How to Encourage Customers to Share Your Brand Story
In today’s digital age, consumers trust real people more than traditional advertising. That’s where User-Generated Content (UGC) comes in. UGC—content created by your customers, not your brand—has become one of the most powerful marketing tools.
From Instagram posts and YouTube reviews to TikTok videos and Twitter testimonials, UGC builds authenticity, enhances engagement, and increases brand loyalty. But how do you get your customers to actively share their experiences?
This article explores the power of UGC and provides actionable strategies to encourage customers to share your brand story.
Why User-Generated Content Matters
Before diving into strategies, let’s break down why UGC is so effective:
🔹 Authenticity & Trust
- 79% of consumers say UGC highly impacts their purchasing decisions.
- People trust content from real customers 2.4x more than brand-created content.
🔹 Boosts Engagement & Reach
- UGC increases social media engagement by 28% compared to brand posts.
- It helps brands expand their organic reach as people naturally share content with their networks.
🔹 Cost-Effective Marketing
- Instead of spending thousands on ads, UGC is free or low-cost content that still delivers high ROI.
- Encouraging customers to create content means less effort in content creation for brands.
🔹 Enhances Community & Brand Loyalty
- Customers who contribute UGC feel valued and connected to the brand.
- This leads to increased brand advocacy and repeat purchases.
Now that we understand the power of UGC, let’s explore how to encourage customers to share their experiences.
Explore ‘Building Lasting Customer Relationships Through Effective Brand Loyalty Programs‘
How to Encourage Customers to Share Your Brand Story
1. Create Shareable Experiences
If you want customers to create content, give them something worth sharing. A great product is essential, but memorable experiences drive UGC.
✅ Deliver exceptional customer service – People love to share positive experiences.
✅ Offer visually appealing packaging – “Unboxing” videos are hugely popular.
✅ Host engaging in-person or virtual events – Attendees naturally share their experiences.
💡 Example: Apple’s sleek packaging encourages millions of unboxing videos, driving excitement for new product launches.
2. Use Hashtags & Social Challenges
A branded hashtag makes it easy to track UGC while creating a sense of community.
✅ Create a unique, easy-to-remember hashtag – It should be short, relevant, and catchy.
✅ Encourage customers to use the hashtag – Feature it on your website, packaging, and social bios.
✅ Launch a social media challenge – Make it fun, interactive, and rewarding.
💡 Example: Coca-Cola’s #ShareACoke campaign encouraged people to share photos with personalized Coke bottles, generating massive UGC worldwide.
3. Run Contests & Giveaways
People love free stuff! A well-designed contest can encourage UGC and increase brand awareness.
✅ Ask users to share photos/videos featuring your product
✅ Make participation easy (e.g., “Tag us and use #MyBrandStory”)
✅ Offer a desirable reward (discounts, free products, or exclusive perks)
💡 Example: Starbucks’ #RedCupContest invited customers to decorate their holiday cups and share photos. The best designs were featured, boosting UGC engagement.
4. Feature Customer Content on Your Platforms
If people see their content featured on your brand’s page, they’ll be more likely to contribute.
✅ Repost UGC on social media (Instagram Stories, Reels, Twitter, etc.)
✅ Feature UGC on your website (testimonials, product pages, homepage)
✅ Give credit and shoutouts to creators (customers love recognition)
💡 Example: GoPro frequently shares customer-generated adventure footage, inspiring more people to create and share their experiences.
5. Partner with Micro-Influencers & Brand Advocates
While big influencers have reach, micro-influencers (1,000–100,000 followers) have higher engagement rates and stronger trust within their communities.
✅ Identify passionate customers who already talk about your brand.
✅ Offer them perks or affiliate opportunities to keep them engaged.
✅ Encourage honest reviews and creative storytelling rather than scripted promotions.
💡 Example: Glossier built its brand by leveraging everyday customers and micro-influencers who genuinely loved its products, leading to a cult-like following.
6. Use Interactive Features (Polls, Q&As, Reviews)
Make it easy for customers to contribute by integrating interactive content.
✅ Ask customers to share their opinions via Instagram Stories polls
✅ Host live Q&A sessions where customers can share their experiences
✅ Encourage customers to leave video reviews on platforms like TikTok & YouTube
💡 Example: Airbnb prompts guests to leave video reviews after their stay, which potential travelers find more engaging and trustworthy than text reviews.
7. Offer Loyalty Programs & Exclusive Perks
A strong loyalty program encourages customers to keep engaging with your brand.
✅ Reward UGC creators with discounts or points
✅ Offer early access to new products for active brand advocates
✅ Turn top contributors into VIP members or ambassadors
💡 Example: Sephora’s Beauty Insider Community encourages customers to share makeup looks, reviews, and tutorials, creating a thriving UGC ecosystem.
8. Make UGC Submission Seamless
Reduce friction by making it effortless for customers to share content.
✅ Have a dedicated UGC submission page on your website
✅ Provide easy-to-follow instructions on how to tag your brand
✅ Create QR codes on packaging that link to UGC submission forms
💡 Example: Nike includes a QR code on receipts linking to a “Share Your Nike Story” page, making it easy for customers to contribute.
The Future of UGC
User-generated content is not just a trend—it’s the future of digital marketing. Customers today want real, relatable, and engaging content from people like them.
By encouraging UGC, brands build trust, increase engagement, and foster community loyalty—all while getting free, high-quality marketing content.
Ready to leverage UGC for your brand? Start by implementing one or more of these strategies and watch your social media presence grow! 🚀
Have you tried a UGC strategy before? Share your experience in the comments! 💬