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Most brands know UGC (user-generated content) drives trust and conversions.
But few have a system to collect it consistently.
That’s where we come in.
At Magnet Monster, we don’t just build email and SMS campaigns.
We design UGC capture systems that run inside your retention channels, quietly building a bank of social proof, reviews, and content you can use across the funnel.
Below are 7 creative, battle-tested ways to collect high-quality UGC through the retention channels you already manage.
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1. Use post-purchase flows to capture emotion, not just reviews
Right after someone gets their order, emotions are high. That’s the window.
But instead of asking for a review right away, we insert a “how are you loving it?” email or SMS 2 to 3 days after delivery.
Why this works:
• It feels personal
• It opens a 1:1 conversation
• People respond with genuine feedback and photos
Magnet Monster tip:
Turn replies into permissioned testimonials. Screenshot or repurpose the text for social proof.
2. Add photo upload blocks to your review request emails
Most review emails ask for stars and text.
We go further.
Use platforms like Okendo or Junip to let customers upload: • Photos of the product in use
• Before and after results
• Creative setups or how they style it
Bonus: Incentivize it.
“Upload a photo with your review and get 10% off your next order.”
3. Turn SMS into a frictionless UGC funnel
SMS is the most direct and human channel we manage.
But very few brands use it to collect content.
Here’s what we do at Magnet Monster:
- Trigger an SMS 2 to 3 days post-delivery
- Use casual copy (“Mind showing us how it looks?”)
- Let customers reply with a photo
Then:
Manually or automatically upload those photos into your UGC library.
4. Launch UGC contests through email and SMS
If you want more UGC at scale, create a reason to share.
How we run it:
- Launch a limited-time UGC contest through email and SMS
- Give a clear prompt: “Show us how you use [Product]”
- Offer a prize for the best photo or story
- Set a deadline and build urgency
This drives a wave of creative submissions, and doubles as a customer re-engagement strategy.
Don't miss: User Generated Content: The Unflashy Secret to eCommerce Success
5. Use direct mail to spotlight customers and get more content
This one's underrated.
If you already run thank-you cards or inserts through direct mail, use that physical space to:
- Invite customers to share their photo on Instagram with your branded hashtag
- Include a QR code linking to a submission form
- Show real UGC on the card to set the tone
Magnet Monster tip:
Include a “We love featuring our customers” message. People want to be seen.
6. Add a UGC CTA inside reorder flows
If someone’s coming back to buy again, chances are they loved the product.
Don’t just show them more SKUs. Ask them to share.
How we do it:
In the second or third email of the reorder flow:
- Add a small CTA like “Loved your results? Show us!”
- Link to a UGC submission form or hashtag
- Reward repeat buyers who share with store credit
7. Launch a UGC-specific automation
We’ve built automated UGC capture flows that run silently in the background.
Triggered by events like:
- Product delivered
- Second purchase completed
- 5-star review submitted
These flows:
- Ask for visuals or short videos
- Highlight how others are sharing
- Guide them to a submission form or IG tag
Result:
You get steady, opt-in content that builds over time, without manual outreach.
Conclusion:
UGC isn’t just a content strategy.
It’s a retention asset.
At Magnet Monster, we bake UGC capture into the retention systems we already manage, email, SMS, direct mail, to help our brands build trust, boost conversions, and scale organically.
Whether it’s a selfie, an unboxing, or a 5-second video review…
Your next best ad is already sitting in your customer’s phone.
Want us to build your UGC capture system?
Reach out to Magnet Monster and let’s turn your retention channels into content machines.
