USER-GENERATED CONTENT: WHAT IS IT AND HOW TO USE IT

What is user-generated content?

It’s exactly what it says on the tin – user-generated content (UGC) refers to any form of content, such as text, images, videos, or reviews, that is created by users or consumers rather than by the brand or company itself. This content is typically shared on social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram, and websites where individuals have the opportunity to express their opinions, share their experiences, or create their own original content.


UGC has become increasingly popular due to the rise of social media and online platforms that allow users to easily create and share content with a wide audience. It is often seen as more authentic and trustworthy by consumers, as it comes directly from real people rather than being curated or controlled by brands.


Why is user-generated content so important to brands?

UGC, which can include text, images, videos, and reviews, is valuable because it’s authentic and engaging, and can help build a sense of community around a brand or product. Brands can leverage UGC to increase brand awareness, enhance credibility, and foster customer loyalty.


One of the key advantages of UGC is its ability to foster a sense of community among customers. When individuals share their stories, opinions, and creations, they not only become brand advocates but also form connections with like-minded individuals who share similar interests.


Moreover, UGC allows companies to tap into the power of word-of-mouth marketing and create a more personalised connection with their audience. It can significantly impact a brand's credibility and influence potential customers' purchasing decisions. Authentic reviews, testimonials, and visual content created by real users carry more weight than traditional advertising as they are often perceived as unbiased and genuine.


How can Orange help my brand use and encourage more user-generated content?


Strategy Development

Orange can assist in developing a comprehensive UGC strategy that aligns with the brand's goals and target audience. This might involve identifying platforms where the brand's audience is most active, defining campaign objectives, and determining the best methods for encouraging user participation.



Content Creation

Additionally, we can help develop campaigns and initiatives designed to encourage users to create and share content related to the brand. This could include giveaways, challenges, or user-generated hashtag campaigns.


Community Management

Orange can manage the brand's online community and engage with users who are creating content. This might involve responding to comments, acknowledging user contributions, and fostering a positive and supportive environment.


Performance insights

We can also track and analyse the performance of user-generated campaigns to measure their effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. This might include monitoring engagement metrics and tracking the reach of UGC.


Want to grow your social media presence? Contact the Orange team today to find out how we can help.

