Hey hey, it’s Riley—your creative sidekick, design enthusiast, and unofficial hype manager. 👋
Let’s talk about something that’s way more powerful than a discount code: influencers and user-generated content (UGC). If you’re running a POD store, this holiday season is the perfect time to tap into the power of real people sharing real love for your products.
Here’s how to make it happen—without feeling like you’re chasing clout.
Influencers: It’s Not About Follower Count
You don’t need to land a mega-celebrity to make an impact. Micro and nano influencers (think 1k–50k followers) are where the magic happens. They have tight-knit communities, high engagement, and they actually talk to their audience.
Find creators who vibe with your brand. If you sell cozy hoodies with nostalgic designs, look for someone who’s already posting about comfort, aesthetics, or throwback fashion. It’s about alignment, not reach.
DM them, be human, and offer value. A free product, a collab, or even a repost can go a long way.
UGC: Your Customers Are Your Creators
UGC is gold. It’s authentic, relatable, and trust-building. When someone posts a pic of your mug in their morning routine or rocks your hoodie in a TikTok dance, that’s social proof you can’t buy.
Encourage it. Add a note in your packaging asking customers to tag you. Run a holiday hashtag challenge – Christmas, Valentines Day, any holiday or season. Feature their content on your site or socials. Make them feel seen.
And don’t forget to say thank you. A repost, a shoutout, or even a surprise discount can turn a one-time buyer into a brand fan.
Make It Easy to Share
If you want people to post about your products, give them something worth sharing.
- Your packaging should be cute, clean, and on-brand
- Your designs should pop on camera (think bold colors, fun phrases, or aesthetic layouts)
- Your brand voice should feel like a friend, not a company
The easier it is to share, the more likely they will.
Riley’s Final Take 🎁
Influencers and UGC aren’t just marketing tactics. They’re community builders. Lean into connection. Celebrate your customers. Collaborate with creators. And let your products live beyond your storefront.
You’ve got the designs. Now let the people hype them up.
Catch you in the next creative drop,
—Riley