post

Actionable Tips to Improve Digital Marketing

2022 is fast approaching. In a blink of an eye, everything is hopefully going back to normal. But even with lockdowns and social distancing, content marketing is still the king. 

A digital marketing speaker Hong Kong highlights that 94% of marketers invest in content. It is because modern consumers become a lot smarter. Brands and businesses first need to create values before pitching a sale. Modern consumers want to feel a sense of importance. They also long to become a part of the community. 

Through content, a social media agency Hong Kong engages its target audience before turning them into loyal customers. The social media race calls for visibility online. Consistently posting content is the key to a better brand recall.

If you want to improve your content marketing skills, here are some actionable writing tips to improve your digital marketing strategy!

Know Your Audience

Writing is all about your readers. Who are they? What will resonate best with them? Answer these questions to craft content that will most likely resonate with them. It is important to build an audience persona to focus your writing based on their interests and preferences.

Plan Your Content Strategy

To create a deeper connection between you and your readers, you should spend enough time planning your content strategy. Don’t just write for any category or subject. Create a buying journey as you publish content. Like a drama anthology or a video series, you should hook your readers into a buying journey.

Puff Your Draft

Any content starts with drafting. Do a little research to validate facts, opinions, statistics, and values. Spending some time drafting your document can help you organize your thoughts easily. Organize the content flow by using headers and listing as needed.

Read and Edit Your Content Three Times

This is one step that most content marketers failed to undertake. After puffing your draft, you should read and edit it three times. The first edit is a simple checking of the flow, grammar, and links. The second is to read it allow to know if you are satisfied with the content. The third is a final check on how your content will look on the web.

Scan for Easy Reading

Once you have uploaded your content online, perform a scan for easy reading. For example, if you are sending an email, do a test sending on another email that you can open. It allows you to see if the content is easy to read even on mobile devices. The same goes for blog content that you will publish on a website. 

Pro-Tips: Use bullets and headers to add white spaces to your content. Limit your paragraph to 7 sentences. 

Writing Do’s 

  • Be active. Active voice is much better than passive voice when writing content. It is they sound more dynamic.
  • Be informative. Provide facts and not just subjective opinions.
  • Be personable. Show the real you. Aim for a one-sentence paragraph that can show how emphatic you are. 
  • Be vivid. Keep your readers engaged by adding some excitement to your content piece. It may be a meme, quote, trivia, etc. Be creative enough to stir your audiences’ imagination.

Writing Don’ts 

  • Avoid redundancy. Redundancy can sound boring. It can also kill the interests of your readers.
  • Avoid using exclusionary words. To promote inclusivity, use neutral job titles instead of Mr. or Miss. Avoid implying demographics like age, ethnicity, gender, etc. as much as possible.
  • Avoid using jargon. Your readers may not know your niche deeply. Using industry terms or jargon can drive them away or make them puzzled.
  • Avoid using “There is” or “There are” at the beginning of a sentence. Weak sentences typically start with these words. Instead, find the real subject and start off with it.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Content writing is not an ordinary job. It requires passion, patience, and skills. By following the actionable writing tips mentioned above, we are pretty sure that you will improve your digital marketing strategy.

Reference: https://blog.red-website-design.co.uk/2019/07/18/actionable-writing-tips-infographic/

post

Marketing Channels Where Brands and Businesses Should Invest Today

Wikipedia defines marketing channels as activities, organizations, and people that serve as instruments to get products and services to their end-users. A digital marketing speaker Hong Kong has a different concept about marketing channels. They are online platforms where brands and businesses can promote their products and services. Some of the most popular marketing channels are:

  • Business Websites
  • eCommerce Websites
  • Google for SEO
  • Messaging apps like Messenger and WhatsApp
  • Social Media Pages and Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
  • YouTube for video marketing

There are many options available to promote products and services in this modern age. The challenge among brands and businesses is choosing the perfect one where they can get a positive ROI from their marketing budget. Below are 7 essential marketing channels where brands and businesses should invest today.

