If your brand feels like it’s doing all the talking on social media, it might be time to hand the mic to your audience. User-generated content social media strategies have quickly become one of the most effective ways to foster trust, build loyalty, and, most importantly, boost social media engagement.
In a time when people are flooded with ads and polished content, UGC (user-generated content) stands out for one big reason: it feels real. When a customer posts a photo, leaves a review, or tags your product in action, they’re doing more than creating content—they’re endorsing your brand in a way that’s far more powerful than anything you could write yourself.
So how do you get more of it? Let’s break down how to encourage UGC and use it to fuel both organic and paid campaigns.
Why User-Generated Content Works
At its core, UGC taps into a simple psychological principle: people trust other people more than they trust brands. According to Nielsen, over 90% of consumers trust peer recommendations more than traditional advertising.
Here’s why UGC matters:
- It builds authenticity and credibility
- It showcases real-life product use or customer satisfaction
- It increases community engagement and brand loyalty
- It provides free, high-impact content you can repurpose
That combination makes it one of the most cost-effective strategies to boost social media engagement and improve conversion rates.
Start with the Ask: Encourage Customers to Share
Your followers won’t share content unless you make it clear that you want them to. That starts with the ask, and it should be everywhere.
Tactics to encourage UGC:
- Add social CTAs to packaging or receipts (“Tag us with #MyBrandStory”)
- Include reminders in post-purchase emails to leave a review or share a photo
- Mention UGC opportunities in bios, captions, and Stories
The easier and more visible the ask, the more likely your followers are to follow through.
Pro tip: Make sure your brand has a clear, branded hashtag for easy UGC tracking (e.g., #StyledByYou).
Highlight Testimonials and Reviews
Customer testimonials aren’t just for websites. They belong front and center on your social media feeds.
Try:
- Graphic quote posts that highlight short customer reviews
- Video testimonials or unboxings reposted with permission
- Story Highlights that collect your best feedback for new visitors
When you showcase your current customers, you create a ripple effect; future buyers see proof, and happy customers feel recognized and appreciated.
Run UGC Contests and Giveaways
Want to spark a surge in content creation? Run a giveaway that rewards followers for sharing.
Here’s what works:
- Ask users to post a photo or video using your product
- Require a tag and a branded hashtag to track entries
- Offer a prize that aligns with your product or brand values
Not only will you generate a wave of fresh content, but you’ll also dramatically increase reach as followers tag friends and share their submissions.
Just remember: always get explicit permission before reposting UGC to your branded channels.
Repurpose UGC in Paid and Organic Campaigns
Once you’ve collected UGC, don’t let it sit in your tagged folder. Repurpose it into:
- Instagram and Facebook ads to add authenticity
- Email marketing visuals to increase open and click-through rates
- Landing page content to improve conversion and trust
Organic UGC builds engagement, while paid UGC builds credibility at scale. Together, they help you reach new audiences with a message that feels genuine, not promotional.
Build a Brand Your Community Wants to Share
At the end of the day, people share content that reflects how they see themselves. So the best way to get more UGC? Build a brand worth talking about.
That means:
- Having a clear, consistent voice across your content
- Creating moments your customers want to be part of
- Responding, resharing, and engaging with your community regularly
The more your audience feels like they’re part of the story, the more they’ll want to tell it.
UGC Is the Social Proof You Can’t Fake
User-generated content social media strategies are no longer optional—they’re essential. UGC turns customers into advocates, boosts visibility, and builds the kind of trust you simply can’t buy.
If you want to unlock more engagement, more reach, and more conversions from your social channels, it’s time to start putting your audience in the spotlight.
Schedule a call with Bear Fox Marketing and we’ll help you build a strategy that leverages UGC for both organic growth and paid success.
FAQs
What is user-generated content on social media?
User-generated content includes any photos, videos, reviews, or posts created by real customers or followers that feature or mention your brand.
How can UGC boost social media engagement?
UGC increases authenticity, builds community trust, and encourages more likes, shares, and comments from your audience.
Is UGC useful for paid social campaigns?
Yes. UGC is often more effective than branded content in paid ads because it feels more natural and relatable to potential customers.
What’s the best way to get more UGC from followers?
Ask clearly and often. Use branded hashtags, run contests, and regularly share customer content to encourage others to contribute.
Can I use UGC without asking for permission?
It’s always best to ask. Reach out to the original creator and get written or tagged permission before using their content in marketing.