Ever wish your customers could do your marketing for you—for free? That’s the magic of user-generated content (UGC). From glowing testimonials to candid product photos, UGC puts your happy customers front and center, creating authentic social proof that builds trust and drives sales.

For Shopify store owners, free UGC isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a secret weapon. Why? Because it’s genuine, it costs you nothing (or very little), and it taps into the power of your community. Plus, it works: studies show that UGC can increase engagement by 28% and boost conversions by as much as 10%.

The best part? Collecting free UGC doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right strategies and tools, you can seamlessly gather customer-generated content and turn it into a growth engine for your e-commerce business. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to make it happen, from creative collection techniques to leveraging apps like Moast that streamline the entire process.

Ready to harness the power of free UGC? Let’s dive in.

Why Free UGC Matters for Shopify Stores

In the world of e-commerce, where competition is fierce and consumer trust is hard to earn, free UGC is a game-changer. So, why does it matter so much for your Shopify store? Let's break it down:

1. Builds Authenticity and Trust

Shoppers today are savvy. They’re no longer swayed by flashy ads or stock photos. They want to hear from real customers, people just like them, who can vouch for the product’s quality and effectiveness. UGC offers a level of authenticity that traditional marketing just can’t match. Whether it’s a photo of a customer unboxing your product or a glowing review, UGC shows that your products have already made a positive impact on people, and that builds trust.

In fact, 79% of people say user-generated content highly impacts their purchasing decisions. When your potential customers see that others have had positive experiences with your products, they’re more likely to click “Add to Cart.” Free UGC puts your customers’ voices in the spotlight, and that’s a powerful tool to drive conversions.

2. Social Proof Drives Sales

One of the core reasons UGC works so well is its role as social proof—the idea that people look to others when making purchasing decisions. It’s like asking a friend for recommendations before trying something new. Seeing that others are enjoying your products reassures potential buyers that they’re making the right choice.

In fact, UGC can increase conversion rates by 10% or more, according to some studies. Adding a few customer photos or testimonials to your product page can be the nudge that turns a casual browser into a committed buyer.

3. More Content, Less Cost

Running an e-commerce business means constantly needing fresh content—whether for your website, social media, or marketing campaigns. The problem? High-quality content can be expensive to produce. But with free UGC, you get the best of both worlds: content that’s real, relatable, and cost-effective. Your customers are creating it for you, saving you time and money that can be better spent elsewhere.

Not only is it cost-effective, but free UGC often performs better than professionally produced content. Why? Because it’s more relatable and feels less like a hard sell. People trust other consumers more than they trust polished marketing materials.

4. Enhances Engagement with Your Brand

When customers contribute their content, they’re not just sharing images or reviews—they’re becoming part of your brand story. This creates a sense of community, and community leads to stronger engagement. The more your customers feel connected to your brand, the more likely they are to make repeat purchases, share your content, and recommend you to others.

Free UGC can spark a cycle of engagement. As your customers start creating and sharing content, it encourages others to do the same, expanding your reach without any extra effort from your side.

5. SEO Benefits

Google loves fresh, relevant content, and UGC is the perfect way to feed the search engine beast. Every time you feature customer content on your site, you’re adding more keywords, tags, and user-driven information that can boost your site’s SEO. User-generated reviews, images, and testimonials are all great for improving your visibility on search engines and attracting more organic traffic to your Shopify store.

In short, free UGC isn’t just a nice bonus for your store—it’s a critical element for building trust, boosting conversions, and creating a deeper connection with your customers. The best part? It’s cost-effective, authentic, and keeps your content fresh without you needing to lift a finger.

Let’s look at some proven strategies that make collecting UGC easy.

Proven Strategies for Collecting Free UGC

Now that you understand why free UGC is essential for your Shopify store, let’s dive into how you can collect it. The good news is that gathering free UGC doesn’t require a big budget or a ton of effort. With a few well-thought-out strategies, you can start collecting high-quality content from your customers in no time. Here are some proven tactics:

1. Ask Directly (With Automated Emails)

One of the easiest ways to start collecting free UGC is to ask your customers for it. After all, they’re already engaged with your brand and are likely to share their thoughts and experiences.

But here's the key: make the request easy and timely. Sending an automated email after a purchase is the perfect opportunity to ask customers to share their feedback or a photo/video of them using your product.

With a tool like Moast, you can automate this process by setting up email sequences that request photos, reviews, or videos after specific triggers (e.g., a product purchase, a successful delivery). Not only does this make it hassle-free for you, but it also helps you gather content consistently without having to manually reach out each time.

2. Incentivize Participation

People love rewards, so give your customers a little something in exchange for their time and effort. Offering an incentive—like a discount, loyalty points, or exclusive access to new products—can encourage them to share content.