BUSINESS BLOG

A business blog is an informational website. It is a collection of articles, news, and updates about a brand or a business. Brands and businesses should invest in this marketing channel because they start the buyer’s journey to make a purchase. A business blog serves as a dedicated platform to educate your customers and prospects about your brand, industry, niche, products, and services. Out of 1.7 million websites globally, 500 million are business blogs. Six out of ten online shoppers noted that a business blog set them on a journey of making a purchase.

EMAIL MARKETING

Email marketing started in 1978. It is one of the oldest marketing channels today. Despite being the oldest marketing channel, email marketing has the potential to reach a large number of people. In 2021, there are 4.1 billion email users. This is almost 2/3 of the world’s population. Every dollar spent on email marketing yields an average return on investment (ROI) of $42. Thus, a well-planned email marketing strategy will make more money. That is why 9 out of 10 marketers use email as a marketing channel to distribute content. Welcome emails have an open rate of 82% while abandoned cart emails result in 69% more sales. According to a video marketing agency Hong Kong, the way to move forward with email is using interactive content. Attaching a video in an email boosts click rates by 300%.

MOBILE DEVICES

There are now 3.8 billion people using mobile devices or smartphones. Experts look forward to the possibility that the number will continuously rise within the next five years. With 50.88% of online traffic coming from mobile devices last 2020, this is a great marketing channel where brands and businesses can invest today. Modern consumers prefer brands and businesses that provide customer support and information through SMS, WhatsApp, and other mobile devices. 

ORGANIC SEARCH

Organic search is also known as unpaid search results. They are natural search results based on the authority of a website, keyword ranking, and quality of content. Whether it be for entertainment, research, or shopping, the first step a consumer does is to make an organic search. This is the reason why brands and businesses should also invest in this marketing channel. Just this year, Google has already received 360 billion searches. Out of these billion searches, the top 5 organic results received 67.60% clicks. Here’s a pro-tip, nowadays visual and voice searches are rising. Video content is most likely to show on organic ranking 50 times more than plain text. 

SOCIAL MEDIA

A social media agency Hong Kong notes that social media is the best marketing channel that brands and businesses should invest in today. There are 4.48 billion social media users, allowing them to reach a larger audience. The top 5 social media marketing networks for 2021 are Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok. Social Media is a marketing channel that allows brands and businesses to build rapport with their audiences. When you interact in the same place where your target customers connect with people close to them, you also become a part of their personal network. As such, social media is a key to long-term brand and consumer relationships. 

VIDEO MARKETING

If you run a small business, you don’t need to hire a big production team. Most mobile devices and smartphones now have cameras equipped with video editing tools. Even social media apps have features to customize and edit video content. Video marketing is an effective marketing channel for explainers, FAQ, how-to, interviews, and testimonials. Around 86% of modern consumers expect to see more videos from brands and businesses. Viewers retained 95% of the messages on videos they have watched. It also helps them learn more about products and services.

WORD-OF-MOUTH MARKETING

Never underestimate the power of word-of-mouth marketing. They are free, but they can double or triple the revenue of a brand or business. Offline or online, A happy customer will spread the word about how truly delighting a brand or business is. Around 90% of people trust these recommendations from colleagues, family members, friends, and even strangers. They are even more effective than paid ads, resulting in 5 times more sales. Out of all these 7 essential marketing channels, word-of-mouth is the most trusted. 

Reference: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/9-essential-marketing-channels-small-businesses-should-invest-in-infograph/604250/

post

Top Ways to Use Social Proof on eCommerce Websites

One best practice to optimize conversion rate is using social proofs. Social proof means using third-party testimonials to sway potential customers in buying products and services. A digital marketing speaker Hong Kong laid down some concrete examples of social proof.

  • When an online searcher browses a landing page and sees an industry expert’s testimonial, that is social proof.
  • When a potential client signs up for a demo because the tools solve a problem similar to what they have, that is social proof.
  • When a customer sees an industry giant already using the tool while cruising the price page, that is social proof.

There are a lot more examples of social proof. Among the most popular types are:

  • Case studies
  • Celebrity endorsement
  • Certifications and awards
  • Customer reviews and testimonials
  • Expert recommendation
  • Influencer marketing
  • Media mentions
  • Platform Integrations
  • Ratings and reviews
  • Trust symbols

social media agency Hong Kong notes that social proofs are the first things that a potential buyer considers before they decide whether to proceed with the purchase or not. People don’t want to be different when it comes to social situations. They assumed that industry experts and influencers are well-informed. As such, it makes them follow their buying decision about a brand. Since they have the power to influence buying decisions, businesses should learn the top ways to use social proof on eCommerce websites.

