In this article · 8 sections
A real customer's photo or short video is often more convincing than a polished ad. User generated content (UGC) is any content made by your customers: photos, videos, reviews, stories and comments. For local businesses it's one of the most powerful and cheapest kinds of marketing.
Why UGC works
- It's real, so people trust it
- It shows your product or service in everyday use
- It saves you time creating content
- It encourages more customers to share
How to get more UGC
Make it easy
- Put a small card or sign: "Share your photo and tag us @yourbusiness"
- Create a photo spot: a branded wall, nice lighting, a neat backdrop
- Send a WhatsApp message after delivery asking for a photo
Give a reason
- Feature customers on your page
- Monthly prize for the best photo
- Small discount on the next visit for a review with a photo
Ask at the right moment
Right after a great result: the cake is cut, the car is delivered, the trip is complete, the website goes live.
Always ask permission
Before reposting, ask the customer in the comments or DM: "Can we share this on our page?" Keep a screenshot of their yes. For ads, get clear written permission.
Where to use UGC
- Instagram and Facebook posts and stories
- Website testimonials and gallery
- Google Business Profile photos
- Ads (UGC-style ads often outperform polished ones)
- WhatsApp Status
UGC video testimonials
A 20-second phone video of a customer saying what they liked is gold. Give them three simple prompts: what problem they had, what you did, how it went.
Review UGC
Google reviews with photos are also UGC. Ask customers to add a photo when they review. See Google Business Profile posts and Q&A.
Frequently asked questions
Can I repost a customer's photo without asking?
It's best to always ask first, and get written permission before using it in ads.
What's the easiest way to get UGC?
Ask right after a great experience and make sharing easy with a tag or photo spot.
Conclusion
User generated content builds trust faster than anything you post yourself. Make it easy, ask at the right moment and always get permission.
Joboo Web helps businesses build UGC and review systems. Get in touch.
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