Unleash the Power of User Generated Content: A Game-Changer for Your Brand
If you're looking to up your social media game, it's time to pay attention to a little something called User Generated Content (UGC). In this blog post, we'll explore why UGC is a powerhouse strategy for brands and how Melbourne Social Co can help you harness its full potential.
First things first, let's break down what UGC is all about. User-Generated Content is any content – whether it's photos, videos, reviews, or social media posts – created by your audience rather than your brand. It's the digital word-of-mouth that can skyrocket your brand's visibility and engagement.
Now, let's dive into why UGC is crucial for brands in today's digital landscape:
- Authenticity is Key: In a world saturated with sponsored ads and glossy marketing campaigns, consumers are craving authenticity. UGC provides exactly that – real people sharing real experiences with your brand. This authenticity builds trust and credibility, driving customer loyalty and advocacy.
- Boost Engagement and Reach: UGC has a unique ability to spark conversations and foster community engagement. When your audience sees others like them interacting with your brand, they're more likely to join in on the conversation. Plus, UGC often generates higher engagement rates and extends your brand's reach far beyond your own social channels.
- Cost-Effective Marketing: Traditional advertising can be expensive, but UGC offers a cost-effective alternative. By leveraging UGC, you can significantly reduce your marketing spend while still reaping the benefits of high-quality, authentic content.
- Unleash Creativity: Your audience is a wellspring of creativity, and UGC allows you to tap into that creativity in new and exciting ways. From unboxing, DITL, POV and more, UGC showcases your brand through the eyes of your customers, adding depth and personality to your marketing efforts.
User-generated content is widely utilised by brands across various industries to enhance their marketing strategies. Here are some examples of brands effectively leveraging UGC:
- Airbnb: Airbnb's "Experiences" platform encourages hosts and guests to share their unique travel experiences through photos and reviews. This user-generated content not only helps potential guests make informed decisions but also serves as powerful social proof, showcasing the authenticity and diversity of Airbnb's offerings.
- Coca-Cola: Coca-Cola has run numerous UGC-driven campaigns, such as the "Share a Coke" campaign where they replaced their logo with popular names and encouraged consumers to share photos of themselves with personalised Coke bottles. This campaign generated a vast amount of user-generated content on social media, driving engagement and brand awareness.
- lululemon: lululemon often features customer photos on their website and social media platforms, showcasing individuals wearing their activewear in various settings, from yoga studios to outdoor adventures. By incorporating UGC into their marketing strategy, lululemon highlights the versatility and performance of their products while celebrating their diverse community of customers.
Now, you're probably wondering how to incorporate UGC into your brand's marketing strategy. That's where Melbourne Social Co comes in!
Our UGC packages are almost ready to drop, meticulously crafted to help brands like yours maximise the power of user-generated content. Our team of experts will work closely with you to develop a tailored UGC strategy that aligns with your brand's goals and resonates with your target audience.
With Melbourne Social Co's UGC packages, you'll receive:
- Strategic campaign planning by social media experts, with your brand, objectives and platform best-practice in mind
- Access to a diverse range of creators
- End to end management of the content production process
Join the waitlist today and be the first to access our UGC packages when they launch. Don't miss out on this opportunity to supercharge your brand's marketing efforts with the magic of user-generated content.
Ready to take your brand to new heights? Let's make it happen with Melbourne Social Co and the power of UGC!
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.
Navigating the LinkedIn Landscape: A Business Owners' Guide to Social Media Marketing.
If you're reading this, you've probably realised that LinkedIn isn't just a platform for job seekers and recruiters. It's a goldmine for entrepreneurs and business professionals to grow their brand, network, and generate leads. So, let's dive into the world of social media marketing on LinkedIn, and how you can utilise it for your brand.
Why LinkedIn Matters for Brands and Business Owners
LinkedIn isn't just another social media platform; it's a powerhouse for professional networking and brand building. As a brand or business owner, this is where you can:
- Connect with Your Tribe: LinkedIn boasts over 774 million professionals worldwide, making it an excellent place to find like-minded individuals, potential clients, and partners who get what you're about.
- Show Off Your Expertise: Showcase your skills, experience, and accomplishments on your LinkedIn profile. Let your future clients and collaborators know you're the real deal.
