If You’re a Local Business, You Need UGC (Here’s Why)
Let’s cut to it. If you’re a local business trying to get more eyes on your brand, you don’t need a fancy campaign or a huge following. What you do need is UGC, also known as user-generated content.
And once you start using it, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.
What is UGC, really?
UGC is content created for your brand by real people. That could be a video of someone walking into your storefront, a selfie holding your product, or a quick testimonial saying how much they love your service.
It’s casual. It’s scroll-stopping. And most importantly, it’s real.
Why does it work so well?
Because people trust people more than they trust brands. A polished ad might look good, but a video from a customer or local creator feels personal. And that’s what makes it powerful. It builds credibility and connection fast.
If you’re trying to grow your reach in your city or town, UGC helps you:
Get discovered by new audiences
Build trust with people who haven’t tried you yet
Show off your customer experience in a natural, unfiltered way
“But I’m a small business… can I even afford UGC?”
Short answer? Yes, with the right plan. No, UGC isn’t free. And it shouldn’t be. Even if it looks simple, there’s real strategy behind a great piece of content. You’re tapping into someone’s creativity, time, and audience. So yes, set aside a budget. It doesn’t have to be massive, but it should be intentional.
Think of it like this. Instead of paying for a one-time ad, you’re investing in content you can use again and again.
Where should you use it?
Pretty much everywhere. UGC works well in:
Social media feeds and stories
Your website (especially your homepage and testimonials section)
Email newsletters and SMS campaigns
Paid ads to boost local visibility
And the best part? It doesn’t have to be perfect. In fact, the less polished it is, the more authentic it feels. That’s exactly the goal.
How do you get started?
Reach out to a local creator or micro influencer who aligns with your brand. You can even start with a loyal customer who’s active on social media. Set expectations, talk about deliverables, and build from there. Or if you want support, our team can help pair you with the right creators and guide you through content planning.
If you’re still relying on stock photos and old product shots, now’s the time to upgrade. UGC is how local brands stay relevant, build trust, and show off what makes them special.
Ready to grow your business with content that actually connects? UGC is the move, let’s talk today!
