The Rise of Employee-Generated Content: Why It’s the Secret Sauce Your Business Needs

Let’s face it: social media is a tough nut to crack for businesses. You’ve got algorithms to please, engagement to boost, and, oh yes, actual work to do (snore.)  

But what if I told you that the key to winning at social media was already sitting in your office? No, it’s not the fancy new marketing software or the latest viral trend. It’s your employees. Yep, that’s right – employee-generated content (EGC) is the secret sauce you’ve been missing. 

You might be thinking, “Wait, isn’t social media supposed to be handled by the marketing team?” Sure, but here’s the thing: people trust people more than they trust brands. And who better to showcase the authenticity, culture, and values of your company than the very people who live and breathe it every day?  

Let’s dive into why EGC is on the rise and how you can make it work for your business. 

The Rise of Employee-Generated Content: Why It’s the Secret Sauce Your Business Needs 

Trust is the new currency, and your employees are loaded 

Here’s a fun fact: content shared by employees gets up to 8x more engagement than content shared by brand channels. Why? Because people trust content that comes from real humans. Your employees are seen as authentic and credible, making them the perfect ambassadors for your brand. 

So, how do you tap into this goldmine? Encourage your team to share their experiences, insights, and even the behind-the-scenes moments that make your company tick. Whether it’s a quick snap of the office dog or jumping on the latest trend, EGC brings a human touch to your brand that no corporate post ever could.  

It’s not just about engagement – it’s about empowerment 

Getting your employees involved in social media isn’t just good for your brand; it’s good for them too. When employees feel empowered to contribute, they’re more engaged and invested in the company’s success. It’s a win-win! 

But here’s the kicker: you can’t just tell your employees to post and hope for the best. You need to create a supportive environment where they feel comfortable and encouraged to share. Offer guidance, provide tools, and most importantly, celebrate their contributions. A little recognition goes a long way in making your team feel valued.  

EGC brings your company culture to life 

Let’s be honest, company culture is one of those buzzwords that gets thrown around a lot, but how do you show it? Employee-generated content is the answer. By letting your team share their stories, you give potential customers and recruits a genuine look at what it’s like to be part of your business. 

Think about it: a job seeker is much more likely to apply to a company where they see real employees thriving, collaborating, and having fun. And a customer is more likely to trust a brand that showcases its people as passionate and committed. EGC gives your company culture a voice and a face, making it more relatable and attractive. 

How to get started with EGC (without going mad) 

Okay, so you’re sold on the idea of employee-generated content. But how do you get started? 

• Start Small: Identify a few employees who are active on social media and keen to contribute.  

• Set Clear Guidelines: Provide your team with basic guidelines on what to post, how to tag the company, and any dos and don’ts. You want them to feel free, but not completely unsupervised. 

• Create a Hashtag: A company-specific hashtag can help consolidate EGC and make it easy to find and share. (Psst… don’t be afraid to get silly and have fun with it!)  

• Recognise and Reward: Shout out employees who consistently contribute great content. Maybe even offer small incentives to keep the momentum going (did someone say…a sweet treat?) 

• Measure and Adjust: Keep an eye on the engagement metrics and be ready to tweak your approach based on what’s working. 

The bottom line 

Employee-generated content is more than just a trend – it’s a powerful strategy that can take your social media presence from meh to marvellous. What are you waiting for? It’s time to unleash the power of your people and let them tell your brand’s story. 

And remember, don’t overcomplicate it. The magic of EGC lies in its simplicity. Just give your team the tools, the encouragement, and the freedom to share, and watch the magic happen. 

PS: Here are a few of my personal favourite examples of EGC 

• www.tiktok.com/@mohawkchevrolet/video/7384187760585887022  

• www.tiktok.com/@lucyandyak/video/7394551914135817504  

• www.tiktok.com/@warwickcastleofficial/video/7404885448343948576?lang=en  

• www.tiktok.com/@blackcountrylivingmuseum/video/7389645715187748128?lang=en  

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