When customers share photos of their new fences, it’s free advertising for your business. These photos act as visual testimonials, showcasing your craftsmanship and building trust with potential clients. Here’s how to encourage customers to share their fence photos:
- Create photo moments during installation: Suggest before-and-after shots or milestone photos during the process.
- Offer rewards: Incentivize sharing with gift cards, discounts, or contests.
- Use social media effectively: Promote branded hashtags and reshare customer posts to boost engagement.
- Simplify photo collection: Use tools like Google Forms or automated follow-ups to make sharing easy.
Customer-shared photos can increase trust, improve local visibility, and drive more sales. Start collecting and sharing these photos today to grow your business.
10 Essential Tips to Boost Your Brand with User Generated Content | UGC Strategies for Marketers
Why Customer Photos Matter for Your Fence Business
Customer photos of your fence installations are more than just pictures – they’re testimonials. They serve as visual proof of your craftsmanship, showcasing your work quality and professionalism to an extended audience. For fence companies, every shared image strengthens your reputation and opens doors to new business opportunities.
Here’s the thing: 80% of consumers are influenced by user-generated content, and 90% routinely check product reviews. For your business, each customer photo shared can act as a powerful magnet for potential clients.
These snapshots go beyond polished marketing images. They capture your fences in real-life settings – showing authentic colors, natural lighting, and accurate proportions. Customers can see how your fences complement different home styles and fit seamlessly into actual yards. This helps potential clients visualize similar transformations for their own properties, which is essential when they’re making a significant investment in their home’s appearance and functionality.
Local customer photos are especially impactful. They validate your success within the community, demonstrating your ability to handle challenges like specific soil conditions or neighborhood aesthetics. With 79.69% of consumers considering ratings and reviews before making a purchase, these photos provide tangible evidence of your reliability and expertise.
There’s also a trust factor. When potential customers see multiple homeowners proudly sharing their new fences, it creates a sense of consistency and dependability. In an industry where reputation is everything, this kind of social proof is invaluable. And with 62% of consumers valuing authentic content, user-generated photos resonate far more than polished advertisements. These images are genuine endorsements that carry more weight because they come directly from satisfied customers.
Customer photos can also be a versatile sales tool. They display a variety of fence styles, highlight how installations adapt to different terrains, and often include dramatic before-and-after shots. This visual documentation not only helps prospects understand what to expect but also builds confidence in your services.
But the benefits go even further. When customers share their photos, they aren’t just showing off their new fences – they’re promoting your business. On average, 60% of consumers say content from friends or family influences their purchase decisions. By sharing their experiences, your customers effectively become brand ambassadors, extending your marketing reach into their personal networks at no extra cost.
How to Get Customers to Take and Share Fence Photos
Encouraging customers to take and share photos of their new fence can be a powerful way to showcase your work and build trust with potential clients. By creating natural opportunities and offering meaningful rewards, you can make this process seamless and engaging.
Create Photo Moments During Installation
The installation process is full of opportunities for great photos. Let homeowners know when key moments are about to happen – like when the old fence is being removed or when the new one is fully installed. These "before-and-after" shots highlight your craftsmanship and give customers a chance to share something exciting.
You can also document progress along the way. For instance, when your team finishes a section or installs a gate, encourage homeowners to snap a picture. These milestones are often moments they’ll want to remember and share.
To make photos even more shareable, provide branded props. A small sign that reads "New Fence by [Your Company]" can make the photo pop and subtly promote your business. This idea is similar to how the Oklahoma City Thunder used QR codes to collect over 9,000 fan photos during a game day event.
Timing matters too. Suggest photo opportunities right after installation, ideally during good natural lighting. Make sure the area is clean and tidy so the fence looks its best.
Offer Rewards for Photo Sharing
People love incentives, and offering rewards can be a great way to encourage photo sharing. In fact, research shows that 88% of Americans – and 95% of those aged 18–35 – are motivated by rewards when sharing content.
