Tips discussed during my session on user-generated content at the Maynard Institute multimedia editing program.

1. UGC tip sheet.qxd:Layout 1 6/12/11 2:40 PM Page 1
GATEHOUSE MEDIA NEWS & INTERACTIVE DIVISION
How to make UGC work for you
1. Have anchored positions for reader call-
outs in print and on your website.
2. Your callouts should be specific, often
surrounding themes and holidays.
3. If someone has a camera at an event you
are covering, have a callout in your story.
4. Content we used to disregard as “not
good enough” for our products, now needs
to find a home, like reader poetry.
5. Put callouts for theme and holiday
reader content on Facebook and Twitter.
6. At least twice a week, ask readers a
question related to a story on Facebook
and Twitter.
7. Work with your advertising staff to de-
velop contests for callouts and page spon-
sorships.
8. Build a calendar for callouts of theme
holidays and major local events in your
area.
9. Even if you get just one response, pub-
lish the reader’s submission.
10. Once you receive a submission, use it
as an example of what you’re looking for.
11. Get groups in your community to pro-
vide content that can create consistent
weekly features.
12. Develop a brand for your reader sub-
missions.
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