Creating Online UGC Campaigns for Apps and Games: a Checklist

In the previous article, we discussed how to amplify your app or game's online presence with successful online UGC campaigns.

We covered practical strategies – from identifying where your users are spending time online to creating hashtag challenges – all aimed at turning your users into your biggest advocates.

In this article, we're going to cover steps you need to consider before you launch such a campaign.

Here's What You Need to Know Before You Launch UGC Campaigns for Apps and Games

Following these steps will help you better prepare, time, and measure your campaign, increasing the chances of success!

Define Goals & Objectives for Your UGC Campaigns

Begin by setting clear and SMART goals.

• What do you wish to achieve with your UGC campaign?
• Are you aiming to boost downloads, increase user engagement, or enhance brand awareness?

Establishing well-defined objectives will not only provide direction but also set the stage for measuring success. For example:

• For a game: “Increase the number of daily active users by 20% within the next three months by leveraging a UGC campaign that encourages players to share their in-game achievements on social media, using a branded hashtag.”
• For an app: “Boost the app's visibility on social platforms by 30% over the next two months through a UGC video challenge inviting users to share their favorite app features tagged with #MyFavorite[AppName].”

Monitor your campaign's performance, and if something isn't working, don't hesitate to recalibrate your goals and strategies.

Duration & Measurement of Your UGC Campaigns

Clearly define the start and end dates of your campaign. This creates a sense of urgency for your audience and helps set expectations.

Identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) you'll use to measure success:

• Engagement Rate: Measure the number of interactions (likes, comments, shares) relative to your follower count.
• Conversion Rate: Track how many users took a desired action (e.g., app downloads or purchases) after interacting with your UGC.
• User Retention: Monitor how long users stay engaged with your game or app post-campaign.
• Brand Sentiment: Analyze the sentiment behind user comments and interactions.
• Content Volume: Track the quantity of UGC being created and shared.

Don't wait until the campaign ends to analyze outcomes. Use ongoing evaluation to spot trends and make adjustments as needed.

Understand Your Audience

Knowing your audience is paramount. Gamers, in particular, have diverse player motivations and triggers. For an in-depth exploration, check out our article on crafting UGC videos for games: Tapping into Player Motivation.

Understanding these motivations will help you craft campaigns that resonate and convert. Similarly, app users may seek efficiency, achievement, or self-expression. Tailor your UGC accordingly.

Platform and Distribution

The success of your UGC campaigns depends on where your audience spends their time and how they interact with content. UGC thrives on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, but don't ignore Meta, Snapchat, YouTube, Discord, Twitch, or Reddit.

Tailor your content for each platform to ensure a consistent and appropriate message.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Always obtain permission to use user content in your campaign. Respecting user rights protects you legally and fosters trust within your community.

Final Thoughts

Crafting a successful UGC campaign requires meticulous planning, strategic execution, and continuous monitoring. By following these guidelines, you'll be well-equipped to leverage the authenticity and trust-building power of UGC.

Remember, authenticity is a powerful antidote to consumer skepticism, but it requires vigilance to ensure content aligns with your brand values and resonates with your target audience. Respecting user rights and securing permissions are paramount.

Launching a UGC campaign is just the first step toward a comprehensive community engagement strategy. Imagine your app or game consistently refreshed with UGC that keeps you at the forefront, resonates with users, and strengthens community ties.

Every month, we deliver 10 to 20 platform-ready UGC videos and bi-weekly fresh video concepts to fuel your creative engine. 🎥

We specialize in crafting content that strikes a chord, ignites dialogue, and drives conversions. If you're ready to create UGC magic, give us a holler!