For example, you could send an email saying, "Share a photo of you using our product and get 15% off your next purchase!" It’s a win-win situation: they get a discount, and you get valuable content to showcase on your site and social channels.

Moast’s email automations can also help streamline this process by automatically sending incentive-based requests to customers, saving you time while still motivating them to contribute.

3. Create Social Challenges and Hashtag Campaigns

Another great way to encourage free UGC is by creating social challenges. People love to get involved in trends or challenges, especially when they get to showcase their creativity. A fun hashtag campaign is an easy way to get your customers to share their experiences and tag your brand.

For example, you could launch a challenge like, "Show us your best #ProductName moment and get featured on our page!" Encourage your customers to share their content on Instagram or TikTok and tag your brand, and you can feature their posts on your social channels or website.

Hashtags are great because they create a sense of community and help you easily track submissions. Plus, they give you a steady stream of content without having to chase down individual customers. Here are some ideas for campaigns you can run to collect content.

4. Encourage Unboxing and Product Usage Videos

Unboxing videos are a classic form of UGC that can make your products shine. People love to watch others experience products for the first time, and unboxing videos are an easy way to collect authentic content. Encourage your customers to share their unboxing experience with a simple request like, "We’d love to see how you unbox your new purchase—tag us for a chance to be featured!"

In addition to unboxing videos, encourage customers to share videos of how they’re using your products in everyday life. Product usage videos are highly engaging and help potential buyers visualize how your product fits into their routine.

5. Host Contests and Giveaways

Running a contest or giveaway is another proven method to collect free UGC. The incentive? A free product, gift card, or exclusive offer that piques your customers' interest. Contests create excitement and give people a reason to submit content.

For example, you could host a contest where customers share a creative photo or video of them using your product, and the winner receives a gift card or a free product. Not only does this encourage participation, but it also creates buzz around your brand as people share their entries with their followers.

The key to success here is making the entry process simple and ensuring the prize is attractive enough to motivate submissions. Plus, Moast can help you track these entries and integrate the UGC you collect directly onto your Shopify store.

6. Offer Post-Purchase Requests for UGC (Timed and Relevant)

Timing is everything when it comes to asking for content. After a customer has had enough time to use and experience your product, they’re more likely to share content that reflects their true feelings. Set up post-purchase email requests through Moast’s automated features to ask customers to submit their UGC after a specific time (e.g., 7-14 days after delivery).

This works particularly well if your products are something that customers use regularly, like apparel or beauty items. They’ll have had time to form a connection with the product, making them more likely to provide meaningful content.

Bonus Tip: Make It Easy to Submit

Whatever strategy you use to collect UGC, remember: simplicity is key. Make the process as easy as possible for your customers. If you’re asking for photos or videos, provide clear instructions, such as where to send content or how to tag your brand on social media.

Moast helps with this by offering a seamless, automated process to collect content directly from your customers, which you can display on your product pages with ease.

These strategies are all about making it easy for your customers to share their content while incentivizing them with rewards and recognition. The more you ask, the more content you’ll collect—and the more authentic, engaging content you have, the better it will work to drive trust and sales.

Next up, let’s explore how to display this free UGC for maximum impact.

Tools and Apps to Streamline Free UGC Collection

While collecting free UGC can be done manually, using the right tools and apps can significantly simplify the process. By automating the collection, display, and management of UGC, you can save time, reduce effort, and ensure that your content strategy remains consistent and scalable. Let’s take a look at some tools that can help you make the most of your customers’ content.

1. Moast: Automate, Incentivize, and Display UGC Effortlessly

When it comes to collecting free UGC on your Shopify store, Moast is a powerful tool that streamlines the entire process. Moast is a Shopify app designed to help brands collect, manage, and display user-generated content easily. Here’s how Moast makes it simple:

• Automated Email Requests: Moast’s email automation features allow you to request UGC from your customers automatically after their purchase. For example, once a customer receives their order, Moast can send them a follow-up email asking for a photo or review of the product they bought.‍
• Incentivization Features: You can incentivize UGC submissions directly through Moast. Send automated discount codes, loyalty points, or access to special offers in exchange for content, which helps boost participation rates.‍
• Display Widgets: Moast helps you display UGC directly on your Shopify store in engaging and interactive ways. From product pages to homepage galleries, you can showcase your customers’ photos, reviews, and videos in a way that enhances your brand’s authenticity and builds social proof.
  

If you're looking for an all-in-one solution to collect and display free UGC, Moast simplifies everything with its easy-to-use interface and seamless integration with your Shopify store.

2. Yotpo: Collect Reviews and UGC in One Place

Yotpo is a popular app that combines reviews and user-generated content in one powerful platform. It’s designed to help e-commerce businesses collect reviews, ratings, photos, and videos from customers. Here’s how Yotpo can help you gather free UGC:

• Review Requests: Like Moast, Yotpo automates review requests through email or SMS, making it easy to follow up with customers after they’ve made a purchase.
  