Here are a few ideas for meaningful rewards:
- Gift Cards: Offer gift cards worth $25 to $50 for popular retailers or local restaurants. These rewards feel immediate and valuable.
- Service Discounts: Provide discounts, like 10% off future services, which not only encourage sharing but also help build long-term relationships.
- Contests: Run monthly contests where customers post photos of their fence using your branded hashtag. The best photo could win a larger prize, such as a $200 gift card.
- Loyalty Points: Create a system where customers earn points for sharing photos, which they can redeem for discounts or branded merchandise.
Make sure to clearly explain how customers can participate. For example, ask them to post a photo of their new fence, tag your company, use your branded hashtag, and share a quick comment about their experience.
Finally, address privacy concerns by letting customers know that their photos might be featured in your marketing materials. To keep things fresh, consider seasonal or themed contests, like "Spring Fence Makeover" or "Holiday Fence Decorating." These approaches encourage ongoing engagement and help keep your brand visible year-round.
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Use Social Media to Spread Customer Photos
Social media can be a powerful tool for showcasing customer photos of your fences, helping you reach a broader audience. The trick is to choose the right platforms and use customer posts in a way that benefits your business. To start, focus on platforms and hashtags that align with your target audience and showcase your work effectively.
Pick the Right Platforms and Hashtags
Visual platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook are perfect for sharing fence photos. Each platform serves a slightly different purpose, so choose the ones that match your audience.
- Instagram is ideal for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts who love browsing home improvement projects and outdoor designs. Its visual nature makes it perfect for before-and-after shots or close-ups of your craftsmanship.
- Pinterest attracts planners and dreamers. People use it to gather ideas for home projects, making it a great spot to pin fence styles, design ideas, and DIY inspiration.
- Facebook allows for a mix of visuals, customer testimonials, and promotions, making it versatile for engaging with a wide audience.
If your business works with commercial clients or contractors, LinkedIn can be a valuable platform. While it’s less visually driven, sharing polished project photos here can position you as a trusted expert among business decision-makers.
To tie it all together, create a branded hashtag that reflects your company and resonates with your customers. Think about what makes your fences special – whether it’s the craftsmanship, style, or the way they transform outdoor spaces. Successful brands like Calvin Klein (#MyCalvins) and Crocs (#MyCrocsEra) have used branded hashtags to encourage customers to share their experiences. You can do the same by promoting your unique hashtag across your marketing materials.
Share Customer Posts to Build Trust
Once you’ve encouraged customers to share their photos under your branded hashtag, resharing their posts can significantly boost trust and engagement. Studies show that 79% of people say user-generated content influences their purchasing decisions, and Instagram posts featuring user content see 70% higher engagement rates.
When resharing, always ask for permission – either through a direct message or a comment on the original post. Then, craft captions that highlight the project’s story. Instead of simply reposting the photo, explain what made the project special. Did it solve a tricky landscaping challenge? Did it introduce a unique design feature? Adding these details makes the post more engaging.
Be sure to tag the original creator in your caption to give credit. This not only shows appreciation but can also help expand your audience organically. Pair this with consistent branding – stick to your usual colors, fonts, and tone – and use relevant hashtags to increase your reach.
For example, Gymshark has successfully built engagement by resharing community posts. They balance these reposts with original content, like behind-the-scenes shots, team highlights, or helpful tips. You can adopt a similar strategy by mixing customer stories with posts about fence maintenance, installation processes, or employee spotlights.
The numbers back this up: 84% of people trust peer recommendations, and 82% are more likely to purchase from brands that incorporate customer content. Seeing real customers enjoying their new fences can have a stronger impact than traditional advertising ever could.
Make Photo Collection Simple
Simplifying the process of collecting customer-shared photos can significantly enhance the number of submissions you receive. By using the right tools and automating follow-ups, you can make the experience seamless for both your business and your customers.
Use Tools to Collect Photos Easily
The easier you make it for customers to share their photos, the more likely they are to participate. Setting up direct upload systems removes unnecessary hurdles and streamlines the process.
