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.
Meet our latest passion project, Approved the Podcast.
Earlier this year, we floated the concept of an agency podcast. Let’s be honest, we ALL LOVE podcasts, especially those with the fun and familiarity of a chat between friends or family, that deep dive into the things we all want to know more about. Like maybe, what it’s like as a Gen Z climbing the career ladder at a creative agency?
Fast forward to today, as we launch Approved.
Hosted by social media experts (and sisters) Nicole and Hannah, Approved is a fun, fortnightly peek behind the curtains of the social media industry, where your hosts sit down to spill the tea about what it’s like to work in social media and all that it entails.
In each episode Nicole and Hannah will look at pop culture and how platforms like TikTok and Instagram influence our daily lives, and chat to influential up and comers in the industry about how the navigate the landscape to promote both themselves and their brands.
Delivered through the lens of Gen Z women forging impressive careers in marketing themselves, Approved the Podcast exists to help listeners unpack social media updates, learn from industry heavyweights and dabble in influencer ‘tea’, all shared with the familiarity that comes with a chat between sisters.
Listen now on Spotify.
Want to get to know Hannah a little better? Our recently appointed Head of Production recently sat down with Fashion Journal to share what it's really like to work at a social media agency. Read the article here.
Want to work with our agency? Get in touch with us today.
Introducing Threads — Everything you need to know about Meta's new social media platform.
You’ve no doubt heard that Threads, Instagram's new Twitter-like social app has launched! Parent company Meta, describe Threads as a place where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what’ll be trending tomorrow. Whatever it is you’re interested in, you can follow and connect directly with your creators and others who love the same things — or build a loyal following of your own to share your ideas, opinions and creativity with the world.
Meta’s making a big push to promote the new app in an effort to convert Twitter's users into being Threads users. In its’ first weekend live, the platform has reached 100 million sign ups, which is unheard of for a new social media platform.
For the first few weeks, we expect Threads to be the wild west — stay tuned daily to see how the platform grows and changes. As users transfer their platform from Instagram, we can anticipate the Threads’ user base will be comprised mostly of Millennials and Gen Z.
Understanding that these audiences are preferring authentic content, we recommend leaving overly planned updates at the door, and lean into frequent and unpolished posts that convey brand voice and authenticity. Put yourself in your followers’ shoes, and try to update from their perspective.
So, should you rush to craft a Threads strategy?
Our first recommendation is to get live on the app, so that your brand is searchable and you can make the most of users transferring their Instagram follower list to the platform.
Step one:
- Download the app
- Activate your threads account
- Ensure your bio is up to date
- Place your link of choice
If you need a hand with step one, please let us know.
Step two:
Our team will be closely monitoring activity on the platform over the next few weeks and will be putting together a comprehensive platform strategy and ongoing management recommendation for our clients, please reach out if you'd like to join the waitlist for this service.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please join us over on Threads!
The latest news from Melbourne Social Co
It’s been a busy few months here at Melbourne Social Co!
Let us catch you up to speed.
Firstly, we have been thrilled to welcome two new team members to the agency, Jess and Nicole. Both join the Melbourne Social Co team as social media managers. Nicole comes to us from New Zealand, with a wealth of knowledge in the agency and client relations space, while Jess recently completed an internship with our agency, which gave us an opportunity to see her incredible creativity up close!
In other exciting team news, we’ve recently restructured our leadership team, leading to two newly created roles at Melbourne Social Co. We have been thrilled to fill these two new roles internally, with Hannah taking on the role of Head of Production, and Bridget taking on the role of Head of Accounts. These roles have been created to ensure our agency continues to provide the very best output in terms of content production and client servicing, and we’re thrilled for Bridget and Hannah to make these roles their own.
Finally, it’s been a busy few months with new client acquisition. Despite the climate of economic uncertainty, our agency continues to secure exciting new contracts, with a focus on property and hospitality, two industries that are very close to our hearts. We’re very proud of our growth in 22/23, and look forward to more exciting opportunities in the new financial year.
If you’d like to chat to our team about a marketing campaign or content production, please reach out.
Looking to begin a career in Social Media?
We’re often 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 we look for when reviewing applications.
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.