  • Adding trust seals on check-out pages can boost conversion on eCommerce websites by 42%. They let your visitors know that you are a legitimate brand. They also know that all transactions are taking place with safety and security.
  • Authenticity is one key factor to use social proof on an eCommerce website. As social media becomes mainstream, sharing what customers are saying about a brand on social media pages can boost conversion on their online shops. Customers trust word of mouth, especially when they come from users who have already bought a product or service.
  • Case studies are a higher form of social proof. These are in-depth reviews of products and services. Since they are well-researched, they are more reputable among online searchers. Publishing them on your social media pages and websites can boost conversion among detail-oriented customers.
  • Celebrities, industry experts, and influencers can be great brand ambassadors. Partnering with them can establish authority and extra value to a brand. Partnerships may come under natural and paid endorsements. 
  • Client logos are effective and pervasive social proofs. Showing your existing customer base through their logos can prove positive adoption. Potential customers will think that if your product or service is good enough for your existing customers, it can also be good enough for them.
  • Customer recommendations are powerful social proofs when you display them on eCommerce websites. Especially when the happy customer is a popular personality, people will more likely follow suit in purchasing the brand’s product and services. A positive customer experience recommends a brand to families and friends by 77%.
  • Depending on your industry or niche, accreditations, badges, and certifications should be proudly displayed on eCommerce websites. They can increase conversion rates by as much as 30%.
  • Display real-time statistics on your social media pages and websites. Show how many people are currently making a purchase and viewing a product or service. Such real-time statistics add urgency to your content mix among potential clients.
  • Highlight how a brand, product, or service solves the pain points of their customers through testimonials. Around 95% of people trust peer recommendation, while 70% trust recommendation from someone they don’t know.
  • If you are linking your eCommerce website to your blog posts, it will be a smart idea to show the number of shares together with a share button. Social share counts show your potential customers that a lot of people may have tried your brand. They are also a free form of online marketing using the share button.
  • Platform integration is the best social proof on eCommerce websites. Displaying the logo of your third-party partners can put your brand in line with credible and familiar names.
  • Product ratings and reviews are powerful social proofs that significantly influence the buying decisions of potential customers. A 5-star rating lifts the reputation of an eCommerce store, while reviews on product pages highlight the benefits of products and services.
  • Some prospects are hesitant to push through with purchases for one reason or another. Sometimes, the only social proof that can convince them to cross the fence is showing a product or service as a bestseller. Bestseller tags create an urgency for the prospect to make the purchase right away. It convinces the prospect that the item is useful because a lot of people are buying it.
  • Viral posts about your products and services should be prominently displayed on your eCommerce websites and social media pages. This promotes the fear of missing out (FOMO) among online audiences and can lift conversion among your products and services.

Reference: https://blog.red-website-design.co.uk/2021/06/15/25-ecommerce-social-proof/

post

How to Market Digital Shops

The way people shop today has greatly changed. The lockdowns and social distancing implemented in 2020 have boosted the rise of social eCommerce. This year, there are around 2.14 million digital buyers globally. That is why a digital marketing speaker Hong Kong has noted the importance of digital shops. Yet, it is challenging for brands to create digital shops. They need to consider many factors to keep them earning and running. It is also more challenging to market digital shops. So, here’s a guide on how to do it and thrive!

What Are Digital Shops?

Digital Shops are online storefronts that brands set up on an eCommerce site, social media platforms, and their website. They showcase a collection of products and services like a brick-and-mortar store. However, they only exist online and not in a physical location. Digital Shops are the perfect solution to streamline an online shopping experience. By integrating store inventories with direct payments, brands can boost their revenues online. 