July 28, 2025
At Orange, we’re excited to welcome our newest client, Prop Options! With a sprinkle of sweetness, we look forward to collaborating and supporting the brand's continued success. Meet Prop Options Prop Options is a UK-based brand known for creating stylish, high-quality cake display products. From modern cake stands and serving boards to unique separators and event props, its range is made to help cakes look their best. Loved by both professional cake makers and baking enthusiasts, Prop Options is all about combining practical designs with beautiful details – making it easier to turn every bake into a standout creation. Media Relations At Orange, we’re excited to support Prop Options with its media relations. Our goal is to secure consistent, high-quality coverage in top UK and EU press, helping the brand gain the visibility it deserves. We’ll also work to position Prop Options’ founders as key industry voices, creating opportunities for founder features and expert commentary. We understand the power of strong product visibility, so we’ll also focus on strategic product placements and seasonal pitching to make sure Prop Options gets noticed. Our aim is to secure eye-catching media opportunities that not only increase awareness but take the brand to the next level. Orange’s founder, Megan Dorian, expresses her excitement at welcoming Prop Options: “The whole team and I are really excited to be working with such an amazing brand. We can’t wait to roll up our sleeves and start securing the great coverage Prop Options deserves. We’re fully committed to supporting the brand every step of the way and are looking forward to the journey ahead!” Is your brand finding it tough to secure the right coverage? Want to get featured in top national outlets? Get in touch with us today.
July 18, 2025
These days, almost every business has a website and a social media presence and for many, it’s become their main way of connecting with customers and selling their products or services. But no matter how sleek, strategic or aesthetically built your website is, it won't do much good if no one can find it. Visibility is everything and that’s where digital PR steps in. Think about it: there's no point pouring time and money into a perfectly curated coffee shop website if, when someone searches ‘coffee shops near me’ on Google, it’s buried on page six. Realistically, how often do you scroll through multiple search pages? Most of us click on one of the first few results because we trust them to be the most relevant and probably the best. For e-commerce brands especially, visibility is everything. If your brand lives online, then it needs PR to be seen online. Digital PR is all about getting your brand noticed, talked about and building trust in the right places across the web. It’s a fresh, modern approach to public relations that focuses on online exposure, think new sites, blogs, influencers and social media platforms. It helps build credibility, attract new customers and boosts your brand's visibility in a way that actually matters for search rankings. At Orange, we specialise in influencer PR and marketing, which means collaborating with trusted voices to promote brands through genuine, engaging content. Take that same coffee shop, for example: they could send a pack of their signature matcha to a food and lifestyle influencer who aligns with their aesthetic. That influencer might review the product, share their honest thoughts and link directly to the coffee shops website on their Instagram story. Not only does this give potential customers a trusted recommendation, but it also drives traffic and helps improve the shop's ranking in search results. It’s a win-win. The goal of every digital PR campaign is to earn links from high-authority websites. These backlinks are gold for SEO and can seriously boost your brands ranking on those all important search engine results pages (SERPs). More visibility = more traffic = more sales = happy teams. Now that we’ve covered what digital PR actually is and how it works, let’s get into why e-commerce brands should care and invest. Digital PR isn’t just about driving traffic to your homepage. A smart, targeted strategy also helps build deep links to your product and category pages, so when someone searches for a product you sell, they find you, even if they’ve never heard of your brand before. It's also way more flexible than traditional PR. You can promote last minute sales, jump on trending moments (say hello to TikTok) or respond to industry news in real-time. For fast moving e-commerce brands, that kind of agility is a game changer. Getting your brand featured on a reputable website or online publication builds trust, far more than an ad ever could. Consumers are more likely to trust a brand recommended by a familiar, respected source. A great example? We helped get Fairfields Farm featured on BBC Countryfile – a trusted public service platform; that kind of placement is priceless for building credibility. One of the best parts of digital PR is that you can actually measure its impact. Whether its increased website traffic, backlinks, engagement on socials, or direct sales, the results are trackable. That means brands can easily see what's working, what's not and tweak their strategy accordingly. At Orange, we’re proud to help brands like Fairfields Farm grow online through smart, creative and impactful digital PR. Because great products deserve to be seen and we know just how to get them noticed.
July 17, 2025
