User-generated content (UGC) is a big deal in marketing these days. People trust what other customers say way more than ads. 93% of marketers who employ user-generated content in their marketing efforts say it performs significantly better than typical branded material. Plain and simple, UGC packs a punch!
So, you’re about to start your first UGC project? This blog breaks down four key things you need to consider for a smooth launch and seriously good results. Let’s go over some UGS project tips that will help you out.
1. Know Your Audience & Define Clear Objectives
Before you launch and start managing a UGC project, take a beat to ask two essential questions:
- Who exactly are we talking to?
- What action do we want them to take after watching or participating?
These aren’t just checkboxes — they’re the foundation of every successful UGC activation.
Before you even think about creating content, dig deep into who you’re targeting. What gets them buzzing online? What kind of stuff do they share? What makes them tick? Get specific. Are you targeting first-time customers, loyal fans, employees, students, parents, or influencers?
Next, set some goals you can measure. Want to get your name out there? Drive more clicks to your site? Or see those sales numbers jump? Each of those needs a slightly different approach, so define project objectives accordingly.
Examples:
- Retail & eCommerce: Picture this: a clothing brand using customer photos to boost website purchases by 15%. See examples of successful employment in retail & eCommerce.
- Travel & Hospitality: Imagine a hotel boosting booking inquiries by 20% just by sharing guest-created videos that capture real, joyful experiences. It’s a perfect example of how UGC for travel & hospitality can build trust, inspire bookings, and bring your brand story to life.
- Experiential Marketing Agencies: Agencies flaunt their killer campaign results with UGC. That draws in new clients. It is an advantage of leveraging BrandLens, which has more details at experiential marketing agencies.
2. Prioritize Authenticity Over Perfection
Okay, listen up: UGC is all about realness. People can smell a fake from a mile away, and that’s why UGC management is not so simple. Show them genuine moments and experiences. In a poll of organizations, 62% of respondents believed adopting more user-generated content (UGC) was “highly important” for improving brand authenticity.
Don’t be afraid of a little… imperfection. Slightly shaky videos or off-the-cuff comments can actually help. It builds trust. It makes your content relatable.
That’s why BrandLens is hardcore about capturing real-deal perspectives. Forget forced, staged stuff. Authentic UGC project examples can get a little too polished. BrandLens is about sharing stories, straight from the heart.
Bottom line: Focus on capturing people’s genuine feelings. That’s what real video stories are made of, and that’s what will hit home with your audience.
3. Choose the Right Platform & Tools
Here’s the deal: even the best UGC idea can fizzle if you don’t have the right toolbox. UGC video creation is fun, but without solid tools to manage all the submissions, you’re sunk. You need to pick a proper platform to get started with. Nearly one-third (28%) of eCommerce marketers feel Instagram provides the most engaging user-generated content compared to other platforms.
Think of BrandLens as the ultimate video co-creation platform for teamwork on video projects. It handles everything, from collecting the raw content to getting the final thumbs-up.
Different industries are putting BrandLens to work in crazy-smart ways:
- Legal Testimonials: Law firms are building trust by letting clients share their experiences on the platform. Find more information on legal testimonials.
- Winery & Wine Clubs: Wineries are making wine club events pop with customer videos and testimonials. Dig into the details at the winery & wine clubs.
4. Set Expectations & Foster Collaboration
Clear, proactive communication is your secret weapon in launching a high-impact campaign. Right from the start, establish campaign parameters that guide contributors without boxing in creativity. This means outlining:
- The desired tone and mood (e.g., fun, inspiring, heartfelt)
- Content themes or story arcs (e.g., product reviews, community stories, celebratory moments)
- Do’s and don’ts for on-camera behaviour or messaging
Example: In the UCLA Welcome Week campaign, we asked students to share a short introduction, including name, major, and a fun fact, while keeping the vibe upbeat and casual. This clear structure led to dozens of high-quality, personal videos that felt both authentic and consistent.
Keep the momentum going by making yourself available and approachable. Answer creator questions quickly, clarify any confusion, and guide contributors with enthusiasm. Recognition goes a long way — giving a quick shout-out to an early submission or sharing a preview in the Slack channel or email thread can generate excitement and boost participation.
At BrandLens, we believe collaboration fuels creativity. Make creators feel like insiders, not outsiders. Treat their input like a co-production — because it is.
Pro Tip: Consider a weekly check-in or “creator spotlight” email during the campaign. It keeps everyone aligned and engaged while reinforcing that you’re actively curating and championing their content.
So, to recap: crushing your first UGC project comes down to a few key things — knowing your audience, staying authentic, using the right tools, and fostering seamless collaboration. You know have information about UGC campaign best practices and can get started.
Ready to bring it all together? Book a demo and see how BrandLens can help you launch impactful, on-brand video campaigns at scale.
Here’s the short version:
- Audience + Objectives
- Authenticity Rules!
- Tools of the Trade
- Collaboration is Key
