Most manufacturers say they love user-generated content material (UGC), however in relation to truly getting it? Crickets. Or worse—awkward makes an attempt that really feel like begging.
However don’t fear. You don’t have to promote your soul (or your product) to get clients to begin posting about you. You simply want a bit technique, a sprinkle of tech, and a stable understanding of what makes folks need to share within the first place.
That is your no-fluff, all-action information to creating UGC be just right for you—not simply as soon as, however on repeat.
Why Consumer-Generated Content material Issues Now
UGC is not a “nice-to-have.” It’s one of many fastest-growing advertising and marketing techniques—and for good cause:
Social proof that converts. UGC isn’t only a “nice-to-have” anymore—it’s one of many fastest-growing advertising and marketing methods, and for good cause. It delivers highly effective social proof that converts. When potential clients see actual folks utilizing your merchandise, it immediately makes your model really feel extra reliable and relatable. Take TikTok, for instance—with over 1 billion month-to-month customers, it’s grow to be a launchpad for viral tendencies, genuine connections, and on a regular basis customers turning into passionate model ambassadors.
Countless content material potential. UGC provides your model a gradual stream of relatable content material to share throughout social platforms.
Authenticity wins. UGC brings a human voice to your model. It slices by means of polished, company messaging and builds emotional resonance.
Simply take a look at the success of Glossier. The sweetness model constructed its complete id round buyer suggestions and real-user photographs. As an alternative of shiny campaigns with supermodels, they repost on a regular basis customers carrying their merchandise—and it really works. Their group feels seen, and their merchandise grow to be extra aspirational as a result of they’re attainable.
Excessive engagement. Most customers depend on peer suggestions, opinions, and relatable content material earlier than making buying selections. UGC drives that engagement naturally.
Confirmed Methods to Encourage UGC Creation
Manufacturers love UGC, however many hit a wall when making an attempt to spark it constantly. Right here’s the way to flip that script:
1. Use Good Collaboration Instruments
One of many easiest methods to kickstart UGC is by making it simpler for influencers and creators to collaborate with you. However how do you discover the best UCG to amplify your model with out breaking the financial institution? That’s the place leveraging the very best UGC platforms in 2025 comes into play—and SocialBook stands out as a best choice.
SocialBook Product Launcher bridges the hole between small manufacturers and micro-influencers, making it simpler than ever to collaborate with out breaking the financial institution. With only a few clicks, you possibly can create a job, and the best influencers will come to you. From managing contracts to content material supply, every thing is dealt with seamlessly inside the platform, making certain a safe and hassle-free expertise for each events.
2. Launch a Hashtag Marketing campaign
Create a hashtag that speaks to your model and invitations customers to share their very own tales. Campaigns with branded hashtags can improve engagement by as much as 29%—however the secret is giving customers a cause to take part. Contemplate prompts, themes, or challenges to make the thought stick.
Take GoPro as a chief instance. Their iconic hashtag #GoProAdventure (with thousands and thousands of tagged posts) isn’t nearly cameras—it’s a world invitation for customers to share their most thrilling moments. From skydiving and browsing to mountain climbing hidden trails, GoPro lovers publish breathtaking footage of their adventures, understanding the model continuously options the very best UGC on its official channels. This technique has remodeled clients into passionate advocates, fueling a group constructed on authenticity and shared ardour for exploration.
Since launching #GoProAdventure, GoPro has seen over 12 million tagged posts worldwide, with the highest 1% of UGC content material producing a mean of 500K+ natural views per publish. Their 2022 ‘Million Greenback Problem’ (rewarding creators for the very best journey footage) drove a 73% improve in UGC submissions in simply 30 days.
To seek out the right influencers in your marketing campaign, leverage SocialBook’s SaaS platform. It presents in-depth analytics on engagement charges, viewers demographics, and content material efficiency, enabling you to make knowledgeable, data-driven selections and improve your influencer advertising and marketing efforts effortlessly.
3. Host Social Media Contests
Contests incentivize your viewers to publish content material in trade for the possibility to win one thing beneficial. Whether or not it is a product bundle, unique expertise, or money prize, a well-executed contest can dramatically improve UGC submissions.
