Creating new and engaging content takes time and effort. User generated content (UGC) provides one solution to the ongoing search for new content. User-generated content is a source of content crafted by a consumer, social media follower, fan or influencer that lives under the brand’s property. In context with Local SEO product/service reviews, blog posts, images uploaded by users or social media conversations, all are source of user generated content. SMBs/Local Businesses can use this content on their website or social media networks to promote their brand. Often, this type of content comes at little-to-no cost, which acts likes a free source of advertising. User generated content, such as product reviews and customer testimonials, give the search engine spiders the content they need to properly evaluate a website.
Role of Agency, the SMB, and the SMB’s customer in the UGC
As discussed above UGC can be integrated in the website content strategy as follows to make use of all content opportunities:
The flip side for Agencies has been that it’s difficult to obtain UGC from its typical clients other than testimonials or case studies. Even these have to be sometimes created on the client’s behalf. So relying heavily on UGC for the purpose of SEO hasn’t been feasible.