Trade PR and marketing could be the secret ingredient your food and drink brand is missing, in order to stand out in the B2B food and drink marketing space. By crafting bright, effective strategies for business you can highlight your brand where it matters most, within the industry, showing buyers, distributors and retailers why they should choose you. Using Trade PR & Marketing to Boost the Visibility of your Food & Drink Brand Trade PR is the fresh squeeze your food and drink brand needs to stand out from the competition. By placing your brand in front of key industry players like distributors, retailers and suppliers, you boost your media presence and unlock valuable opportunities. Being regularly seen positions your brand and your team as thought leaders. Whether you are a young disruptor brand or a household name you cannot hope to stay an authority in your sector if you’ve nothing to say. Securing features in leading trade publications, showcasing your brand at industry events, and earning top-tier awards are all tools that a PR agency can use to keep your brand on everyone’s lips. This approach increases recognition and builds trust, positioning your food and drink brand as a market leader. It also gives buyers and retailers confidence that you are committed to on-going marketing that will drive sales for your stockists too. Juicing up your Product Launch Launching new products? Investing in trade PR and marketing could be the juicy boost your food and drink brand needs. Bespoke strategies help get your brand noticed in a crowded market. By creating a buzz, your product stands out, making a lasting impression on key industry players and potential buyers. Bright food brand marketing tactics, like special promotions, in-store displays and social media campaigns, draw even more attention, helping drive sales. With the right trade PR campaign, you not only ensure a successful launch but also set the stage for long-term growth, paving the way for future product innovations. Building Lasting B2B Relationships Driving B2B relationships in Trade PR and marketing can add a zesty kick to your food and drink brand and also develop and enhance your brand image. In the B2B world, trust is everything, and with consistent, bright PR efforts, you’ll build credibility that makes your brand stand out. Strong relationships in the industry mean loyal partners, trusted connections and lasting collaborations that help your brand thrive. But it doesn’t stop there, fostering these connections also opens the door to valuable market insights and feedback on product performance. From spotting emerging trends to fine-tuning future products, these insights keep your brand ahead of the curve and ready to make its next big move. With consistency and great communication you’ll be the go-to spokesperson for influential journalists in your sector. Giving your Food & Drink Brand a Competitive Edge from Trade PR & Marketing In the competitive food and drink market, trade PR and marketing can be the best way to keep your food and drink brand relevant. By keeping your brand front and centre, you'll ensure it stays top of mind for decision-makers, increasing the chances they’ll choose your product over the competition. Strong industry relationships are key to securing prime shelf space, exclusive promotions and tapping into new opportunities. Trade PR also helps set your food and drink brand apart by highlighting what makes you unique, whether it’s sustainability, bold flavors or premium ingredients. With the right strategy, you’ll squeeze every drop of potential out of your brand, ensuring it remains visible and in demand. In short, trade PR and marketing give your food and drink brand the competitive edge it needs to thrive in a crowded market. Therefore, Trade PR and marketing are the secret sauce your food and drink brand needs to shine in the competitive B2B space. They boost visibility, build strong connections and make your brand impossible to ignore. With the right strategies, your brand will stay fresh, top of mind and ready to grab every opportunity that comes its way. Make Trade PR and marketing the key ingredient to your brand's success. Get in touch with Orange if you’re looking to elevate your food and drink brand.
July 1, 2025
This month, Orange has been busy delivering client work–from securing standout media coverage to hosting content days–with several exciting updates to share. Orange Attended a Content Day at Perrywood Garden Centres In June, we visited Perrywood Buckhatch as part of the garden centre’s exciting 70th anniversary – a milestone celebration of seven decades of gardening heritage, family values and community spirit. To support the campaign, our team captured a range of creative content that brings the Perrywood story to life. From vibrant summer plant displays to behind-the-scenes moments with the team, every shot was designed to reflect the heart and history of the brand. With storytelling at the core of our approach, we’re proud to be helping Perrywood celebrate this landmark moment, building meaningful connections with their loyal customers and spotlighting everything that makes the brand so special – now and for years to come. Orange Secured Shield Pest Control Standout Coverage In The Daily Express In June, Orange secured Shield Pest Control , a national feature in the Express, offering expert advice on how to deal with ants this summer. The article included practical tips from the client on using natural remedies to prevent infestations, positioning Shield Pest Control as a go-to voice on seasonal pest control. At Orange, we pride ourselves on securing attention-grabbing features that let our clients shine, and it was fantastic to see Shield Pest Control land another standout national mention. Orange Manages Influencer Partnership With Love Island UK Star for Esteworld As part of our ongoing influencer marketing work with world-leading aesthetics brand Esteworld , we were thrilled to facilitate another exciting collaboration. In June, Love Island UK star Patsy Field travelled to Istanbul for a gifted partnership with Esteworld, where she underwent fox eye surgery. This collaboration began back in April, when Orange reached out to Patsy with the opportunity. We're proud to support Esteworld in building meaningful influencer relationships–helping to amplify the brand’s global presence while connecting audiences with creators who align with Esteworld’s values. Looking to boost your media presence or explore impactful influencer partnerships? Get in touch today.
