Why UGC Is the Secret Sauce for Your 2025 Marketing Strategy
User-generated content (UGC) is one of the most authentic, impactful ways to connect with your audience. Why? Because it’s real people talking about your brand, and in 2025, authenticity is everything. With customers craving relatable content and brands looking for fresh ways to stand out, UGC is no longer just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have.
At Melbourne Social Co, we’ve seen firsthand how UGC can transform a brand’s social media presence. Let’s explore why it’s so powerful, the trends shaping its future, and how we can help you make it a core part of your strategy.
What Is UGC and Why Should You Care?
User-generated content is exactly what it sounds like—content created by your customers, fans, or followers. Whether it’s an Instagram post, a glowing review, or a creative video, UGC is inherently more relatable and trustworthy than traditional ads.
“UGC is like a friend recommending a product they love,” explains Shelley Friesen, founder of Melbourne Social Co. “It’s real, it’s honest, and it resonates on a deeper level because it comes directly from your audience.”
Why UGC Works
- It Builds Trust
People trust other people more than brands—simple as that. Seeing real customers enjoying your product or service makes your brand more credible and approachable. - It’s Highly Engaging
UGC is content that appears as though it's made by your audience, for your audience. That relatability naturally drives more likes, comments, and shares. - It’s Cost-Effective
Let’s face it: creating content can be expensive. UGC gives you fresh, high-quality material without the need for a big production budget. - It Drives Conversions
Customers who see UGC are more likely to hit “add to cart.” Why? Because they can picture themselves using your product, thanks to the real-life examples they’ve seen.
2025 Trends: What’s Next for UGC?
The way we use UGC is constantly evolving. Here’s what to watch for in 2025:
- Short-Form Video Takes the Lead
Instagram Reels and TikTok are driving UGC trends, with bite-sized, creative videos leading the way. - Collaborations With Micro-Influencers
Smaller creators are being recognised for their authentic voices and loyal audiences, making them key players in UGC campaigns. - Interactive Content
UGC campaigns with hashtags, challenges, or polls encourage your audience to actively engage and create their own content for your brand.
Why Melbourne Social Co Is Your Go-To for UGC
UGC isn’t just about collecting content—it’s about strategically integrating it into your marketing plan. That’s where Melbourne Social Co comes in.
“We’ve helped so many brands transform their social media with UGC,” Shelley says. “From sourcing and creating UGC style content, to running campaigns that encourage your audience to create, we know how to maximise the impact of user-generated content.”
Whether you’re looking to spark conversations, boost engagement, or drive sales, we can help you create a UGC strategy that works.
Black Friday Sale: Let’s Get Your UGC Strategy Started
Ready to dive into UGC but not sure where to start? You’re in luck! Melbourne Social Co’s Black Friday Content Sale is here to help you refresh your content strategy for 2025.
For a limited time, we’re offering incredible deals on custom content creation packages. Whether you’re a small business or a big brand, we’ve got the tools and expertise to elevate your social media game.
Don’t wait—spots are filling up fast. Let’s make 2025 your most engaging year yet!
How to Boost Instagram Engagement in 2025: 5 Expert Tactics from Melbourne Social Co
Building a community on Instagram is all about engagement—it’s what keeps your followers coming back for more and, ultimately, converts them into loyal advocates for your brand. But in 2025, where trends move at the speed of light, how do you create content that stands out and drives meaningful interactions?
Here are five handy tips to boost your Instagram engagement in 2025.
What is Instagram Engagement (and Why It Matters)?
Engagement is the heartbeat of Instagram. It’s how your followers interact with your content—likes, comments, shares, saves, and even Story responses. But it’s more than just a metric.
“When your audience is engaging with your posts, it shows they’re invested in your brand,” explains Shelley Friesen, founder of Melbourne Social Co. “And when the algorithm sees that engagement, it rewards you with more visibility, which means more people discovering your brand.”
1. Turn Followers Into Friends With Stories Stickers
Instagram Stories aren’t just for sharing snapshots—they’re an engagement powerhouse, especially when you use interactive stickers like polls, quizzes, and questions.
“We love using Stories to spark conversations,” says Shelley. “Hosting an AMA or throwing out a fun poll is such an easy way to connect directly with your audience—and every interaction counts as engagement.”
