EGC: The Secret to Building Authentic Connections

What is Employee-Generated Content (EGC)? 

In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, authenticity is the currency that brands trade in. With consumers becoming increasingly skeptical of traditional ads, the power of Employee-Generated Content (EGC) is rising as a game-changer. So, what exactly is EGC, and why is it so effective? 

At its core, EGC is content created by employees that showcases their authentic experiences, perspectives, and insights. It’s not about crafting the perfect brand message—it’s about giving followers a real look at the people behind the brand. Brands like Adobe have already seen the immense value of EGC. Through its #AdobeLife campaign, employees were encouraged to share personal stories, day-in-the-life moments, and their work journeys on social media. The result? A noticeable increase in engagement and a more genuine connection with customers. 

Why Does EGC Work? 

• Builds Trust and Transparency. Consumers crave authenticity. When employees share their real-life experiences, it humanizes the brand and builds a deeper level of trust. People trust other people, not polished marketing. 

• Cost-Effective Content. Influencer campaigns can be expensive, but EGC is much more affordable. By empowering employees to create content, you’re leveraging your internal resources—people who already know your brand and speak its language. 

• Improves Recruitment Efforts. When your employees share their daily work lives, it gives potential hires a sneak peek into your company culture. This transparency helps you attract talent that aligns with your values. 

It’s not just Adobe that’s been riding the EGC wave. Companies like Cisco and United Airlines have also embraced this strategy, using employee stories to build stronger brand connections. Cisco, for instance, lets its employees create content that aligns with company values though #WeareCisco, while United Airlines has shared heartfelt employee moments on platforms like TikTok, rebuilding its reputation and showing off the positive sides of its workforce. 

How to Get Started with EGC 

So, how can your brand tap into the power of EGC? Here are some strategies to help you get started: 

• Create a Culture of Sharing. Make it easy for employees to share their stories. Whether it’s a simple post or a behind-the-scenes video, encourage employees to express their thoughts and experiences. 

• Recognize and Reward Participation. Offer incentives, whether it’s through recognition, gift cards, or even extra time off. Rewards will encourage more employees to join in. 

• Lead by Example. If leadership participates, employees will feel more comfortable doing the same. Show your team that you value their input and creativity. 

• Simplify the Process. Make content sharing easy. Provide branded hashtags or set up an internal platform where employees can submit their content for sharing. 

My Take on EGC 

I firmly believe that EGC is a fantastic way to humanize your brand and promote it without spending a dime. However, it's essential to create an environment where employees are empowered to share content. This means providing them with the right tools, offering clear guidelines, and most importantly, implementing an effective reward system. As a Content Creator, I’ve seen firsthand how EGC resonates better with audiences than traditional company content. The stories told by real people—your employees—are far more relatable and impactful. 

The Future of EGC 

As brands continue to focus on building authentic relationships with their audiences, EGC is becoming an essential tool in the marketing toolkit. By involving employees in content creation, you’re not just saving on marketing costs—you’re creating a brand that feels real, approachable, and trustworthy. 

At HatchEcom, we believe that your brand’s story is best told by those who live it every day—your employees. Empower your team to become the voice of your brand, and watch as it builds a more meaningful connection with your audience. 

Ready to Take the Leap?