There are different technologies that digital shops can use to keep them running online. The most common are AR/VR try-on, interactive fitting rooms, product tags, QR codes, and shopping stickers. There are also several ways to set up digital shops. First, brands can partner with eCommerce websites like Amazon, BigCommerce, Magento, Shopify, WooCommerce, and Wix eCommerce. Second, a social media agency Hong Kong can set up digital shops on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Pinterest, Snapchat, and WhatsApp. These social media online shops can be created through the business pages of social media accounts. Third, brands can create digital shops on their business websites. This is by enabling a product and services page, integrated with a checkout cart and direct payment system. 

A big step in digital shopping today is the integration of online shops into video ads. A video marketing agency Hong Kong now uses product tags to invite video viewers in buying relevant products and services. Brands can tell a story via short-form video clips and showcase a product with a 360-degree spin. They can also publish product explainer videos to relate their products and services to their customers. 

How to Market Digital Shops

Below are some marketing techniques for brands to drive sales on their digital shops. 

Create Educational Blog Posts

A very effective digital marketing technique today is to educate the customers to influence their buying decisions. Most brands focus on content marketing to give their audiences helpful information about their products and services. Using educational blog posts, brands create a problem that their target audience commonly encounters. Within the article, they will offer the best solution to the reader, which turns out to be the brand’s products and services. Educational blog posts can also optimize the SEO strategy of a brand. These powerful posts can boost SEO ranking by providing accurate and authentic content to answer the searcher’s keyword queries.

Expand Your Email List

There are 4.03 billion people who use email today. So, it is the easiest way to start connecting with people who want to check relevant products and services. Brands can use emails as a cold outreach technique to inform people about a product launch or new service. They can also use email to send reminders about an abandoned online shopping cart or a wish list. The best way to expand an email list using digital shops is to enable CTAs or pop-ups like “Learn More” and “Subscribe Now.” Messenger ads can also capture the contact details of an account user automatically. Brands can also contact page questionnaires when users want to join their social media pages. 

Gather Customer Reviews and Turn Them into User-Generated Content (UGC)

Word of mouth is a powerful marketing strategy. To market digital shops, brands can request customers to review their products and services. They can strategically post these feedbacks, ratings, reviews, and testimonials as UGCs. Like word of mouth, modern consumers prefer these authentic pieces of content and influence them to buy a product or service. Video testimonials of happy customers posted on social media pages even garnered the most numbers of likes, comments, and shares. 

Post a Variety of Creative Content

The best way to market digital shops is to post a variety of creative content on social media platforms. Modern consumers easily get attracted to visual content. Use images and videos to catch their attention toward your digital shops. How-to videos, product explainers, and unboxing videos can educate the customer and relate products and services to their needs and interests. Hosting contests, giveaways, and promotional sales are unique experiences brands can offer to increase awareness and discovery. 

Upsell and Downsell

Brands should market digital shops every time there is an opportunity. This is even if the customer is about to checkout. Do this by posting different items on your digital shops. Group relevant items so that once you have a digital shopper, they can see related products and services that interest them. Brands can offer an upgrade to a regular product offering for more sales. They can even offer a downgraded version of the shoppers’ interest with a simpler item. 

Work with Influencers in Your Niche

Collaborating with bloggers, KOLs, thought leaders, and vloggers is a great way to market your digital shops. Such a strategy aims to gain a large reach among the huge followings of these influencers. Brands can also partner with affiliate programs that promote stores using influencer marketing. Through their online expertise and reputation, their followers are more likely to be influenced by buying products and services they recommend.  


Reference:https://blog.red-website-design.co.uk/2021/05/05/ecommerce-website-marketing-tips/

post

Why Brands Should Make Instagram Reels

The same kinds of campaigns have been saturating social media marketing today. As such, the engagement rate of social media users among brands has significantly declined. Recently, the TikTok app took the world by storm. Through catchy and short-form video content, creators achieved a ridiculous reach within the platform. That is why other social networks tried to mimic the TikTok clips. YouTube created Shorts, and Snapchat designed Spotlight. But according to a social media agency Hong Kong, Instagram’s TikTok clone works the best. For them, Instagram Reels is getting its users back from TikTok into the platform. They are the perfect way to engage with a new kind of audience. They allow creators to collaborate with the community by creating reel-ish content. They are easily digestible and highly entertaining. So, there are a lot of reasons why brands should make Instagram Reels.

WHAT ARE INSTAGRAM REELS?