June 19, 2025
We’re stepping into the warmer season on a high note here at Orange, celebrating another month of exciting wins. From standout media coverage to a major client milestone, the energy is high. Perrywood Garden Centre Celebrates 70 years in Business Last month, we celebrated an incredible milestone with our brilliant client, Perrywood Garden Centres , as they mark 70 years in business. With three thriving locations in Sudbury, Tiptree and Buckhatch, Perrywood continues to grow from strength to strength while staying true to its family-run roots. To mark the occasion, the team has launched a generous £10,000 initiative to support local schools, charities and community groups–showcasing its ongoing commitment to giving back. We couldn’t be prouder to support such a community-driven brand as they celebrate this well-deserved achievement. In The Spotlight: House of Amor In May, we secured a strong piece of coverage for beauty client House of Amor . Its DIY Lash Starter Kit was featured in My Weekly's ‘Things we love this month’–a well-aligned placement for a customisable, reusable lash kit that delivers salon-quality results at home. Coverage like this is key for building brand visibility and trust, and we’re pleased to see such a standout product getting the recognition it deserves. Fairfields Farm Gains Media Attention For New Limited Edition Flavours May also brought a flurry of fantastic media coverage for Fairfields Farm . The brand’s newest limited-edition flavour, Chorizo & Red Wine, was featured in top-tier titles including The Grocer and Speciality Food. Vegan, gluten-free and packed with smoky, paprika-rich flavour, it’s a bold addition that’s already gaining attention–well deserved after months of development by the team. We saw strong media recognition for the announcement of Fairfields Farm’s upcoming Christmas flavour, Honey Roasted Chestnut & Sage, with features in Retail Times, The Grocery Trader and more. Launching in October, this festive, sweet and herby blend replaces the brand’s Maple Glazed Ham flavour and continues its commitment to an entirely vegan and gluten-free range. Coverage like this is key to boosting brand visibility, celebrating innovation and positioning Fairfields Farm as a leader in premium, plant-based snacking.
June 16, 2025
Orange , a specialist PR and Marketing agency known for building high-impact campaigns in the lifestyle and luxury sectors, has been appointed by Passmore Yacht Upholstery to lead the brand’s public relations activity, with a strong focus on its 65th anniversary. Founded in 1960, Passmore Yacht Upholstery has earned a reputation as one of the UK’s foremost yacht interior specialists, supplying bespoke upholstery, covers, and soft furnishings to some of the finest craft on the water. As the company celebrates 65 years of craftsmanship, it has partnered with Orange to share its legacy and ambitions with both the yachting and wider luxury markets. “Passmore has an extraordinary heritage that began just down the road from us in Colchester, Essex and now reaches clients around the world,” said Megan Dorian, Founder of Orange. “This is exactly the kind of story that deserves strategic, well-placed media opportunities — and we know how to deliver those. With strong editorial connections, we’re perfectly positioned to make sure Passmore’s 65th anniversary gets the attention it deserves and are proud to be working with such an iconic industry brand.” Orange is leading a focused press office function alongside media outreach, brand storytelling, and profile-building across top-tier titles in the UK and Europe. The team is thrilled to be working with Passmore on both its media relations and social media marketing . “Orange understands how to bring depth and relevance to a story like ours,” said Rik O’Hanlon-Smith, Director at Passmore. “The Orange team knows exactly how to frame what we do in a way that connects with key media — and, ultimately, the clients we want to reach. We are excited to be working with an agency local to where we began and look forward to working together.” The 65th anniversary campaign will showcase Passmore’s journey from local workshop to a well-known, and much loved, name in yacht interiors, with fresh attention on its craftsmanship, partnerships, and evolving creative direction.
May 28, 2025