As an example, Nomad Items, a small but extremely profitable model identified for its premium leather-based equipment, ran a contest the place clients shared photographs of their Nomad merchandise in use with the hashtag #NomadAdventures. Individuals might win an entire Nomad gear set or a customized leather-based merchandise by showcasing their private adventures with the merchandise. The competition inspired genuine, high-quality content material and sparked a group of customers who shared how Nomad’s merchandise match seamlessly into their existence. This not solely drove engagement but additionally helped elevate the model’s visibility in a extremely aggressive market, all whereas fostering a way of loyalty and connection amongst clients.
4. Encourage Critiques and Testimonials
Encouraging your viewers to depart detailed opinions (particularly in photograph or video format) is a strong UGC tactic. Analysis exhibits that customers care extra in regards to the high quality of opinions than the amount. Contemplate providing a small reward or low cost code for contributors who publish genuine, considerate suggestions.
5. Highlight the Creators
One other efficient motivator? Recognition.
Highlighting high person content material in your official channels exhibits creators their work issues. Whether or not you repost to your Instagram feed, embody them in newsletters, or function them in adverts, customers really feel valued when their content material is elevated.
Rewarding UGC Creators (With out Breaking the Financial institution)
Folks love being acknowledged—and there are numerous methods to say thanks:
Provide reductions or particular offers. Easy and efficient, providing unique codes or loyalty factors can encourage ongoing participation.
Ship a thank-you observe. A private message of appreciation can go a good distance in constructing loyalty.
Month-to-month giveaways. Select standout contributors and reward them with prizes. Make it enjoyable and aggressive.
Free product samples. Present a small reward or early entry to a brand new product as a thank-you for content material.
Increasing Attain with UGC
Even with a library of high-quality UGC, attain isn’t assured. Right here’s the way to enhance visibility:
Publish UGC throughout your channels. Give it a everlasting residence in your web site, product pages, or social feeds.
Create story templates. Make it simple for customers to observe a easy narrative when speaking about your product.
For instance, Patagonia, the outside clothes model, commonly shares user-generated content material on its Instagram and product pages. They’ve additionally created the #PatagoniaPledge hashtag, inviting customers to publish their eco-friendly adventures whereas carrying Patagonia gear. The model options these posts on its web site and social channels, permitting actual clients to share their outside experiences. This creates a way of group, boosts engagement, and encourages others to share their very own tales. By making it simple for customers to hitch in, Patagonia ensures that their UGC extends past only a single publish—serving to to construct a loyal, engaged following over time.
Provide sources. Present suggestions, do’s and don’ts, or video guides to assist creators craft higher content material.
Incentivize long-term partnerships. Let creators know that constant high-quality content material can result in early entry, long-term collaborations, and extra publicity.
And since SocialBook Product Launcher helps you to monitor each step—from proposal to publication—you possibly can shortly determine your most promising creators and construct lasting partnerships.
Spotlighting UGC to Maximize Affect
UGC isn’t nearly accumulating content material—it’s about what you do with it. Listed below are just a few highlight methods that may elevate your model:
Function UGC in advert campaigns. Combine actual opinions and buyer movies into your paid promotions to construct belief.
Buyer of the month. Rejoice a high contributor every month, each to reward them and encourage others.
UGC on product pages. Show person opinions and movies alongside product descriptions to extend conversions.
Embrace UGC in your e mail newsletters. Wealthy, actual content material drives opens and clicks whereas making subscribers really feel seen.
Last Ideas
UGC Is a Vibe—and a System
Consumer-generated content material isn’t a one-off marketing campaign. It’s a full-on tradition. If you make your model enjoyable to publish about—and reward individuals who do—it turns right into a self-sustaining cycle.
Instruments like SocialBook Product Launcher make it easier to set up, scale, and truly benefit from the means of working with creators.No awkward back-and-forths. No flaky offers. Simply good vibes and higher content material.
So the subsequent time somebody asks the way you constructed that scroll-stopping, trust-building, UGC-fueled model?
Simply smile and say: “Oh, we engineered the vibe.”
