Have you ever wondered what it feels like to walk into a party where everyone’s excited to see you? What if I told you that’s the kind of vibe you’d get by weaving the magic of user-generated content (UGC) and the authenticity of social proof into your email newsletters?
Let’s delve into 12 dynamic ways to bring that party atmosphere to your newsletters by using UGC and social proof.
Benefits of User-Generated Content in Marketing
Have you ever considered what makes your audience feel like they’re part of an exclusive community rather than just another name on an email?
User-generated content is the secret ingredient for that sense of belonging. It’s more than marketing; it’s an endorsement of your brand’s authenticity from real people who are genuinely enjoying your products. In this way, UGC transforms your audience from mere customers into cherished community members.
Did you know that maintaining a natural and authentic visual style in your marketing is more than just a good idea? It’s backed by hard data. A striking 62% of experts agree that authenticity in visuals is the key to effective marketing.
UGC marketing is all about spotlighting authentic moments, featuring real individuals, and sharing genuine experiences. This approach does more than just sell a product; it tells a story, your story, through the eyes of those who have lived it. In doing so, UGC not only provides a convincing portrayal of your brand but also cultivates a sense of trust and connection with your audience, pulling them into the fun vibe that makes your community so special.
Why UGC and Social Proof are Good for Newsletters?
With UGC, you’re not just sharing content; you’re telling relatable, authentic stories that deepen the connection between your brand and its community members.
But why stop there? Social proof takes it to another level. By incorporating positive feedback and customer testimonials, you infuse your newsletters with a layer of trust and credibility. It’s like bringing in endorsements from your community’s very own celebrities—your satisfied customers.
Combine these two powerhouses, and you’re not just sending out newsletters—you’re transforming each newsletter from a simple update into an immersive, interactive experience for your readers.
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Fun Newsletter Ideas Using UGC and Social Proof
They say that there’s no better duo than UGC marketing and social proof. Here are 12 fun newsletter ideas that incorporate both.
1. Customer Spotlights
Let’s get real, people love stories—especially ones that they can relate to. So why not make your customers the star of the show? Feature them and their stories to show off how your product or service has been a game-changer in their lives.
Adding a photo with a brand logo and a short description of a customer using your product can show potential customers the success they could achieve. This Walls.io newsletter highlights the story of an organic farmers’ community collecting videos of their practices on a social wall.
Subject line: Polls in all paid plans 🐰
Why it works:
- Personal stories = free inspiration for others to jump on board;
- Photos or other “proof” make the success stories tangible;
- You’re creating a virtual “Storytime” space, encouraging more customers to come forth with their success stories.
2. Photo/Video Contests
Unleash the Spielberg spirit in your audience with themed photo or video contests. Feature the winners in your newsletter along with their submissions. This not only creates engagement but also builds excitement around your brand.
A great example of this strategy in action is Pexels’ “Orange Challenge”. They invite contributors of stock photos to participate by submitting images or videos representing what the color orange means to them. Pexels goes the extra mile by offering prizes to the top 10 winners, creating a strong incentive for participation.
Subject line: 4 days left in the Pexels photo challenge: Orange 📸 🧡
Why it works:
- Such contests are a good way to keep people hooked to your newsletter;
- It’s like hosting a virtual talent show. Seriously fun;
- You never know, you might discover the next big star among your audience.
3. User-Created Content Showcase
Carve out a corner in your newsletter to show off the creative genius of your users, whether it’s opinions, DIY projects, or innovative uses of your product.
Assembly seeks input from the community on various subjects. In a recent edition of their newsletter, they spotlighted a group of girls sharing their preferred emojis and explaining why they enjoy them. One effective method to gather user-generated content is by setting up a hashtag feed. Simply introduce a hashtag and encourage your community to share their thoughts using it. Afterward, feature the most compelling responses in your newsletter.
Subject line: We need to change attitudes about girls’ futures.
Why it works:
- Real-time user testimonials in your newsletter? Yes, please!;
- Setting up a hashtag is the easiest way to let people submit their user-generated content;
- The content collected can be used for other marketing campaigns and newsletters.
4. Community Highlights
Get your audience in on the latest from your community. – from discussions to meet-ups, these highlight community engagement and create a sense of belonging among your readers.
Skillshare features community highlights and achievements throughout this newsletter. This practice not only helps promote the subscription to the platform but it also gives the reader some FOMO.
Subject line: 50% off a phenomenal place for learning and community
Why it works:
- Keeping people in the loop means they’re more likely to join;
- It’s proof that being active in your community makes you a local celeb;
- Providing opportunities for the readers to share their thoughts turns your newsletter into a two-way street.
5. Best User Tips and Tricks
Show off those customer hacks that even you didn’t think of. This helps users learn from each other and maximizes their experience.
Cladwell gathers input from its community to create a list of tips and tricks about how each of them wears a capsule wardrobe. Powered by the slogan “Smaller wardrobe, bigger life”, this list creates the feeling that fellow community members are sharing with you words of wisdom.
Subject line: What people from all over the world are saying
Why it works:
- One man’s hack is another man’s treasure;
- Visuals plus real advice from real people equal a win;
- It’s a chatroom of helpful hints, getting your community talking.