- Lead Generation Goldmine: Looking for new customers? LinkedIn's advanced search features let you pinpoint your ideal clients and connect directly with decision-makers.
- Build Your Personal Brand: Share your story, values, and insights to establish your unique personal brand.
Getting Started with LinkedIn Social Media Marketing
Now, let's break down how you can get started with social media marketing on LinkedIn:
1. Optimise Your Profile
Your LinkedIn profile is your digital business card, so make it shine:
- A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words: Upload a professional (but approachable) profile picture that captures your personality.
- Craft a Captivating Headline: Use your headline to convey your mission or expertise in a few words.
- Tell Your Story: Write a compelling summary that shares your journey, passion, and what sets you apart.
2. Create Engaging Content
To get noticed on LinkedIn, you need to be active and share valuable content:
- Share Insights: Post industry news, your take on trends, or valuable tips that showcase your expertise.
- Long-Form Content: Write articles on topics relevant to your industry or business. It's an excellent way to establish yourself as an authority.
- Multimedia Magic: Don't limit yourself to text—share videos, infographics, and eye-catching visuals.
3. Build Your Network
LinkedIn is all about connections. Connect with:
- Industry Peers: Network with fellow professionals to stay in the loop on industry trends.
- Clients and Prospects: Send personalised connection requests to potential clients.
- Influencers: Following and engaging with industry influencers can boost your visibility.
4. Leverage LinkedIn Ads
Investing in LinkedIn ads can be a game-changer:
- Sponsored Content: Promote your posts to reach a broader audience.
- InMail Marketing: Use personalised messages to engage with prospects directly.
5. Measure and Optimise
Analytics are your best friend. Use LinkedIn Analytics to:
- Track Post Performance: See which content resonates most with your audience.
- Audience Insights: Understand who's engaging with your content.
- Conversion Tracking: Monitor the success of your lead generation campaigns.
6. Be Authentic
Millennials and Gen Z audiences value authenticity. Be yourself, share your challenges, and celebrate your wins. Authenticity builds trust, which is crucial for business success on LinkedIn.
7. Engage and Network
Join LinkedIn groups, participate in discussions, and be genuinely helpful. Remember, it's not just about self-promotion; it's about building relationships.
LinkedIn is a fantastic platform for millennial business owners to grow their brand, connect with the right people, and generate leads. Use your profile to tell your story, share valuable content, network with authenticity, and keep an eye on your analytics. In no time, you'll be rocking the LinkedIn scene and taking your business to new heights!
Want to sit down with our team to chat LinkedIn Strategy? Get in touch today.
Want to check out what we're doing on LinkedIn? Visit us here.
Lessons from a creative agency owner.
Today, our Founder Shelley is sharing 6 lessons she has learnt over the years as a creative agency owner.
I’ve been in business for over 13 years now, and have learned a thing or two along the way.
Here are 6 lessons from me, a creative agency owner.
1. Your people are your greatest asset.
Prioritising their well-being and growth is key to success, as is building a tight-knit culture based on mutual respect.
2. Trust and transparency will take you further than a fancy sales pitch can.
While big numbers, awards and sales tactics can land clients quickly, being open and transparent about recommendations and realistic results leads to stronger long term relationships with clients.
3. Grow at a sustainable rate.
While there are some out there 10 x-ing their growth each year, consistent, sustainable growth is key to staff and client retention.
4. Systems and processes are your saviour.
A simple playbook documenting everything you do as an agency will be your saving grace when things get crazy.
5. Reputation is everything.
The industry is small and you’ll cross paths with everyone more than once. Make sure every impression is a positive one.
6. Let your work speak for itself.
High-quality, creative work delivered on time, every time will become your greatest sales tool.
What would you add to the list? Let Shelley know on LinkedIn.
Want to work with our creative agency? Get in touch with us today.
Instagram removes 'likes' function
From today, Instagram users in Australia will no longer be able to see how many “likes” a post has a received.
The trial is underway for Australian Instagram users, after a movement towards “removing pressure” on the digital platform’s users.
Instagram will begin rolling out the trial update today, removing the total number of likes on photos and viewings of videos on user feeds and profiles, and permalink pages.
Users will still be able to see a list of likes on their posts, just not the overall number.
But don't worry, the change won’t affect measurement tools for businesses and creators on Instagram, and all likes and engagement metrics will still be available in those tools.
