We encourage customers to create UGC by asking at the right moment, giving them an easy prompt, and thanking them in a way that feels fun, not forced.
User-generated content (UGC) can be a photo, a short video, a review with a picture, a selfie in your lobby, or a quick “before and after.” For Orlando and Central Florida businesses, the businesses that get steady UGC usually do three things: they reduce friction, they guide the customer with a simple idea, and they spotlight the customer afterward.
Start with one simple UGC ask
Don’t ask for “a post.” Ask for one specific action that takes under 30 seconds. Here’s the structure we use: (1) what to create, (2) where to post it, (3) what to say, (4) how you’ll thank them. If your team can’t say it in one sentence, the customer won’t do it.
| Where you ask | Best moment | Example prompt |
|---|---|---|
| In person (front desk, tech, checkout) | Right after a win | “Could you snap a quick photo of the result and tag us? We love sharing customer wins.” |
| Text or email follow-up | 1 to 3 hours after service | “Reply with a photo of the finished job and we’ll feature you (with your OK).” |
| On-site signage (QR code) | While they’re waiting | “Scan to share a 10-second review video. Prompt inside.” |
Give customers a “script,” not homework
Most people freeze because they don’t know what to say. Give them 2 to 3 short prompts that fit your business. Examples that work well for local services: “What problem did we fix today?” “Show the result in one shot.” “What would you tell a friend in Orlando who needs this?” For product brands: “Unbox it,” “Show how you use it,” “One thing you didn’t expect.” If you want a plug-and-play prompt library plus shot lists your customers can follow, our UGC services cover that setup and the creative direction so you don’t end up with random clips you can’t use.
Offer a thank-you that stays compliant and feels fair
Small perks can work (a monthly giveaway, a free add-on, loyalty points), but the cleanest “reward” is recognition: reposting their content, featuring them on your site, or putting their photo on a “customer wall” in the office. If you offer an incentive, keep it tied to participation, not a positive message. For reviews, don’t ask for “5 stars,” and don’t trade perks for a specific rating. If reviews and photos are a big part of your local lead flow, our FAQ on how online reviews impact local SEO explains why consistency and detail matter so much for Maps visibility.
Make reposting easy, with clear permission
Always get permission before you repost customer content in ads or on your website. A simple DM reply like “Yes, you can repost” is often enough for organic social, but for paid ads, before-and-after galleries, or anything sensitive, use a short release form. Be extra careful with minors, and in healthcare (dentists, med spas, clinics), get written patient authorization before sharing anything that could identify a patient. If you’re a law firm, avoid anything that hints at private details. UGC should build trust, not create risk. If you want a trust-first approach for content and credibility, our FAQ on E-E-A-T in SEO is a good companion read.
Turn UGC into a habit inside your business
Pick one “UGC moment” in your workflow and train the team on one line they can say. Example: “If you’re happy with how it turned out, could you take a quick photo and tag us? We share customer results every week.” Put the QR code on the invoice, the counter, or the truck clipboard. Then set a weekly routine: collect, request permission, repost, and thank the customer. When you pair that with consistent posting and community replies, UGC starts compounding, and that’s where our social media marketing work often plugs in, so your best customer content gets used repeatedly instead of disappearing into DMs.
If you tell us your industry (dental, pest control, real estate, law, lawn care, or something else), we can map out 5 to 10 UGC prompts that match what your customers already say and do, plus the exact messages your team can send without feeling awkward.
