Why authentic user content outperforms generic creative, and how Soreto helps brands use it where it matters most.
Most brands still rely on studio images to fill space across their website, emails and product pages. It’s easy, it’s quick- and it’s costing them conversions.
Today’s shoppers are smart. They know what’s real and what’s not. A perfectly lit lifestyle shot might look polished, but it doesn’t build trust. In contrast, user-generated content (UGC)– featuring real people with real products- has the power to boost performance across every digital touchpoint.
At Soreto, we help brands collect, curate and deploy authentic content where it matters most. From shoppable product galleries to homepage carousels and post-purchase email flows, we turn real customer moments into high-impact brand assets.
Why UGC Works Better
This isn’t just about aesthetics. User generated content is proven to outperform stock or brand-created content across multiple performance metrics.
- Increases conversion rates by 161% when included on product pages
- Retail sites using UGC and social proof see an 11% decrease in bounce rate
- UGC can drive 9x higher engagement compared with brand-made content
- 70% of consumers consider user reviews or UGC before making a purchase
- 4 out of 5 consumers are more likely to buy after seeing a product in relatable UGC
- The average consumer now spends 5.4 hours a day engaging with User Generated Content
These aren’t small lifts. They are conversion critical. UGC builds trust and creates a sense of belonging. It makes customers feel like they’re part of something shared and authentic.
Where UGC Delivers the Most Value
UGC belongs where decisions are made. With Soreto’s UGC platform, brands can place authentic content at every point of the customer journey.
- Homepage and product pages: Turn browsers into buyers with real-life use cases
- CRM and email flows: Use UGC in emails to re-engage customers or support product launches
- Referral journeys: Complement referral prompts with relatable content that reinforces trust
- Shoppable galleries: Allow users to browse and buy directly from content
- Review sections: Showcase real images alongside customer reviews to enhance credibility
These placements are not just decorative. They work. They turn engagement into action and remove friction from the buying journey.
From Passive to Shoppable: How Soreto Powers UGC
With Soreto, UGC is not just curated- it’s fully integrated. Our platform allows brands to tag products in customer images, build shoppable galleries, and serve content dynamically across your site and email comms.
Key benefits include:
- Real-time performance analytics
- Multi-channel search and filtering
- JavaScript integration for quick setup
- Full compatibility with CMS platforms and affiliate networks
- CRM and loyalty integrations for seamless targeting
- Access to a consistent stream of fresh content from real people
UGC and Referrals: The Trust-Building Combo
While UGC and Referral Marketing are separate strategies, they work even better together. When a referral is accompanied by content from real customers, it reinforces credibility. The trust your customer has in their friend is supported by the visual proof that others are enjoying and recommending your product too.
This kind of trust layering drives more clicks, more shares and stronger conversion across all channels.
Final Thoughts: Customers Know the Difference
Today’s shoppers are not just comparing products- they’re comparing experiences. They want to know what your brand looks like in the real world, not in a staged shoot. They want authenticity, not perfection.
Soreto makes it easy to show up in the way that matters. With our platform, brands can stop relying on studio photos and start turning their happiest customers into their most valuable content creators.
Because studio photos don’t drive shares. Real people do.
Book a demo here and see how Soreto can transform your on-site performance, email engagement and referral success.
