with a brand or product, which can help build trust and credibility among other potential customers. 

For instance Fashion Nova: This fast-fashion business has become increasingly popular over the years by incorporating user-generated content (UGC) into its marketing strategies. Fashion Nova's social media profiles frequently show images of consumers wearing their items, which has allowed the business to create a large fan base. After all, it's hard to resist a brand that’s basically saying, “Hey, you could look this good too!”

So, how can you use UGC to drive more traffic and revenue to your Shopify store? Here are some tips and resources to get started:

1. Create a branded hashtag - Encourage your customers to share photos and videos of your products on social media using a branded hashtag. This will help you discover and curate UGC that you can feature on your website and social media channels. Anastasia Beverly Hills uses the branded hashtag #anastasiabrows to encourage customers to share their makeup looks featuring their eyebrow products on Instagram. They’re showcasing the brand's products in a real-life setting and building a community of loyal customers.

2. Offer incentives - Consider offering incentives such as discounts or free products to customers who share UGC. This will encourage them to create and share more content about your products, which can lead to more traffic and sales. All in all, it’s a win-win situation – customers get free stuff and you get free advertising!

3. Use a UGC tool - There are many UGC tools available that can help you collect, curate, and display UGC on your website. Some popular option for Shopify stores include Squadded, the unified social commerce platform, to quickly turn your top influencers and customers into brand ambassadors to showcase their best UGC and product recommendations on your Shopify.

4. Partner with influencers - Identify influencers in your niche who can create and share UGC about your products. This can help you reach a wider audience and build trust with potential customers. Hey, if it works for Kylie Jenner, it’ll work for us too, right?

🤩Learn How to create a Successful UGC Influencer Marketing Campaign 🤩

5. Use social proof - Incorporate UGC into your product pages, email marketing, and social media channels. This can help build social proof and convince potential customers to make a purchase.

6. Run UGC contests - Hosting a UGC contest can be a fun and effective way to encourage your customers to create and share UGC. For example, you could ask customers to share photos of themselves using your products for a chance to win a prize.

User-Generated Content Platform

Maximize UGC impact

Now that you know how to collect and curate user-generated content (UGC) for your Shopify store, let's explore how to make the most out of it to drive sales and revenue.  After all, what’s the point of UGC if you don’t benefit from it in some way?

Use Instagram Shopping  

Instagram Shopping allows Shopify store owners to tag their products in UGC posts, making it easy for customers to shop directly from the post. This can help drive traffic and sales from social media.

Create a UGC storefront 

With a UGC storefront on your Shopify, you can showcase UGC from your customers and influencers in one place. This can help build social proof and inspire potential customers to make a purchase while giving affiliates a lot of exposure. Squadded offers a personalized UGC storefront for each affiliate - customers and influencers. So basically, it's a win-win for everyone... Except for the people who don't like shopping, of course.

Monitor and respond to UGC 

It's important to monitor UGC that is being shared about your brand and products on social media. This allows you to respond to customer feedback, address any issues, and thank customers for sharing their experiences.

Use UGC in your ads 

Incorporating UGC into your social media and Google ads can help increase engagement and drive more clicks and conversions. Just be sure to get permission from the creators before using their content in your ads.

Conclusion

To sum up, user-generated content (UGC) is a powerful tool for driving traffic and sales to your Shopify store. By encouraging customers and even influencers to share their experiences with your products, you can build trust and credibility among potential customers. And with the help of UGC tools like Squadded, you can seamlessly collect, curate, and display UGC from your top influencers and customers. Squadded's personalized UGC storefronts can also help build social proof and inspire potential customers to make a purchase. So, if you're looking to take your UGC strategy to the next level, Don't wait any longer – head over to Squadded today. Your brand ambassadors are waiting – are you ready to join the Squadded revolution?