Reels are a new way to create and discover short-form videos on Instagram. Like TikTok clips, Reels allow users to record a 30-second multi-clip video using creative tools, effects, and music. A private Instagram profile can share Reels on their feeds. On the other hand, those with a public account can additionally share Reels on Instagram Explore pages. Reels in the Explore page showcase the best culture trends in the world today.

To create a reel, simply tap the camera icon, and select the “Create a Reel” option. A variety of creative tools will then appear on the left side of your Reels camera screen. These include the following:

  • Align to line up objects within your clip frame.
  • AR Effects to add augmented reality to your background and overlays to your clips.
  • Audio to add a pre-recorded from your device or a song from Instagram’s music library. The pre-recorded audio will be attributed to you once you share a reel. If your Instagram profile is set to public, people can use your audio to create another reel.
  • Speed to control the speed of the beat on the part of the video or the whole video. It can help users speed up or slow down the motion of a reel clip.
  • Timer and Countdown to allow users in recording Reels hands-free. 

WHY BRANDS SHOULD MAKE INSTAGRAM REELS

To Increase Brand Reach

The average reach of an Instagram post is currently less than 2% to 3%. For example, if you have 1,000 followers on your Instagram account, the reach of a normal video post is only limited to the active followers of your Instagram profile. A video marketing agency Hong Kong noted that if a brand posted a reel on IG instead of a normal video, there are 4 ways Instagrammers can discover Reels.

  • Reels can be discovered on a dedicated Reels tab at the home screen navigation.
  • Reels from the brands users follow are visible when scrolling an Instagram home feed.
  • Reels are featured on the Instagram Explore page.
  • Reels are featured on individual Instagram profiles.

The algorithm of Instagram Reels also works in mysterious ways. Among Instagrammers, they are most likely to see Reels from accounts they already followed, the content they interact with, and their location.

To Increase Community Engagement

According to a digital marketing speaker Hong Kong, Reels can increase community engagements among brands. This is because the higher the reach of an Instagram reel is, the more chances it can drive followers to an account. With a huge number of followers, Reels can also increase community engagement. A recent report shows that 75% of Instagram users buy a product or visit a brand website after watching an Instagram Reel. Most IG users are getting bored with images. Reels offer them a new way to genuinely enjoy catchy and funny videos. They are super scrollable, and Instagrammers can easily comment, like, or share a posted reel. Besides, Instagram Reels allow creators to showcase their true personalities in a relaxing way. This makes them more authentic, triggering actions through emotional connections.

To Increase Revenue and Sales

Instagram recently rolled out Shoppable Reels. Using this eCommerce feature, brands and businesses can now tag products when creating Reels. These make the Reels fully shoppable. Whenever a viewer taps on the product tag, the user can directly buy the item without leaving the Instagram app. Shoppable Reels are a game-changer for Instagram ads. Being featured on the Instagram Explore Page makes it easier for a large number of audiences to find a product. Brands can use their resources with Shoppable Reels in the most innovative way. They can add a product link, a CTA like “Shop Now,” a shopping bag icon, etc. Shopping from Creators is another new way to turn Reels into a shoppable post. Creators can now use branded product tags when creating Reels. The tags make it easier for viewers to buy the items featured directly on its checkout feature. This can be the next big step to influencer marketing. At the same time, it is also a way to revolutionize online shopping. 

Launched in 2019, Instagram Reels are now available to over 50 countries. In the past 6 months, such short-form video content has been boosting Instagram engagement and reach to the roof. So, if a brand is not using it today, it’s now time to make Reels!

Reference: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/367075

post

The Marketing Elements of a Video

Today, video marketing is one of the most powerful strategies to promote a product online. According to a digital marketing speaker Hong Kong, companies using video marketing have 44% more traffic than those who don’t use videos. Videos share on social media get 1200% more likes and shares than images and text. Emails with videos received 200% to 300% click-through rates than non-video emails. On the other hand, videos in landing pages boost website conversion rates by 80%. So, if you have not yet embraced video marketing, it is high time to adopt such a strategy to boost awareness and sales. Below are the marketing elements of a video to further guide you.

