Wednesday, June 30, 2010

User-Generated Content

One of the most powerful search engine optimization tools available for online businesses is UGC – User-generated content. This type of tool is created by everyday users. Local and national companies are prospering off of this innovative tool.

A wide variety of shopping web sites, such as Amazon, Yahoo Shopping, and BizRate, have invested in user-generated content over the past few years. These types of sites are filled with user reviews of pet groomers, web design companies, bakeries, and diamond buyers. They make it their duty to encourage customers to rate the products they sell and to post comments as well.

What is the purpose of user-generated content (UGC)? UGC was created to make it a lot easier for the owners of guide, shopping, travel, and other products and services-related sites to frequently add new content. The good thing about it is that most customers trust it. Studies have shown that online buyers trust the opinions of other buyers more than they put faith in merchants and manufacturers.

UGC does not only exist in the world of review and merchant sites. User-constructed knowledge resources, such as Wikipedia, Mahalo, and Knol are very similar. Flickr, Picasa, and Photobucket allow anyone to post photos. YouTube does the same with its users and video postings. Most of these web sites have the chance of containing your company’s information regarding your brand, products, or services.

UGC tends to create dependence and loyalty. A disadvantage of UGC is that it can attract spam which creates a need for stricter control. It is best to simply ask you own customers to help you. This can be done by asking for feedback on your services and products.

About CODANK Charlotte Web Design

CODANK is a top Charlotte Web Design and Internet Marketing Company located in Charlotte, NC. The company is dedicated to providing a broad range of web design services. CODANK specializes in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Graphic Design, Online Marketing, and Web Design and Development.

For more information, visit CODANK Charlotte Web Design and Internet Marketing Company at www.codank.com

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