Have you ever “liked” a company or product on Facebook? Participated in a company’s blog or posted pictures on their website? Do you and your friends have the next great commercial for Doritos? The snack food firm has turned user generated content into an advertising phenomenon. Their customer created ads are frequently among the most popular during the Super Bowl, and in many cases, have gone viral. User generated content is exactly what it sounds like, content such as blogs, videos, pictures, and tweets (among many other types) that are created and shared by ordinary customers.

Check out this ad that turned into an entire storyline for the firm that developed it and now has not only millions of views, but a following that waits for the next “episode” as if it were a TV series. Thousands have posted their comments, photos and shared the ad with other potential customers – the original in the series has hundreds of thousands “likes”. Not bad for stuff in a can…

OK, your turn. Conduct a web search for examples of firms that have successfully employed user generated content; there are lots of great ones to choose from. If they can do it, so can you! How would you employ user generated content to promote, brand, and sell the product you are using in your marketing plan? Is mommy blogging for you? Photo contests? How will you create the “buzz” you need to launch your product? Describe your user generated content plan and why you selected one type of content over another. How will you get your customers to participate? What’s in it for them? Be specific and share at least one example of a firm that has used a similar strategy.

Your opening post should be at least 350 words and feel free to include photos and samples of the content. As always, college level writing and grammar are expected.

In your responses, critique the examples your classmates have selected and add your ideas for the product or brand.