User-generated Content (UGC) refers to photos, videos, and reviews created by real customers who are already using your product. It might be a family sharing a dinner video using your marinade, someone gushing on social media about your delicious new juice flavour, or a shopper smiling in a selfie at your farmers’ market stand.
Instead of a polished ad, UGC is authentic proof that people genuinely love what you make. That authenticity builds trust and credibility, and it’s a powerful marketing tool for Canadian food businesses.
You don’t have to wait for user-generated content to happen by chance. With a little encouragement, you can inspire your customers to share authentic stories about your brand. Here are a few simple ways Canadian food businesses can spark UGC:
UGC helps build community, and for Canadian food businesses, that community is what keeps people coming back to your stand, store, or website week after week.
The key to building a genuinely engaged and supportive community is authenticity and appreciation. Engagement isn’t just about reposting; it’s about sparking two-way conversations on social media, responding to customer stories, and nurturing connections. When customers feel seen and valued, they remain loyal to your food brand as it grows.
You’ve got the abundance, now comes the part that separates successful food producers from those with barns full of produce: marketing.
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