Give it a go: Ask your audience something lighthearted (“What’s your go-to coffee order?”) or even product-focused (“Which colour should we launch next?”).
2. Memes Are Still an MVP of Relatable Content
If there’s one thing Instagram users love, it’s a good meme, or content piece that speaks to 'shared experience'. They’re funny, easy to share, and give your brand a playful edge. Plus, when followers repost your meme to their Stories, your content gets in front of a whole new audience.
Memes might seem casual, but they’re a serious engagement driver. We often recommend them to clients because they humanise your brand and create those ‘me too’ moments that everyone loves.
3. Don’t Sleep on Reels
Video isn’t going anywhere—in fact, it’s bigger than ever. Instagram Reels are one of the best ways to get your content in front of new eyes, thanks to their algorithm-friendly format.
“We’ve seen Reels work wonders for clients, even without fancy production,” Shelley says. “It’s all about relatability. Think quick tutorials, behind-the-scenes moments, or hopping on trends that align with your brand voice.”
Pro Tip: Use captions with trending keywords, and trending audio to increase your chances of landing on the Explore page.
4. Carousel Posts Are an Engagement Goldmine
Want to triple your chances of engagement? Try carousel posts. Instagram’s algorithm often resurfaces carousels multiple times in your followers’ feeds, giving you extra opportunities for likes, comments, and shares.
“Think of carousels as mini-stories,” says Shelley. “Each slide should add value—whether it’s educational content, a product showcase, or a feel-good story. It’s about keeping your audience swiping till the end.”
5. Nail Your Call-to-Actions (CTAs)
Sometimes, all you need to do is ask. Including a simple CTA in your caption—like “What’s your favourite?” or “Tag a friend who needs this!”—can be incredibly effective for driving comments and shares.
“And don’t forget to use your bio strategically,” Shelley adds. “A great link-in-bio tool can drive engagement beyond Instagram, leading your followers straight to your website, blog, or product pages.”
Engagement Is Just the Beginning
At Melbourne Social Co, we know engagement is the foundation for building strong, lasting relationships with your audience. But it’s also a springboard for showcasing everything else your brand has to offer—whether that’s new products, campaigns, or even deeper conversations about your values.
“Ultimately, engagement is about showing up for your audience in a way that feels authentic and valuable,” Shelley says. “When you do that, the results speak for themselves.”
Ready to take your Instagram strategy to the next level? Let’s start a conversation! Reach out to Melbourne Social Co to see how we can help you build a thriving online community.
Why Brands Need to Be Targeting Gen Z as Part of Their Social Media Strategy
Gen Z: they’re the generation that’s rewriting the rules of social media, shaking up digital marketing, and reshaping how brands connect with consumers. If your brand isn’t already focusing on this dynamic group, you’re missing out on a powerful audience that values authenticity, creativity, and innovation.
At Melbourne Social Co, we work with clients every day to help them understand and connect with Gen Z. Here’s why we believe they need to be a central part of your social media strategy.
1. Gen Z is the Future of Consumer Spending
Let’s start with the numbers: Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) is quickly becoming a driving force in the global economy. They’re entering the workforce, making their own purchasing decisions, and influencing their families’ spending habits.
If you’re not engaging Gen Z now, you’re not just missing out on today’s sales—you’re losing out on building long-term brand loyalty with tomorrow’s biggest spenders.
Tip: Start by understanding what matters to Gen Z and tailor your messaging to align with their values. Don’t underestimate the impact of building relationships with them early on—they’re likely to stick with brands that resonate with their ideals.
2. Authenticity is Everything
Gen Z doesn’t just want to buy products—they want to buy into values. Unlike older generations, who might respond well to polished, aspirational branding, Gen Z craves authenticity and realness. They’re not interested in perfectly curated ads or traditional marketing tactics; they want to see brands that are transparent, socially conscious, and real.
This generation is skeptical of anything that feels too “salesy” or staged, and they’re quick to call out brands that don’t align with their values. Whether it’s social justice, sustainability, or mental health, they expect brands to take a stand on the issues they care about—and to do it in a genuine way.
Tip: Make sure your brand’s messaging is authentic and transparent. Share your values, show behind-the-scenes content, and most importantly, live up to the promises you make.
