Communication is a two-way street. We share our message to get a response. How often do we forget to listen to the response? In our daily scramble to create new content, we often forget about checking to see what our audience thinks. We get so focused on Google rankings that we neglect our real audience – the customer. Creating an atmosphere in which you listen to feedback and reviews from your customers gives you a chance to let your customers know how much you care. Plus, it opens the door to some exciting opportunities in your content marketing strategy.
How to Get Content FROM Users
The experts and SEO Gurus all say one thing—write for the user. Correct. But don’t miss out on the valuable content you can get from the user. User generated content can be a big help in your content strategy. Reviews help give new customers more confidence about your business. Comments from readers and customers open a dialogue about your products and services. You’re building a community that shows interest in your content. You can also use customer feedback and comments to learn what your reader is interested in. It’s an excellent way to design and create new content that is relevant to your readers. If one person is interested in something, you can safely assume that others with a similar persona will have the same types of questions.
The best way to get user generated content is to simply ask.
- Include a call-to-action that asks your readers to leave a comment.
- Send emails to existing customers asking for reviews.
- Get users to interact with your brand – have a photo contest, use hashtags, host online events and engage with your customers.
How to Use User Generated Content
Once you are interacting with your audience, you can’t just leave it at that. Take advantage of what your readers are sharing with you.
Respond to users who interact with your brand.
Thank customers who leave you a review. If it’s a negative review, act immediately to see how you can fix the issue. Do you best to make it right. You’re not only speaking to the customer who left the review, you’re showing future customers that you are serious about customer service.
Promote articles and ask for comments.
Your readers need to know that you want to hear from them. The more you promote your content, the more comments you are likely to get. This encourages more comments.
Analyze the comments and reviews.
Read through the comments that your users are sharing. You are going to have to be thick-skinned, because not everyone will be nice. Focus on helpful responses and constructive criticism instead of canned responses or pure negativity. Look for trends and ideas that keep coming up. There is a veritable treasure trove of content ideas right before your eyes!
Update content frequently.
Use your user generated content to create new content. You might get inspired to write a white paper or to incorporate reviews into your videos. Improve articles by including reader tips. Take down content that isn’t getting any engagement or try promoting it with a new perspective. Ask readers if you can use their comments or review—you want to be completely transparent about your process.
Include User Generated Content in Your Content Strategy
Promoting user generated content isn’t something you do once and forget it. Do it consistently and it can help you keep your content more relevant to your audience. By listening to your audience and using their feedback, you can write to their needs, which in turn will boost your SEO strategy.
If you find it difficult to keep up with your content strategy, contact MintCopy to find out how our team of skilled and experienced SEO copywriters can support your content creators.
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