ELEMENT NO. 1 – THE HOOK

Every brand needs to catch the audience’s interest in the first 5 seconds of a video ad. That is why brands need to use a hook to boost their interest. A hook is something interesting that plays at the start of a video to draw the viewers’ interest. Yet in reality, there are two ways for brands to use a hook. First, at the start of a video (first 5 seconds). Second, to use a hook throughout a video to remind viewers that there is more to come. Here are some ideas on how you can create a hook:

  • Animation is a fun element and for easier understanding. 
  • Brand messaging in bold graphics.
  • Introducing a problem and promising a solution.
  • Offering a surprise through blurred images, exaggerated statements or upside-down elements, etc.
  • Promising a “once-upon-a-time” story.
  • Telling potential clients about your expertise or what you do.
  • Text memes or quotes to inspire your viewers. 

ELEMENT NO. 2 – THE VIDEO INTRODUCTION

Another important element of a video is an introduction. The video introduction is a summary of the video content. It should be done in a straightforward tone and as quick as 30 seconds. Typically, brands use the following video introductions:

  • Announcement about the presenter and his or her credentials
  • Brand or company snapshot 
  • Business case description
  • Event preview
  • Project proposal

The video introduction is a brand’s chance to make a good first impression. Today, there are more dynamic ways to liven up a video introduction. These include:

  • A timeless short clip that evokes emotion.
  • Creative AR introduction.
  • Self-introduction of a speaker.
  • Stomp sound effects introducing the video context.
  • Teaser of the outcome in full HD graphics.
  • Text placeholders highlighting a brand message in bold characters.
  • The glitch effect engages viewers out of the gate.

The video introduction should always be translated into text. This is by filling up the meta description of the video during the uploading process.

ELEMENT NO. 3 – THE CONTENT DELIVERY

The content delivery element of a video should be the most creative and informative part. Why? Because it is the section of the video that will make viewers aware of the benefits of a product or the importance of a brand. Every video needs to be planned. Everything planned should complement each section – from the hook, introduction, content, bonus, offer, and CTA. Above all, the content delivery should be a brand’s value, a promised story, or a solution to a problem, 

ELEMENT NO. 4 – THE BONUS OR OFFER

Bonuses on a video are elements that help viewers go to the next step of their viewing journey. It may either be a BOGO promotion, discounted offer, or trade exchange. The purpose of these bonuses or offers on a video is to encourage viewers to make a purchase. Other ways to add a bonus or offer element in a video are an action plan, added tips, or template. These things give them a wow factor to remember the brand.

ELEMENT NO. 5 – THE BONUS OR OFFER

A call to action (CTA) is a link to take immediate action or response from the viewers of a video. This video element should be less than 20 seconds. Only one CTA must be added per video to avoid confusion among the viewers and to boost action over the CTA. According to a video marketing agency Hong Kong, the three basic types of CTA are:

  • Small CTAs asking for likes, comments, shares, and subscriptions
  • Bigger CTA asking for email opt-in and lead magnets
  • Huge CTA asking for conversion or sales

THE BOTTOM LINE

If you’re starting to use video as a marketing strategy, keep in mind to grow your audience and followers. This you can do by creating a video with a hook, introduction, content delivery, bonus or offer, and call to action. Once you’ve got 1000 followers or subscribers, you can use small CTAs. If you’ve got around 2000 fans, you can use bigger CTAs. Likewise, a social media agency Hong Kong recommends using huge CTAs if you’ve got a great following on the videos of your social media accounts. Today, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram are the top social media platforms for video marketing.

Reference: https://www.green-umbrella.biz/five-key-elements-creating-video/

post

The Power of UGC in Video Marketing

Are you a fan of GoPro, the world’s most versatile camera? In November 2015, the company launched the “GoPro of the World Challenge.” Fabio Wibmer, an Australian trail biker, won $1000 on the challenge for capturing the craziest bike ride. Today, Wibmer’s video has 33 million views on YouTube. GoPro continues to solicit user-generated content (UGC) generating 6,000 videos daily. The brand also has a separate webpage that guides users on how to create and upload content to make it on the page of fame. By thinking outside the box and creating a UGC culture, GoPro is a game-changer in video marketing.

What are UGCs?