• Photo and Video Submissions: Yotpo encourages customers to submit not only written reviews but also photos and videos of your products in use. You can then display this content on your product pages, social media, or even use it in ads.
  
• Incentive Integration: Yotpo allows you to offer incentives for submitting reviews and content, helping to boost engagement.
  

While Yotpo is more focused on reviews than general UGC collection, it’s a great tool for integrating customer feedback and images directly into your product pages to increase conversions.

3. Stamped.io: Turn Reviews Into UGC

Stamped.io is another app that specializes in reviews and ratings, but it’s also great for collecting and displaying UGC. With Stamped.io, you can:

• Request Product Reviews and Media: After customers make a purchase, Stamped.io can automatically email them to request a review, along with an option to submit photos or videos of the product.
  
• Incentives for Engagement: Much like Moast, Stamped.io allows you to reward customers with discounts or loyalty points in exchange for content, motivating them to share their experiences.
  
• Social Proof Features: Once you’ve collected the content, Stamped.io makes it easy to display UGC on your Shopify store, increasing trust and social proof on your product pages.
  

For brands looking to focus on reviews while still collecting useful UGC, Stamped.io is a solid choice.

4. Photo & Video Collection Apps (e.g., Loox, Fomo)

While apps like Moast, Yotpo, and Stamped.io focus on reviews and broader UGC strategies, there are also specific apps designed to help you collect photos and videos from customers, which can be more visually engaging.

• Loox: Loox is an app specifically designed for photo reviews. It makes it easy for customers to submit photos along with their product reviews, which can then be displayed on product pages, helping build trust and boost conversions.
  
  
• Fomo: Fomo is a great tool for showing real-time UGC (like recent purchases, reviews, or customer activity) to create social proof on your Shopify store. It can display UGC in notification-style pop-ups, showing customers that others are buying your products.
  

Both apps are excellent options if you’re looking to focus on more visual UGC, especially when photos and videos can be more impactful in showcasing your products.

5. Social Media Aggregators (e.g., Taggbox, Social Photo Feed)

Social media aggregators like Taggbox or Social Photo Feed allow you to pull in UGC from social media platforms directly to your Shopify store. By collecting posts from Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook that tag your brand, these apps make it easy to feature user-generated content on your product pages or in a social feed.

• Taggbox: This tool enables you to collect UGC from social platforms by pulling posts that use specific hashtags or mention your brand. You can then display this content as galleries, widgets, or feeds directly on your website.
  
• Social Photo Feed: This app lets you create a live feed of social media posts that feature your products. This can be an engaging way to show real-time social proof and inspire new customers to purchase your products.
  

Using social media aggregators is a great way to curate free UGC from your customers without requiring them to submit anything directly to you.

6. Instagram Shoppable Posts

If your brand is active on Instagram, you can turn customer-generated content into an asset by featuring it on your shoppable posts. These posts allow customers to directly click on your products from the content they see on Instagram, making it easier to drive sales from UGC.

Encourage your followers to tag you in their posts, and make sure to share their content in your feed or stories. Not only does this create social proof, but it also helps you build stronger relationships with your community.

Why Automation Is Key

No matter which tools you choose, automation is key to collecting UGC consistently. Automating your requests for UGC through email sequences, review requests, or social media engagement will ensure you never miss an opportunity to gather valuable content. Plus, automating the display of this content on your Shopify store through tools like Moast saves you time and ensures that your site is always fresh with real, customer-generated content.

With the right tools and apps, collecting free UGC becomes a seamless process. Whether you’re looking to automate requests, incentivize participation, or display content directly on your product pages, there are plenty of solutions out there to help you make the most of your customers’ content.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Collecting Free UGC

While collecting free UGC can be a powerful strategy to grow your Shopify store, it’s easy to make a few missteps along the way. These mistakes can lead to missed opportunities or even damage your relationship with your customers. To make sure your UGC collection process goes smoothly, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Not Asking for Permission to Use UGC

One of the biggest mistakes brands make is assuming they can use any content their customers post online. While it’s true that UGC is public, permission is key. Always ask for explicit permission before using someone’s photo, video, or review, especially if you plan to feature it on your website, in ads, or on social media.

To avoid this, set up a process where customers opt-in to let you use their content when they submit it. With tools like Moast, you can include a simple checkbox in your automated email or content submission form that asks for consent. This way, you protect yourself legally and ensure that your customers feel valued and respected.

2. Overwhelming Customers with Too Many Requests

You want your customers to share their experiences, but don’t bombard them with constant requests. Too many emails or messages asking for content can feel spammy and drive customers away.