6. Customer Success Stories
Share tear-jerking, laughter-inducing, heartwarming stories where your product or service was the hero (cape optional). This narrative form of UGC humanizes your brand and creates emotional connections.
For example, Unsplash features in-depth stories of photography contributors in their newsletter. The example below features the success story of Spenser Sembrat, a contributor who shares his inspiration when taking photos for Unsplash and beyond.
Subject line: The latest from Unsplash ✨
Why it works:
- Story diversity attracts a broader audience;
- You’re not just selling a product, you’re selling an experience;
- Multimedia makes it an IMAX movie for the soul.
7. Customer Reviews Round Up
Who doesn’t love a good compliment? Showcase customer reviews in a swanky format.
Take, for instance, Bored Cow, which showcases a selection of customer reviews in its newsletter. They carefully selected two awesome reviews describing different products. These reviews were transformed into visually engaging graphics, complemented by product images, star ratings, and the names of satisfied customers.
Subject line: Tastes like
Why it works:
- Visuals + positive words = trust factor 101;
- A buffet of different testimonials makes you an all-rounder;
- Clutter-free content is your friend. Remember, less is more.
8. Featured Social Media Posts
Featuring tagged posts of happy customers? It’s like featuring paparazzi content but in a good way.
For example, Lady Pipa created a newsletter where they embed social media photos of real women wearing their dresses. They add a photo of the customer, their username, and the link to the post.
Subject line: THIS IS HOW IT GIRLS WEAR IT
Why it works:
- Nothing says “real” like an unsponsored shoutout;
- It creates a feedback loop of positivity; people see it, and people do it.
9. User-Generated Q&A
Turn your team into the Agony Aunts and Uncles of your industry. Answer customer questions, and who knows, your reply might just become someone’s daily mantra.
Who gives a crap is a toilet paper brand that clearly gives a crap about their customers. They’ve dedicated a whole newsletter to answering the burning questions of one Ellen from Brisbane. In the full newsletter, they have featured a total of 5 questions with very short and funny answers.
Subject line: Few people asked, we still answered
Why it works:
- Q&As are like mini TED Talks;
- It makes your brand more approachable, like a friendly next-door neighbor.
10. Before and After Stories
If your product transforms lives, flaunt it! Those before-and-after pictures are worth a thousand words and possibly a thousand more customers.
For example, Karina More’s face marathon challenge offers a transformation in facial features through daily face massages. In her newsletter, she shares success stories from individuals who have completed the marathon, showing impressive results within 14 days, along with before and after photos.
Subject line: FULL ACCESS- FACE MARATHON
Why it works:
- Visuals make the change feel reachable;
- Unedited photos scream “No Filters, Just Results”.
11. Meet the Community Member
Why not put a face on your user base? Introduce a community member or a product ambassador with a short interview to foster a stronger sense of community.
A great example of this is Peppermint Magazine’s newsletter. They regularly share free patterns, but they go a step further by featuring a section called ‘Meet the Patternmaker’. In this segment, they introduce the person behind the patterns, sharing the unique story that inspired their creations. This adds a personal touch to their content and establishes a deeper connection between the brand and its audience.
Subject line: Did someone say NEW pattern 👀✨
Why it works:
- It brings the community closer, like a virtual group hug;
- Don’t waste anyone’s time, craft 3 to 5 questions and answers, and compile them into a blog post;
- Thinking of doing video interviews? That’s next-level connection.
12. Fan of the Month
Every community has its rockstars. Roll out the red carpet for them!
The Leap, a newsletter dedicated to content creation, consistently showcases content creators from various industries. In addition to announcing the interviews they conduct, they include photos, quotes, and a brief excerpt of the story, adding an extra special touch to the newsletter.
Subject line: 🚗 Beep beep: Make way for YouTuber The Car Creative.
Why it works:
- Make sure to define criteria to choose the fans that make for a transparent and fair recognition system;
- Being crowned “Fan of the Month” isn’t just a title; it’s a ticket to the A-list. Think exclusive swag or behind-the-scenes peeks;
- Dropping fun facts about your top fan forges a connection between your brand and your audience.
TL;DR
If you skipped right down here, here’s the quick rundown:
- Spotlight your customer heroes for authenticity;
- Keep content real and relatable;
- Feature different forms of user-generated content, such as tips, photos, reviews, to enhance product use and collaboration;
- Foster a sense of community through engagement, feedback, and rewards;
- Keep track of all social proof that users and fans post about your brand, and make use of it!
A newsletter isn’t just an email; it’s a party invite to your brand. Encourage interaction, celebrate success, and showcase creativity — these 12 fun newsletter ideas can transform your emails from mere updates into engaging, valuable content that fosters a strong brand-consumer relationship.
Learn more about email marketing and tips on improving it in these articles:
- Make Your Email Stand Out: 7 Email Design Trends for 2023
- What is Interactive Email? AMP, Design Examples
- What is an Email Header? Definition, Design Examples
Author bio
Ana Lopez is the Content Marketing Manager at Walls.io — she enjoys reading, writing, meaningful conversations, and fries. Ana is a digital native who loves to create different types of content.
