Consumer As Advertiser: A Conceptual Perspective1

The new mode of Internet, called Web 2.0, is a place which people actively use to share their emotions, thoughts, experiences, and memories on a daily basis. Additionally, they do not only share all of these in written format, but also express themselves visually by using photos and videos through social networks. In Web 2.0 and its phenomenon characteristic User Generated Content (UGC), consumers not only create their own advertisements but also act in them. This could be very beneficial for marketers in terms of understanding customers and reaching a wide range of target audiences. However, this situation shifts the balance of power from marketing practitioners to Internet users, which could create serious challenges for the marketing world. Consumers can promote a product but they can also jeopardize its brand equity, which can be mitigated by brand owners keeping close tabs on consumers. This article aims to provide a clearer understanding of user generated content platform, which would enables consumers to involve directly in advertising process. Additionally, the article discusses how user generated advertising (UGA) is an important and contentious issue, because in a positive context it enables companies to gain brand ambassadors if they are satisfied enough, while in a negative context it might create anti-brand spokesmen and activists when they are not happy with brands. This conceptual analysis is designed to provide companies the perspective needed to develop new advertising and marketing communications strategies using a new user-driven approach to marketing.