You’ve probably heard the buzz around user-generated content (UGC) and seen plenty of it on your social media feeds.
By tapping into the power of UGC, brands can build deeper relationships, expand their organic reach, and generate a steady stream of content that feels personal and real.
If you're looking to boost user-generated content (UGC), the key is simple: make it worth the customer’s time. With the right mix of strategy, incentives and appreciation—and a smart loyalty system like DataCandy’s social rewards—your customers will start doing the marketing for you.
(If you’re looking for the whole scoop, we’ve also got a blog covering what UGC is and why it’s a total game-changer for your marketing).
Now, we’re going to talk about how to actually get your customers sharing more.
The easiest way to boost UGC? Recognize it. Start rewarding customers every time they tag your brand, use a hashtag, or share a social media post showcasing your product.
Ways to reward UGC include:
Pro tip: Use DataCandy’s social rewards platform to automatically reward customers for tagging your brand. It keeps content coming and fans feeling valued.
Want to get people excited and sharing without complicated setups? Branded challenges are perfect.
Branded challenges invite customers to create and share themed content—like a summer look or TikTok duet—with your hashtag or tag. They’re easy to join and can create a lot of buzz. Plus, when you throw in some rewards, customers can’t resist showing off their creativity and getting involved.
Some tips for running branded challenges:
Did you know 51% of people actively look for reviews with images before deciding to buy?
Written reviews, video testimonials, and unboxings are some of the most trusted types of UGC—but customers often need a nudge.
Here are a few easy ways to encourage more high-impact, visual reviews:
Reviews are a goldmine for businesses because they share real experiences and build trust. Making it easy and rewarding for customers to post honest feedback—especially with visuals—creates authentic content that helps new shoppers feel confident.
User-generated content isn’t just about filling your feed—it’s about recognizing the real people who love your brand and encouraging them to keep sharing. When customers feel seen and appreciated, they become even more loyal—and way more likely to post again.
Here’s how to make your fans feel like VIPs:
With a platform like DataCandy, you can segment loyal customers, personalize rewards, and turn everyday shoppers into lifelong brand advocates. A little appreciation goes a long way—and keeps the UGC flowing.
Side note: If you’re in the food or hospitality space, don’t miss our tips for increasing UGC in restaurants—from photo-ready dishes to loyalty-driven shoutouts.
Want to supercharge your UGC while having a little fun? Contests are a great way to tap into your customers’ creativity, boost excitement, and get more eyes on your brand—all while making fans feel like part of something special.
Here are some easy ways to launch a UGC-driven contest:
Pro tip: With DataCandy’s social rewards, you can even reward customers for following your brand on social media—so more people see your contest, join in, and start creating content of their own.
When customers discover your brand through UGC and then go on to create their own content, you’ve created a self-sustaining cycle where every new customer becomes your next brand storyteller #CustomerDrivenGrowth.
And with the right incentives, you can turn one tagged post into a ripple effect of shares, purchases, and loyalty.
A smart loyalty program makes it easy and rewarding for fans to become your biggest promoters. And combining these strategies with powerful tools like DataCandy’s social rewards, you can unlock the full potential of social media and user-generated content.