User Generated Content: A Game-Changer for SEO

In the ever-harsher battle for the first page of Google search results, many business owners are still ignorant of one of the most effective SEO tools. We are talking about user generated content (UGC): photos, videos and written testimonials created by your clients and social media followers. In this article, the Techtio digital marketing team will discuss the benefits of user generated content for SEO.

But first, let us explain why this type of content is so effective.

Why Does Google Prefer User Generated Content?

Google’s algorithm updates have a key purpose: to offer users helpful, accurate, and trustworthy answers to their queries. And, according to Google’s research, people want to get these answers from other people, not abstract brands.

There are many reasons for this shift, but the most important one is connected with the constant exploitation of SEO rules by scammers and hackers. Thus, branded content tends to be less credible compared to content created by everyday people.

However, you can increase your organic search traffic by leveraging answers given by real people – your customers and social media followers.

And looking over the most popular user generated content examples, we can understand their benefits for your SEO strategy. Here they are:

They Have a User-Friendly Format

Most UGC is straight to the point:

• This product helped me solve this issue
• This is how quickly I assembled this piece of furniture
• Look how great I look in this jacket.

The problem with brand-produced content is that it tends to get lost in tangents trying to incorporate as many keywords as possible.

There is an ongoing joke about cooking blogs, where you have to scroll through several screens of pointless stories before you reach the actual recipe. Compare this to a quick 2-minute video posted by someone who shows how to prepare the dish step by step.

We can all agree that we’d choose the video when we actually want to cook and save the blog for a quick read before bedtime.

UGC Is Trustworthy

For the Techtio SEO team, one of the biggest benefits of user generated content is that it is inherently trusted. No one would waste their time creating a fake video or fake photos promoting a non-existent or poor-quality product.

The reviews, product unboxing videos, demos of how to set up a piece of equipment, or just a photo showing off a new purchase are 100% authentic and trustworthy. Other people can see the buyer’s genuine excitement and analyse the product in real-life use.

This kind of content is more valuable for SEO than high-resolution product photos and videos showcased on the ecommerce site.
UGC Puts People before the Product
Let’s put it this way: branded content talks about the product features and characteristics. User generated content talks about how people feel using these products. Product reviews, in particular, often contain very helpful information that is not included in product descriptions.

For instance, clients may discover a new way to use the product or a simpler method to set it up. Others may show a simple hack to maintain it and prolong its lifespan. This is why it is a great idea to read all reviews carefully. You may discover new information about how your clients interact with your products.

UGC Is Helpful

A SEO content strategy for the web often relies on keywords plus the (perceived) top benefits for the client. These may be insufficient for new users or people who are switching from a different brand they used to love. They already have a feeling of betrayal and mistrust.

One of the benefits of user generated content for SEO is that it builds trust with new customers. UGC is helpful. People show:

• How they take the product out of the packaging
• Their first impressions of the aspect and feel
• How easy the instructions for use are
• Demonstrations of the product in action

This kind of content helps undecided website visitors trust you and make the first purchase.

Techtio Can Help You Leverage the Benefits of User Generated Content!

UGC is a game-changer for SEO. But one of the first challenges is determining your clients to create and share this kind of content.

At Techtio, we know how to nurture leads to become clients and then brand advocates with our user generated content strategies. Talk to us today to get started!