3. TikTok is Their Playground (and Brands Should Play Too)
If there’s one platform that defines Gen Z, it’s TikTok. With its raw, unpolished content and endless stream of trends, TikTok has captured the attention of Gen Z in a way no other platform has. It’s not just about watching content—this generation is creating and engaging with it on a massive scale.
What does this mean for brands? It’s time to get on board. TikTok offers a unique opportunity for brands to connect with Gen Z in a fun, creative, and highly engaging way. It’s not about traditional ads—it’s about becoming part of the conversation through authentic, viral content.
Tip: Get creative on TikTok! Use challenges, trends, and authentic storytelling to engage with Gen Z where they’re already spending their time.
4. They Value Community and Connection
For Gen Z, social media isn’t just a place to consume content—it’s where they build and participate in communities. This generation values connection and wants to engage with brands that foster a sense of belonging. They’re looking for two-way conversations, not one-way advertising.
Brands that want to resonate with Gen Z need to focus on building community and offering value beyond just products. Whether it’s through interactive content, user-generated campaigns, or meaningful collaborations with creators, creating a sense of community is key to winning their loyalty.
Tip: Make sure your social media strategy isn’t just about broadcasting—it’s about engaging. Encourage user participation, respond to comments, and build a community around your brand.
5. Short Attention Span, Big Expectations
Gen Z has grown up in a world of instant gratification, and their attention span reflects it. Studies show that you have about 8 seconds to capture their attention online, so your content needs to be quick, engaging, and to the point. But here’s the thing: once you’ve got their attention, Gen Z is incredibly loyal to the brands that deliver value.
This means that your social media strategy needs to focus on high-impact, visually engaging content that resonates right away. Whether it’s a short, snappy TikTok video or a bold Instagram Story, your content has to be eye-catching and meaningful in a very short time frame.
Tip: Focus on bite-sized, impactful content that immediately grabs attention. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new formats like short-form video and interactive posts to keep your audience engaged.
Gen Z isn’t just another generation—they’re a cultural force that’s transforming how brands connect with consumers. Their values, preferences, and behaviours are reshaping the future of marketing, and brands that want to stay ahead need to start incorporating Gen Z into their social media strategies now.
By focusing on authenticity, embracing platforms like TikTok, building communities, and creating content that resonates, brands can build long-lasting relationships with this powerful generation.
If you’re not already targeting Gen Z, now is the time to start.
Reach out to our team today and we can assist with a social media strategy for your brand.
Why Lifestyle Brands Need to Leverage TikTok and UGC to Engage with Their Consumers
In today’s fast-paced digital world, lifestyle brands must adapt to ever-evolving social media landscapes to stay relevant and connected with their audiences. TikTok, the short-form video platform that has taken the world by storm, is a prime example of a channel that offers immense potential for brands looking to engage with consumers in fresh and innovative ways. Coupled with the power of User-Generated Content (UGC), TikTok can be a game-changer for lifestyle brands. Here’s why.
The Explosive Growth of TikTok
TikTok has rapidly become one of the most popular social media platforms, boasting over a billion active users worldwide. Its unique format allows users to create and share short, engaging videos, making it a hub for creativity and trendsetting. For lifestyle brands, this means an opportunity to reach a vast and diverse audience in a space where creativity and authenticity are celebrated.
The Authentic Appeal of UGC
User-Generated Content (UGC) refers to any content—videos, photos, reviews, etc.—created by consumers rather than brands. UGC is incredibly powerful because it offers genuine endorsements from real people, making it more relatable and trustworthy to potential customers. In an era where consumers crave authenticity, UGC stands out as a valuable asset for brands.
Why TikTok and UGC are a Perfect Match for Lifestyle Brands
Authentic Engagement: TikTok’s emphasis on creativity and originality makes it the perfect platform for UGC. Lifestyle brands can leverage this by encouraging their customers to create content featuring their products. This not only boosts engagement but also builds a community of loyal fans who are genuinely excited about the brand.
Viral Potential: TikTok’s algorithm favours content that resonates with users, regardless of the creator’s follower count. This means that even small brands or new campaigns can go viral if they strike the right chord. By tapping into trends and encouraging UGC, lifestyle brands can increase their chances of creating viral moments that significantly amplify their reach.
