“User generated content,” Ok, so we might have scared you now with some big obnoxious phrase that excites upper level management but user generated content (also known as UGC) is simply another way to describe a social network such as Facebook or Digg.com.
If I were to ask you “what is YouTube”, I would have a hundred hands up with a ready and accurate response.
YouTube is a social networking community where folk that join get to share their interests and videos with lots of other people who share the same interest.
Sounds like “MySpace”, iTunes, and Podcast Directory, or Yahoo 360 member profiles, these are perfect examples of “User generated content”.
There are simply hundreds of sites on the internet that succeed in reaching millions of people all around the world, from the popular examples already mentioned to the many smaller niche targeted websites, social networks, business networking sites and internet radio stations such as blogtalkradio.
The success of user generated content sites is largely due to the fact that they appeal to our basic human needs. I am not suggesting they offer air and water, but after our physical needs are met our emotional needs, the need, or desire to be heard, or to make a mark in our world is satisfied by our participation within user generated content sites.
Apart from this basic need, seriously, folk just love to be heard, opinions are like noses, everyone has one. People with an opinion are driven to seek user generated content sites just to fulfill the need to express their opinion.
In the days before the internet there was the soap box. True, we did not all feel it necessary to jump onto a soapbox in the local park, or down at the mall, but there were plenty of times we really would like to have dropped our inhibitions just to be heard.
The internet has opened the door to allow us to express ourselves in any way we see fit, and to do this without being pointed at and laughed at by people passing by, the mask and massive audience the World Wide Web offers is a wonderful thing.
User generated content websites attract people, but even better user generated content websites attract search engines. In fact attracting the attention of search engines using user generated contact could not be easier. The site visitors are happily doing the magic search engine optimization or SEO for you because they are constantly adding new content and updating your site everytime they do.
There are so many advantages of being a member of a user generated content website like Facebook or Youtube. The personal social advantages are obvious; there are far better ways to meet people who are interested in the things that you like. Being a member of a user generated content site is an ideal way to share tips and tricks related to your hobby or even professional interests.
Apart from the advantages of “no more lonely nights” being a member of a user generated content site offers professional and business advantages too. Being a member of a UGC site provides you with advertising for your products or services and if you find a niche site that focuses in on one particular topic this only adds to the opportunity to be found online.
Members of UGC sites have the opportunity to set themselves up in their field and present themselves as an expert by sharing their knowledge with other users. You also receive comments from the people listening to and reading your material, and as long as those comments are positive then its more kudos for you.
The other advantage of course is that if you really don't know what you are talking about, or are not out to provide value to people they will soon let you know. Professional careers are made and sunk through these content driven sites.
The best thing that comes to professionals using UGC sites is the ability to create endless contacts and networks. These are hot contacts, prospective customers that have already come looking for what you have.
If they don’t come straight to you, they often find you by simply browsing through the content you have contributed or other users who have you on their “list”.
User generated content sites also provide the advantage of allowing your potential customer to get to know you. They can read your work, listen to your podcasts, watch your videos and decide whether they want to do business with you.
Most business is done when people know, like and trust you and sites that provide user generated content make it easier to achieve that goal.
If you run your own business and are not taking advantage of this type of marketing you are missing out on large sums of potential revenue. User generated content is the future of websites online. Static websites are dying – if they are not already dead!
The opportunities available for anyone looking to publish their book, sign a record deal, sell their services, express their poetry, promote their product online through user generated content websites is huge and is growing every day. My advice is to find one that fits into your niche and/or industry and immediately begin promoting your work and building your reputation.
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