As a leading Essex PR agency, we’re thrilled to share that Orange has been appointed as the PR and Marketing agency for Perrywood’s 70th anniversary celebrations to support the much-loved, family-run business with strategic media relations and social media marketing. Our team has long admired Perrywood, not only as PR professionals but also as regular visitors. This collaboration is one we’re incredibly proud of. About Perrywood Garden Centre Perrywood is an established name in Essex and Suffolk, offering more than just plants. With thriving garden centres in Tiptree, Sudbury and the newly acquired Buckhatch. Perrywood is a destination for gardening inspiration, homeware and fresh, seasonal food. Known for its warm, knowledgeable team and beautifully presented spaces, it continues to grow while staying true to its community values. Still run by the Bourne family, Perrywood’s mission is simple: to inspire people to enjoy the benefits of plants, gardening and outdoor living. A Tailored PR & Marketing Partnership As a specialist lifestyle PR agency, Orange is delivering a tailored approach to help Perrywood celebrate its 70th anniversary whilst strengthening its brand and reaching more audiences across the local areas. Social Media Marketing We’re joining the Perrywood team on regular content capture days, working side by side to shoot engaging image and video content. This authentic, behind-the-scenes material is for use across Perrywood’s own social media channels to bring their story to life and showcase the people, plants and passion behind the brand, helping to create content that feels real, relevant and on brand. Media Relations We’re also driving Perrywood’s media relations efforts, with a strong focus on its milestone 70th anniversary and the launch of its £10,000 community support initiative. From local press to wider lifestyle media, we’re making noise about the fantastic work Perrywood is doing—not only as a retail business but as a committed supporter of the local community. Megan Dorian, founder of Orange PR, shared: “We’ve been fans of Perrywood for many years, so working with them now as the PR and content partner for such an important milestone is incredibly rewarding. Perrywood is such a respected name in the community, what the team has built over 70 years is truly special. This milestone isn’t just about longevity; it’s about the consistent values, dedication, and community spirit that define the brand. We’re especially proud to be supporting Perrywood as it marks its 70th year with a campaign that gives back to local causes, a reflection of everything Perrywood stands for. Helping to tell this story and amplify Perrywood’s impact is what PR should be all about. We’re honoured to be part of it." Whether you’re looking for a PR agency in Essex or a creative lifestyle PR agency that delivers results, Orange brings strategic thinking, passion, and a deep understanding of brand storytelling. Looking to grow your brand with expert PR support? Let’s talk. *Image credited to Perrywood Garden Centres*
May 27, 2025
While the weather is warming up and summer is on its way, the UK media is already looking ahead to the festive season. From lifestyle magazines to online gift guides and national TV features, journalists are planning their Christmas content months in advance, and now is the time to get your brand in front of them. If you're wondering how to get your brand in Christmas gift guides this year, our Christmas PR Package 2025 is designed to do exactly that, and more! Orange’s Christmas PR Package for Lifestyle, Food & Drink, and Beauty Brands At Orange, we specialise in strategic media relations for ambitious brands. Following the success of our Christmas PR Package in previous years, it has returned for 2025 to help secure festive coverage for businesses across sectors including: Food & drink Health & beauty Homes & interiors Lifestyle and gifting Fashion and accessories Wellness and experiences Whether you're launching a product, promoting a Christmas collection, or simply aiming to boost brand visibility, we know how to get your story noticed by the right journalists at the right time. What’s Included in the 2025 Christmas PR Package? For just £1,000 + VAT, our expert PR team will: Create a bespoke press pitch tailored to your brand and your target media Conduct proactive media outreach to journalists across print, digital, and broadcast platforms Aim for features in national and regional Christmas gift guides, product roundups, lifestyle editorials, and festive features Provide you with PR guidance to help you make the most of any interview or coverage opportunities Deliver regular updates and insights throughout the campaign period Why Early Christmas PR Planning Matters If you’re researching how to get press coverage for my product at Christmas, timing is everything. Long-lead titles like glossy magazines begin planning holiday issues as early as June and July, with online editors also locking in their Christmas gift guide submissions months ahead. By getting ahead now, you’ll maximise your chances of landing high-impact placements across gift guides, homes & interiors features, beauty columns, and more. Is This Christmas PR Package Right for You? This package is perfect for: Independent and challenger brands Product-based businesses in food, drink, beauty, interiors or fashion Experience-led brands (spa days, workshops, subscription boxes) Entrepreneurs looking to boost their media presence and festive sales Don’t Miss Out on Christmas Media Coverage in 2025 If you’ve ever asked, “How do I get my product featured in Christmas gift guides?” - this is your answer. Our Christmas PR Package has helped brands land press coverage in national newspapers, glossy magazines, top-tier blogs, and broadcast media. Let us help you make the most of the 2025 festive season. Secure your place now, spaces are limited and sell out quickly. Get in touch today to boost your media presence this Christmas.
May 22, 2025