Building Trust and Community: Consumers are more likely to trust recommendations from real people than from brands. UGC acts as social proof, showing potential customers that others love and endorse the brand’s products. This builds trust and fosters a sense of community around the brand, driving deeper connections and loyalty.
Staying Relevant and On-Trend: TikTok is a hotbed for trends, and lifestyle brands can stay ahead of the curve by actively participating in these trends. By encouraging users to create content based on trending challenges or themes, brands can maintain a fresh and relevant image that resonates with their audience.
Incorporating TikTok and UGC into your marketing strategy can significantly boost your brand’s engagement, authenticity, and reach. By embracing the creative and community-driven nature of these tools, lifestyle brands can foster deeper connections with their consumers and stay ahead in a competitive market.
Ready to take your lifestyle brand to the next level but don't know where to start? Melbourne Social Co specialises in crafting bespoke TikTok strategies and creating compelling content that captures the essence of your brand. Our deep understanding of the platform’s dynamics, combined with our ability to generate engaging UGC, ensures that your brand stands out in a crowded digital space. By partnering with Melbourne Social Co, you gain access to a team of creative professionals dedicated to amplifying your brand’s reach and resonance through authentic, trendsetting content. Whether it's designing viral TikTok campaigns or curating impactful UGC, we provide the tools and expertise needed to connect with your audience in meaningful ways and drive real, measurable results.
Want to check us out on TikTok?
Ready to get started? Get in touch with us today.
What it’s really like to work with a social media agency.
So - you want to work with a social media agency.
Great! You’ve come to the right place.
But what does working with a social media agency actually entail?
Well, let’s lay out the process for you, from start to finish.
When you enquire with us here at Melbourne Social Co, you will speak to a member of our strategy team, who will ask all the right questions of you, including;
- A little about your business (we want to know what you’re selling, who you’re selling it to, and what sets you apart from the rest?)
- What are you looking to achieve through a social media campaign? Brand awareness? Conversions? Foot traffic to stores? All of the above? Great. Fill us in!
- What is your ideal monthly spend? We need to know an approximate figure that you have to spend monthly so that we can tailor our recommendations to suit and pitch you something realistic and actionable.
From there, our team will go away and put together a tailored proposal for you. We’ll go through it together, make tweaks as needed, and once we’re all aligned on what needs to be done, it’s time to get started.
Depending on your campaign, you will most likely begin with a Social Media Strategy.
This is our favourite place to start with new clients, as it allows us to deep dive into your brand, you current social media output, your target audience, competitors and so much more. We align this information with your goals and objectives and strategically craft a campaign to roll out over a 3-6 month period.
Your Account Manager, along with our senior team will present your social media strategy to you on completion, and run through any questions you might have at this point.
From there, if you’re a retainer client with Melbourne Social Co, we roll into your monthly social media management plan. This might include undertaking your first photo/video shoot, as well as setting up your paid ads campaign if you’re running one of these.
You’ll be presented with your first fortnight of social media content that has been crafted under the close direction of our Head of Social Media, which once approved, will be distributed by our team.
Here begins a wonderful monthly cycle of content creation, distribution, shoots, paid ads and of course analytics and reporting. You will have a monthly catch-up with your Account Manager (but of course we’re only a call away during the rest of the month) where we analyse the month that’s been, and what we’ve got planned for the month ahead.
Here are Melbourne Social Co, client retention is one of our core objectives as a business. We pride ourselves on our close working relationship with our clients, and have had many clients spend 2, 5 and even 10 years with the agency.
We can’t wait to show you more about this wonderful social media agency that we’ve built, and the incredibly talented team that are ready to work with you.
Get in touch with us today and let’s chat further.
Do you have any questions about working with a social media agency? Let us know on Instagram.
Want to see what else we're up to? Visit us on TikTok for a behind the scenes peek at our agency.
Nailing the TikTok Game: Creating Content That Slays!
If you've got a hunch that TikTok is the place to be for content creators, you're absolutely right! It's not just a platform for dance challenges and lip-syncing anymore. TikTok has evolved into a powerhouse for content of all kinds.
So, let's break down what types of content are key when it comes to TikTok.
