Trying to prove to new clients that your startup project is authentic can be harder than you think.
After all, with so many scam websites and brands out there, customers are more wary of new brands than they would otherwise be.
But if you can capture brand authenticity, it can have a significant positive impact on your brand.
And user-generated content is the way to do just that.
Is time running out? Here are the keynotes
- Brand authenticity is important for building trust, differentiating your brand and increasing your reputation, especially for startups.
- User-generated content (UGC) is a powerful tool for increasing brand authenticity by providing real, credible insights from customers.
- UGC can build credibility by showcasing positive customer reviews and interactions that resonate with potential buyers more than traditional marketing.
- A brand with a vibrant and engaging community communicates authenticity, and UGC plays an important role in fostering that connection.
- UGC acts as social proof, increasing brand credibility and making it more trustworthy in the eyes of consumers.
What is brand authenticity and why is it so important?
But before we get started, let’s discuss why brand authenticity is so important, especially for startups.
Have you ever found yourself scrolling through social media only to see an ad for an incredible new product?
You click, add the product to your cart, but then at the last hurdle, you abandon the purchase because you’ve never heard of the brand before and fear it could easily be a scam.
This type of customer behavior happens every second of the day, and a lack of brand authenticity significantly affects the growth of many businesses.
Of course, over time, after making enough sales, this type of issue becomes obsolete, but as you know, the hardest part is getting started.
With improved brand authenticity, you can not only convince more risk-averse buyers to buy from you, but you can also bring back potential customers who are very close to buying by showing them other users who have already purchased and reducing their anxiety.
Brand authenticity is absolutely essential for building trust, differentiating your brand from others and building your brand reputation.
How user-generated content can improve brand authenticity
So, given how important brand authenticity is to any industry, here are a few ways user-generated content can help improve it for you.
Increases credibility
The biggest and best way user-generated content can help improve your brand’s authenticity is by building credibility.
As a consumer, is there anything more powerful than positive customer feedback? We’ve all seen enough marketing pledges that it’s a company’s job to tell you how great they are, and as a result, their bold statements fall on deaf ears.
However, the voice that still carries considerable weight is that of your loyal customers, who can significantly increase credibility with their online reviews and interactions.
Encourages community participation
Another signal of brand authenticity is an engaged community. When potential customers come across your brand, regardless of the route they take, they will take great comfort in discovering a vibrant and active community, as this is a great sign that the brand delivers on what it says.
User-generated content is a great starting point for any community engagement that allows customers to connect with each other, feel more valued, and become loyal customers.
Builds emotional connections
In a world full of digital brands to choose from, brand loyalty is at an all-time low. With so many choices, consumers can easily switch from one brand to another without much thought.
However, if you can gain brand loyalty from your consumers, the results are spectacular.
Authentic stories from real consumers can resonate emotionally with other potential customers, strengthen the connection between a brand and its audience, and build a stronger connection than many other digital brands can muster.
Manages genuine referrals
While many brands claim that word-of-mouth marketing isn’t as important as it was before the internet, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Word of mouth marketing continues to be one of the most effective marketing methods, significantly more than any other method due to its authenticity.
If other consumers tell leads how great your brand is, they will see that your brand is authentic and therefore buy from you.
Take your authenticity (and sales) to the next level
Brand authenticity can go a long way in improving your sales, but it’s not the only factor. It also requires a great understanding of marketing, customer care and product creation.
Fortunately, you can find all this information and more as a foundr+ member. In just 7 days, you’ll have everything you need to start and grow a life-changing e-commerce brand.
The best part? Now you can get access for just $1.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brand Authenticity
What is brand authenticity and why does it matter?
Brand authenticity refers to the perception that a brand is authentic, transparent and true to its values. This is important because it builds trust with consumers, builds loyalty and differentiates the brand in a crowded market.
How does user-generated content increase brand authenticity?
User-generated content improves brand authenticity by providing real, unfiltered insights from customers. This content is often considered more credible than branded content, increasing a brand’s credibility and emotional connection with its audience.
Why is public relations important to brand authenticity?
Community engagement is critical to brand authenticity because it makes customers feel valued and involved in the brand’s story. This sense of belonging can foster loyalty and encourage more authentic interactions between a brand and its audience.
Can user-generated content increase brand credibility?
Yes, user-generated content can significantly increase brand credibility. When customers endorse a brand with its content, it serves as social proof and is a powerful driver of trust and confidence.