UGC stands for user-generated content. They are images, posts, reviews, text, or videos created by people, not brands. Typically, these types of content are published on social media platforms. According to a digital marketing speaker Hong Kong, UGCs have been the most compelling form of content. They are 3X more authentic than branded content. They are 35% more memorable than other media. They also influenced the buying decision by 79%. UGCs present unprecedented opportunities for brands to market with people. Among the most famous examples of UGCs today are:

  • Blogs on product reviews
  • Case studies or interviews of customers
  • Customer ratings, reviews, and testimonials
  • Recommendation from forums, groups, or tweets
  • Social media images and videos

UGCs are types of video marketing Hong Kong that no longer need costly photoshoots and high-tech cameras. As such, brands can save money, resources, and time to focus on more important priorities.

The Power of UGC on Video Marketing

Below is some powerful user-generated content that a brand can use to achieve a specific video marketing goal.

  • Contests and promotions are a great way to boost brand engagement. Just like GoPro, generating videos from customers daily sparks conversation and reactions. Today, short-form video content is a favorite of the top social media agency Hong Kong. UGCs in short-form video content may be a live stream, product demos, testimonials, or a vlog (video blog). Brands may run a contest of UGC videos garnering the most likes and shares.  They can also offer freebies among customers who share unique video content promoting a brand.

In 2013, Coca-Cola kicked off the “Ahh Effect.” It called for teenage customers to record a 2-minute video showing what does it feel like when you take a sip of Coke. The result of such a UGC video campaign was phenomenal. Around 5 million consumers visited Coca-Cola’s website. Coke has generated 5x more exposure than their traditional ads shown on TV.

  • Reviews and testimonials promote trust and loyalty among brands. Every buyer wants to see social proof about a product or service. Recently Google launched a video and review platform called Shoploop. It features live videos of product demos and reviews from its customer base. 

Closet Works, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of storage solutions in the United States. Its website houses a video library showing an intercut of customer testimonials with their storage solution results. From its humble beginnings in the 1990s, Closet Works, Inc grew to 40 authorized dealers in 13 states.

  • Unboxing videos from customers, especially influencers, can educate customers about a product or service. Nothing is more exciting than opening a special product that has recently been launched in the market. It’s a great video marketing strategy for new gadgets, games, toys, or tech products. These products are not just everyday purchases. They are special because they are either the latest craze or trends. 

In August 2016, Ryan Kaji, the world’s top YouTube earner from 2018 to 2020, published an unboxing video of a Furby Connect toy on his YouTube channel. Since then, this UGC video has earned more than 8.5 million views. Furby Connect, an electronic robot toy, also became Hasbro’s best-selling toy during that year.

Best Practices in Using UGCs to Video Marketing

UGC in video marketing is indeed powerful. It is a form of word-of-mouth advertising. Happy customers are the most budget-friendly and effective way to boost connection and engagement. Yet, there are three best practices that brands should never forget to gain success when using UGC for video marketing.

  • Know where to share. Brands need to carefully identify where to share the perfect UGC video. They should know where the audience is. Even though marketing means reaching out far and wide, there are times when you need to capture the right audience to thrive. Facebook is a perfect platform for sharing videos of customers engaging in a brand. Instagram is a place for high-impact visuals. So, brands must share well-crafted stories. Tweet a dynamic customer quote with the UGC video link to target retweets. Reflect your brand’s value when sharing user testimonials on LinkedIn.
  • Motivate your followers to share. The best way to have a steady flow of UGCs in video marketing is to motivate customers and followers to share. Incentivize people through fun giveaways. Contests and promotions make way for showcasing high-resolution and curated videos. They are perfect marketing tools. Keep a content library of all UGCs, and carefully plan the right time when to share each. Never forget to thank the owners of the video. Treat them well because they are an extension of the brand’s marketing team.
  • Ask the owner’s permission to share their videos and don’t forget to credit them when posting. Social media platforms make it easier for brands to share content. But it will be good if brands practice respect. This can add up to a good reputation. Always ask permission from the owner of the video to share their content. A simple comment on the post or a direct message in their inbox will do. Send a brief and friendly message noting where you plan to share their content. Once the owner grants you permission, compliment and thank them using mentions or tags.

Reference: https://embedsocial.com/blog/user-generated-content/