1. Short, Snappy, and Eye-Catching Videos
TikTok is all about short attention spans and quick fixes. The ideal video length? 15-60 seconds. Keep it concise! Your content should be a burst of excitement, making viewers go, "I need to see this!"
2. Trend-Hopping and Challenges
TikTok trends are the lifeblood of the platform. Jump on the latest dance, challenge, or trend, and you might just ride the wave to viral fame. It's all about being in the know and keeping your content fresh.
3. DIY and Life Hacks
Gen Z and Millennial audiences love to learn, and TikTok is the ultimate school of life hacks and DIY brilliance. From cooking hacks to home improvements, share your knowledge and make it visually captivating.
4. Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses
Peel back the curtain and show your followers the "real" you. Whether it's a sneak peek into your creative process, office BTS, or day-in-the-life vlogs, authenticity is 🔑.
5. Storytelling and Emotional Appeal
Social media users have a soft spot for storytelling. Share heartwarming tales, personal experiences, or relatable anecdotes. It's a surefire way to connect with your audience on a deeper level.
6. Humour and Memes
Laughter is the universal language, and memes are our currency. If you can make someone LOL in 15 seconds or less, you've got a winner!
7. Music Magic and Soundtracks
Music is the backbone of TikTok. Use catchy tunes and popular soundtracks to enhance your content. A good song choice can elevate your video to viral status.
8. Collaborate and Duets
Team up with fellow creators for duets and collaborations. It's a fantastic way to cross-pollinate audiences and create engaging, shareable content.
9. Relatable Content
The more relatable your content, the better. Address everyday challenges, pet peeves, and "adulting" struggles. We all love content that makes us feel seen and understood.
10. Call to Action (CTA)
Don't forget to tell your viewers what you want them to do! Whether it's "Like and Share" or "Tag a Friend," a clear CTA can boost engagement.
11. Consistency is Queen
To truly conquer TikTok, consistency is key. Regularly post content to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.
If you're looking to succeed on TikTok, remember these content types. Keep it short, trendy, educational, and, most importantly, authentic. TikTok is your stage, so get out there and let your creativity run wild. Who knows, the next viral sensation could be just a tap away!
Need help with your brands' TikTok strategy? Get in touch with us today.
Want to check out what we're up to on TikTok? Visit us here.
The Power of People: Boosting Your Retail Brand's Social Media Content with a Human Element
In today's digital landscape, social media plays a vital role in connecting retail brands with their audience, showcasing products, and driving engagement. While product images are crucial, incorporating a human element in your social media content can elevate your brand's online presence. Discover the benefits of featuring people in your social media content and how it enhances engagement, authenticity, and brand appeal.
- Relatability and Emotional Connection: When your social media content features real people, whether employees, customers, or influencers, it instantly becomes more relatable. Humans are drawn to faces and stories, forging emotional connections with your brand. Highlighting experiences, emotions, and stories of people associated with your products builds a powerful bond, increasing engagement and fostering customer loyalty.
- Authenticity and Trust: Authenticity is crucial in today's influencer-driven market. By incorporating a human element, you showcase the real people behind your brand and products. This transparency builds trust with your audience, driving engagement and conversions. Authentic content cultivates strong relationships, encourages customer advocacy, and enhances brand credibility.
- Storytelling and Brand Narrative: Storytelling captivates audiences, making it an effective tool for retail brands. Featuring people in your content allows you to tell compelling stories about your brand, products, and associated individuals. Whether sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, customer testimonials, or employee spotlights, these narratives humanise your brand, differentiate you from competitors, and leave a lasting impression on followers.
- Social Proof and User-Generated Content: Including people in your content leverages social proof. When your audience sees real people engaging with your products, it validates your brand's value and quality. User-generated content (UGC), such as customer photos, showcases genuine experiences, building trust and credibility. UGC not only increases engagement rates but also fosters a sense of community and the potential for viral content.
- Increased Engagement and Virality: Social media algorithms prioritise engaging content. Incorporating a human element increases the likelihood of likes, comments, and shares. People are more inclined to interact with content featuring individuals, sparking conversations and virality. Cultivating a sense of community through the human element drives engagement and expands your brand's reach.