Facebook Australia and New Zealand director of policy Mia Garlick said Instagram should be a place where people feel comfortable expressing themselves, rather than judged.
“We hope this test will remove the pressure of how many likes a post will receive, so you can focus on sharing the things you love,” she said in a statement.
We look forward to reviewing how this impacts businesses on social media over the coming weeks, and in particular the relationship with business and influencers, who rely on social media metrics to prove the value of their content.
Want to chat to our team about your Instagram strategy? Get in touch today.
Creative Agency VS In-House Employee
Creative Agency VS In-House Employee - What is the right fit for your business?
Are you looking to recruit a marketing and social media superstar? Take a minute to consider if an in-house employee is the right fit, or if you should instead, consider hiring a creative agency.
Did you know, that the cost of working with a premium boutique agency such as Melbourne Social Co is generally equal to, or sometimes even less than, that of a junior in-house employee?
Melbourne Social Co’s team of fifteen is made up of specialist digital marketers, brand strategists, content creators, social media managers, web developers and PR gurus. Our team is increasingly sought after by businesses seeking a dedicated digital employee – because we’re able to provide the creative skills and expertise of an entire team at rates comparable to a single employee.
In our experience, it's really difficult to find one employee who can cover all aspects of the marketing and social media space, from strategy, through to creating content (photography, videography and graphic design,) managing online communities, running ad campaigns, engaging influencers, analysing results and more. (If you do happen to find this person, hold on to them!)
As part of your monthly package with Melbourne Social Co, you gain access not only to our entire team and knowledge base, but to our industry connections, our software programs, our training platform, our studio and extensive props department and more. We can also extend our service to you well beyond the traditional 9-5 confines, meaning you have coverage across the clock on social media and your brands’ digital assets.
When you engage our team, you work closely with a dedicated Account Manager, who position themselves as an extension of your team. Coffee date? Count them in. A quick text message to run an idea past them? Fire away! Weekly phone catch-ups to discuss progress? Of course! Your Account Manager will get to know your business like it’s their own, and will become a passionate advocate for your brand.
Here at Melbourne Social Co, we don’t waste time. As a creative agency, we know how to work efficiently and productively, as every hour we work is accounted for. We’re used to working in a fast-paced environment, we buzz with creativity and we love to get results. We genuinely love building relationships with our clients, and enjoy nothing more than being a part of, and celebrating their successes.
Because you only pay for the work you commission, what you won’t find us doing on your time is; sitting behind a desk in your office from 9-5, scrolling online shopping sites, taking extended lunch breaks, calling in sick every month – the list goes on! (And yes of course we scroll online shopping sites and we love to lunch in our own time, we’re Melburnians after all!)
Almost convinced? We’d love to shout you a coffee and chat further about why a creative agency is the way to go - reach out to us and we’ll pencil it in.
Tips for starting a creative career
The creative industry is thriving right now, with the rise of digital marketing, Instagram influencers and the world’s obsession with all things social; a creative career is the popular choice right now.
While a creative career doesn’t necessarily require academic studying, there are things you need to learn before delving into the creative world. When embarking on any career, it is important you arm yourself with as much knowledge as you can, and the same goes for starting your creative career. Here are some tips to ensure the success of your big career move!
Find a course that’s right for you!
Just because a creative career doesn’t necessarily require a university degree, doesn’t mean there’s not a lot to learn! Our sister brand The Social Co Academy has amazing online courses on offer. Their amazing courses were recently featured in Fashion Journal as a course to help kick-start your creative career. The courses will help you learn how to master social media marketing from the comfort of your home, teaching you everything you need to know!
Take inspiration from those with established creative careers!
Scroll through instagram and get inspired by the people who are doing it right. It can be hard to find the right balance on social media; so don’t be afraid to look to your fellow creators for inspiration and ideas. Establishing a creative career doesn’t come easily, so be sure to keep up with the latest trends and content appearing in your career space!
Be flexible!
Social media is ever changing, and you should be to! Learning to be flexible in any career will help you stay at the top of your game. Adapting and changing, as you need, will help keep your content and ideas fresh and ensure you stay relevant in the fast paced creative world.
Want to know more about The Social Co Academy?
Perhaps you'd like to book in a consulting session with our team?
Or, maybe you're looking for the perfect internship to get your foot in the door at a creative agency.