Instead, be strategic about when and how you ask for UGC. After a customer has had enough time to experience your product (typically 7-14 days after purchase) is the ideal time to request content. You can also personalize the request by acknowledging their specific purchase, making it feel more genuine and less like a generic plea for content.

Automating your requests through tools like Moast helps you space them out and keep them relevant. This reduces the chances of overloading your customers with too many asks.

3. Ignoring the Quality of UGC

Not all free UGC is created equal. While you might be excited to collect content from your customers, it’s important to ensure that the content you’re using aligns with your brand’s image. Low-quality images or poorly written reviews can have the opposite effect of what you intend—potential customers might be turned off rather than encouraged to make a purchase.

Encourage your customers to submit content that meets your standards by offering guidance on what you’re looking for. For example, you might want them to upload clear, well-lit photos or write specific types of reviews (e.g., describing the product’s features or how it solved a problem).

Moast makes it easy to request specific types of content, ensuring you get high-quality visuals or detailed testimonials that resonate with your audience.

4. Not Using UGC Across Multiple Channels

A common mistake many brands make is collecting free UGC and then letting it sit unused. User-generated content is a goldmine, but only if you leverage it across multiple channels. Don't just feature it on your product pages—use it on your social media, in email marketing campaigns, and even in paid ads.

For instance, if a customer posts a great photo of themselves using your product on Instagram, don’t just let it live on their feed. Share it on your brand’s page, tag them, and turn it into a post that highlights the positive experience. You can also use the content in your email newsletters to build trust with your subscriber base or even in your paid ads to give your messaging extra authenticity.

Moast helps you automate this process by pulling UGC directly from customers, which you can then easily display on your site and push across social channels.

5. Failing to Engage with UGC Creators

When customers create content for your brand, it’s important to acknowledge their efforts. Ignoring UGC creators can harm your relationship with your community and may even deter them from creating more content in the future.

Engage with your customers by thanking them for their contributions, tagging them in social media posts, or even featuring their content on your homepage. When customers feel valued, they’re more likely to continue supporting your brand and creating content for you. A simple thank-you note or social media shoutout can go a long way in building lasting relationships.

6. Using UGC Without a Clear Strategy

While UGC is valuable, it’s important to have a clear strategy in place for how you plan to use it. Without a purpose, your efforts to collect UGC can feel disjointed or random, leading to missed opportunities. For example, don’t just collect random reviews or photos—make sure the content is aligned with your goals. Are you trying to increase conversions on specific product pages? Build trust with new visitors? Create brand awareness?

Set clear goals for your UGC collection strategy and make sure the content you’re gathering aligns with these objectives. Tools like Moast help you streamline this by collecting content based on specific product pages or campaigns, ensuring that your content always has a clear purpose.

7. Overlooking the Power of UGC in Your Paid Ads

Many brands forget that UGC can be a powerful tool for paid advertising. When used in ads, UGC feels more authentic and relatable than polished, professional content. However, it’s essential to get permission from the content creator before using their content in ads (this is where those automated permissions in Moast come in handy).

Using UGC in your Facebook, Instagram, or Google ads can help you connect with potential customers in a more organic way, which often leads to higher engagement and better ROI. Make sure you test UGC alongside your usual ads to see the performance boost it can provide.

8. Not Having a System to Manage and Organize UGC

As you start collecting more UGC, you might find it difficult to keep track of all the content you’re receiving. Without a solid system to manage and organize your UGC, it can quickly become overwhelming. You might lose track of permissions, miss opportunities to display content, or forget to give credit to creators.

Having a system in place is essential. Moast, for example, helps you manage UGC by organizing it into easy-to-view dashboards, ensuring you can track permissions, approvals, and which content to display at any given time.

Conclusion: Turning Free UGC Into Your Shopify Store’s Secret Weapon

Collecting free UGC isn’t just a marketing trend—it’s a game-changing strategy that can transform your Shopify store. By letting your customers share their authentic experiences, you build trust, boost conversions, and create a community of loyal advocates for your brand.

The key to success lies in having the right approach:

• Ask your customers directly at the right moments.
• Incentivize them with rewards they’ll appreciate.
• Use tools like Moast to automate and simplify the process, from collection to display.

Most importantly, remember that your customers’ voices are one of your brand’s most valuable assets. Whether it’s a heartfelt review, a candid photo, or a fun unboxing video, user-generated content lets your audience see your products in action, through the eyes of real people.

By avoiding common mistakes and leveraging the strategies and tools outlined in this guide, you can create a seamless UGC strategy that drives sales and fosters genuine connections with your customers. The result? A Shopify store that feels more authentic, relatable, and trustworthy—qualities that keep shoppers coming back for more.

It’s time to let your customers help tell your brand’s story. Start collecting free UGC today and watch it become the secret weapon behind your e-commerce success.