So, while integrating a range of content pillars is essential, integrating a human element into your retail brand's social media content significantly enhances your online presence. Relatability, authenticity, storytelling, social proof, and increased engagement associated with featuring people in your posts elevate your brand, foster connections with your audience, and drive business success. Embrace the faces, stories, and experiences behind your products—it's the human touch that sets your retail brand apart in the digital world.
Want to know how you could incorporate a human touch into your social media strategy? Reach out to us today.
Want to see what goes on behind the scenes at MSC? Follow us on TikTok.
Why Australian Food Brands Should Embrace the Social Media Feast
Social media is a must-have ingredient for success, especially for Australian food brands. With its vast reach and engagement potential, social media platforms are essential for connecting with customers, building brand awareness, and driving business growth. In this blog post, we'll explore why Australian food brands should embrace social media and provide insights into creating engaging content for maximum impact.
- Wide Reach and Targeted Audience: Social media platforms offer a vast audience for Australian food brands. By strategically using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, food brands can reach their target audience effectively. Tailor your content to specific demographics, such as health-conscious individuals or local communities, amplifying your reach and connecting with the right audience.
- Mouth-Watering Visual Delights: Visual content is the secret sauce for success on social media. Capture attention with high-quality, captivating visuals of your dishes, products, and recipes. Utilise platforms like Instagram to showcase the artistry and flavors of your offerings. Experiment with engaging videos, professional images, and different angles to entice followers and make them crave your delectable creations.
- Storytelling through Recipes and Cooking Tips: Engage your audience through storytelling using recipes and cooking tips. Australians are passionate about cooking and love trying new recipes. Share your signature dishes, highlight seasonal ingredients, and provide step-by-step instructions. Incorporate interactive elements like videos, GIFs, or live streams to enhance engagement. Encourage your followers to recreate your recipes and share their experiences, fostering a community of food enthusiasts.
- Behind-the-Scenes Sneak Peeks: Unveil the magic behind your brand by sharing behind-the-scenes content. Australians appreciate transparency and want to see the dedication and passion that goes into creating mouth-watering food. Showcase your team, sourcing processes, and quality control measures. This transparency builds trust and fosters a deeper connection with your audience.
- User-Generated Content and Competitions: Harness the power of user-generated content (UGC) and competitions to boost engagement. Encourage your audience to create content related to your brand and run competitions that encourage participation. Ask followers to share their food experiences, recipes, or food styling using your products or dishes. Repost and feature UGC, giving credit to the creators. This not only increases engagement but also provides social proof and authentic testimonials.
- Collaborations and Influencer Partnerships: Supercharge your reach by collaborating with food influencers, bloggers, or local chefs. Partnering with influencers allows you to tap into their dedicated followers and generate authentic content. Seek influencers who align with your brand values and target audience for genuine endorsements and recommendations.
Social media is the secret ingredient that elevates Australian food brands. Embrace the wide reach, visual appeal, storytelling, and user-generated content opportunities offered by social media platforms. Serve up mouth-watering visuals, share recipes, provide behind-the-scenes access, and foster a sense of community. By leveraging social media, your food brand can create a delectable digital feast that engages customers and drives business success.
Want to work with our team? Reach out to us today.
Want to see what goes on behind the scenes at MSC? Follow us on TikTok.
Social Media Marketing for Hospitality Businesses
Check out some of our best tips for using social media marketing to promote your hospitality business.
Social media marketing has become an essential tool for hospitality businesses looking to grow and reach new customers! With over 4 billion people using social media worldwide, there's no denying that it's a powerful marketing channel for the hospitality industry; after all, everyone loves to eat!
Here are our top tips when it comes to Social Media Marketing for Hospitality Businesses.
Define Your Target Audience
The first step in creating a successful social media marketing strategy for your hospitality business is to define your target audience. Are you targeting millennials and young adults, families, high-income diners and foodies, tourists, business travellers, or luxury travellers - the list goes on! Once you've defined who your target audience really is, you can create content that speaks directly to them.
Use High-Quality Visuals
At its core, social media is a visual medium, so it is essential to use high-quality visuals to showcase your hospitality business. Include photos of your location, key menu items (food and drinks) and amenities. Using professional, high-quality imagery and video that showcases your business's assets, customer appeal, and point of difference will help to build a strong visual presence.