This April, the team has been working hard to secure some mega coverage for our clients and even welcomed an exciting new client to our roster. Shield Pest Control Makes The Headlines As bin strikes continued to cause disruption in Birmingham, we pressed forward with a sharp and timely response, putting forward Shield Pest Control’s expert advice on rat prevention. Our efforts ripened into standout national coverage in The Telegraph, positioning Shield as a trusted voice in pest control during a high-profile public issue. Continuing the momentum, we also secured standout national coverage for Shield Pest Control in The Mirror. With winter pushing spiders indoors and public interest around pest prevention on the rise, we identified a timely media opportunity to showcase Shield’s expert advice on using natural deterrents in the home. The resulting feature not only raised brand visibility but also offered readers practical guidance; exactly the kind of impactful, expert-led coverage we strive for. Our efforts didn’t stop there. Shield’s spider control tips also landed in the Express, doubling down on its presence in key national titles. The coverage was informative, accessible and aligned perfectly with key audience searches at this time of year. Fairfields Farm In The Press Fairfields Farm’s new limited-edition crisp flavour, Chorizo & Red Wine, is set to launch in May 2025, and we made sure this bold launch made the headlines. Our targeted pitching secured coverage in none other than The Grocer, with the article featured on a page attracting an estimated 510 visits a day. Orange Welcomes Perrywood Garden Centre We were delighted to welcome Perrywood Garden Centre, a beloved local gem in and around East Anglia, as our newest client. Orange will be spearheading the brand’s media relations strategy, focusing on generating fresh, impactful coverage across national, regional and trade press. Passmore and Orange Teams Up We’re delighted to welcome yet another Essex icon on board – Passmore, a specialist in high-end yacht and marine upholstery based in West Mersea – has joined the gang. With a proud legacy of craftsmanship, Passmore has spent the past 65 years perfecting the art of marine reupholstery and bespoke soft furnishings for the boat and yacht industry. As the brand marks this impressive milestone anniversary, we’re excited to support them in amplifying the brand’s story and celebrating its heritage.
April 9, 2025
We’ve all seen it — a small brand blows up overnight on TikTok, sells out its entire product range in hours, and becomes the name on everyone’s lips. It’s the dream, right? However, going viral is just the beginning. If you want that moment to turn into lasting success, you need a solid PR strategy to back it up. At Orange PR, we work with fast-growing food and drink, health and beauty and lifestyle brands to make sure that viral fame isn’t a flash in the pan — but the start of something bigger. Viral = Visibility, PR = Credibility TikTok is amazing for visibility. It can catapult you into the spotlight with authentic, creative content and spark huge demand. But that attention can be short-lived unless you take steps to build credibility and control your story which is where PR comes in. PR gives brands authority. It takes that social buzz and amplifies it through trusted print, online and broadcast media channels — think national press, consumer magazines, trade publications and podcasts. This kind of coverage reinforces your brand’s legitimacy and builds long-term trust with your audience. The TikTok effect: Fast growth needs strong foundations Viral moments can lead to a sudden influx of interest which is amazing but can also be overwhelming. Journalists may start calling, customers may want more detail, and new audiences will begin exploring your brand in ways you hadn’t planned for. PR helps you stay ahead by crafting the brand’s narrative, ensuring the messaging is clear, consistent, and compelling across all platforms. A PR agency also helps your brand to manage the media interest and keep this momentum up beyond your viral moment. Liaising with journalists, both proactively and reactively to secure positive media coverage, and shape how your brand is being talked about is an integral part of maximising the opportunity of a viral campaign. A solid PR strategy will help to ensure your brand name is being kept in the conversation once the TikTok buzz starts to cool down and ensures that you’re capturing audiences you may be missing on the social media platform. When a brand goes viral on TikTok and catches the attention of buyers, they’ll often do their research — and seeing credible, earned media coverage can be the reassurance they need to feel confident in the brand and make the decision to stock or list it. From moment to movement Let’s say you’re a food and drink brand that’s just gone viral for your signature sauce. Orders are flying in. But what happens next? PR ensures that your product isn’t just a one-hit wonder — it becomes part of a bigger brand story. We’ll help you get features in top-tier titles, share your founder story, pitch for TV and radio, and align you with relevant influencers and thought leaders. Whether you’re in food and drink, health and beauty, lifestyle, or a niche sector, PR turns that viral moment into a movement. Ready to go from viral to valuable? At Orange, we’ve seen first-hand how brands with sudden social fame can benefit from strategic PR. We’re based in Essex and work with lifestyle-led businesses across the UK and globally that want to build brand equity, not just grab headlines. If you’ve recently had a viral moment (or hope to), now’s the perfect time to put a PR plan in place. Let’s make the most of the momentum — and keep it going. Get in touch with our team to see how we can help.
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