Showcase Your Brand Personality
Effectively showcasing your brand personality and values is greatly favoured in the social media landscape. This can include highlighting your business' unique features and amenities, such as best-selling dishes, aesthetic interiors or unique services. Do this alongside sharing stories about your staff, customers and brand ethos to create rapport, differentiate from competitors and brand loyalty.
Respond to Customer Feedback
Social media is a two-way communication channel, and it's essential to respond to customer feedback promptly. Whether it's a positive review or a complaint, make sure to acknowledge it and respond professionally and constructively. This process will help build trust and loyalty with your customers, leading to repeat sales and valuable word-of-mouth marketing.
Leverage Influencers and User-Generated Content
Think about how many times you've been out for a meal and seen someone take a picture of their lunch (maybe even you did too!). The power and availability of user-generated content can be cleverly leveraged to promote your business to a greater audience. Featuring and posting UGC alongside partnering with influencers in your industry effectively and affordably advertises and promotes your business. Resharing this customer-created content can have a flow-on effect and encourage others to share their experiences at your venue on social platforms, creating a continual cycle of authentic independent advertising whilst encouraging new customers to visit.
Use Paid Advertising
When it comes to social media marketing, oftentimes you need to 'pay-to-play.' Meaning you will see greater results when you put funding behind your online advertising. Monetizing ads on social media can be an invaluable tool for hospitality businesses. Consider using Facebook or Instagram ads to target your ideal audience based on demographics, interests, and behaviours. You can also use Google Ads to target customers who are searching for related industries or businesses such as hotels or activities in the area.
Ready to get started?
Without a doubt, social media marketing is an essential tool for hospitality businesses looking to grow and reach new customers! By defining your target audience, creating and posting high-quality visuals, showcasing your brand personality, responding promptly to customer feedback, leveraging influencers and user-generated content, and using paid advertising, you can create a highly successful social media marketing strategy for your hospitality business.
However, we always remind our clients that social media marketing is just one component of a comprehensive marketing strategy, and your businesses should also focus on other marketing channels to achieve the greatest ROI.
Want to chat to us about social media marketing for your hospitality business? Click here.
Want to get a feel for our work? Visit us on Instagram.
Want to be a social media manager? Here's 5 tips to secure an interview at a creative agency
We’re currently recruiting for a number of Social Media Manager roles at Melbourne Social Co. Each role we advertise tends to get hundreds of applications. Which, to be honest, is kind of amazing. To think that hundreds of people want to work at this wonderful business that we’ve created is a bit of a thrill really.
But, on the flipside, unfortunately it’s impossible for us to reach out to and interview every candidate that applies, as much as we’d love to.
So what makes a Social Media Manager application stand out from the rest? Here are a few things that I look for when reviewing applications.
1. A well designed resume.
If you want to be a Social Media Manager at a creative agency, you’ll need to have an eye for aesthetics, formatting and be confident with design platforms like Canva. It’s not difficult to put together a great looking resume in 2023, and unfortunately a word doc no longer cuts it - sorry!
2. No typos!
Attention to detail is so important. If there are typos or grammatical errors in your cover letter and resume, I’ll pick up on them straight away. When you’re working in a creative agency, every piece of content you put together for a client needs to be of an incredibly high standard. So guys, pop your cover letter and resume through Grammarly before you hit send!
3. Don’t copy and paste your cover letters.
It can be pretty obvious when a cover letter is just copy and pasted across multiple job applications. Sure, I understand that you might be applying for lots of jobs, and you don’t have time to write a cover letter from scratch for each application. And that’s fine! But, I want to know that you’ve taken the time to check out our business, know a little about who we are, and can tell us why you’re the right fit for the role. A quick, customised first paragraph can make the world of difference.
4. Spell check key names!
If you’re reaching out to a key person, or addressing your application to the agency, make sure you spell our names right. Honestly, I don’t mind being called Shelly (it happens 20+ times a day) but these little mistakes really speak to attention to detail.
5. Share examples of work
Aside from the above, what we really need to see from an application is that you can do the ‘doing’. Please share examples of your work with us, or tell us about some of the things that you’re working on. We want to know that you’re across the latest trends for social media, are excited about our industry, and have a passion for creating/collaborating on great work that you will bring to our agency.
Have I missed anything? What do you think makes a Social Media Manager job application stand out from the rest?
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