- Google Forms: A free and straightforward option that organizes submissions automatically. Share the link via text or email for quick access.
- Typeform: If you want a more polished and professional look, Typeform offers visually appealing forms. While it requires a paid subscription, the sleek design may encourage more customers to share their photos.
- Reviews.io: This platform strikes a balance by offering a free plan with 25 review invites per month. It supports multimedia uploads and integrates well with most websites, making it a great option for smaller businesses just starting out.
- RaveCapture: Designed for businesses managing higher volumes, this tool automates the process with follow-up emails and SMS messages after project completion. While it’s a powerful option, it may be cost-prohibitive for newer companies.
Text messaging systems are another effective way to gather photos. Many customers check their phones frequently, so sending a direct link via SMS a few days after installation can boost participation.
Once you’ve set up your submission tools, ensure there’s a plan in place for timely follow-ups and securing permissions.
Automate Follow-Ups and Get Permissions
The best time to ask for photos is right after installation, when customers are most excited about their new project. Automating follow-ups ensures you reach out at the perfect moment without having to track each customer manually.
- FenceRush: This platform automates the photo collection process with timed follow-up messages. It sends an initial request a few days after project completion and follows up a week later with a gentle reminder if no photos have been submitted.
- PhotoShelter’s UGC Management Tool: Launched in February 2025, this tool allows businesses to collect visuals directly from customers using QR codes or links. It features a branded landing page for uploads and a centralized gallery for reviewing submissions. CEO Andrew Fingerman highlighted its value:
"The most compelling brand stories come from real people. With UGC Management, we’re giving brands an intuitive, seamless way to make the most of their audience’s content, turning everyday moments into high-impact visuals that drive engagement and connection."
When collecting customer photos, securing proper permissions is essential. FenceRush simplifies this by embedding permission requests into follow-up messages. Each customer gets a unique upload link, making it easy to track submissions and confirm consent.
Keep your messages friendly and to the point. For example:
"Hi [Customer Name], we hope you’re loving your new fence! Would you mind sharing a photo? We’d love to feature your project and inspire other homeowners."
Automation also helps with compliance. FenceRush can store permission records alongside each photo, ensuring you have the documentation needed for marketing use. This not only protects your business but also respects your customers’ privacy.
Build Your Photo Sharing Strategy
Once you’ve simplified the process of collecting photos, it’s time to transform those submissions into a powerful marketing tool. Why? Because 79% of shoppers say they’re influenced by user-generated content. This strategy goes beyond just gathering images – it’s about using them to spark engagement and drive growth.
Start by defining your campaign goals. What do you want to achieve? Is it increasing brand awareness, boosting website traffic, or building trust with potential customers? For instance, Nutrisense used user-generated content strategically, leading to a 45% jump in social media engagement and significant community growth.
Next, set clear and specific content guidelines. Instead of vaguely asking for "fence photos", be precise. Request before-and-after shots, close-ups of hardware, or images that show how the fence enhances a property’s curb appeal. Clear instructions help ensure the photos align with your brand and marketing vision.
Choosing the right platforms is key to reaching your audience. Facebook is ideal for video content and fostering community, while Instagram shines for showcasing high-quality visuals. Once you’ve picked your platforms, refine your approach with a well-thought-out hashtag strategy.
A branded hashtag can work wonders. Make it memorable and specific to your business. For example, a fence company might use hashtags like #MyNewFenceStory or #FenceTransformation to encourage customers to share their stories and create a searchable collection of content.
To encourage participation, offer incentives. Gift cards, service discounts, or a feature on your social media channels can motivate customers to contribute. At the same time, establish criteria for selecting submissions that highlight quality craftsmanship and genuine customer satisfaction.
Track key metrics like engagement, reach, website traffic, and inquiries to measure success. Remember, 80% of consumers are more likely to buy a product online when they see photos and videos from real customers.
Consider a phased rollout for your campaign. Start small, gather feedback, and then expand to build momentum. And don’t forget – authenticity matters. With 90% of consumers valuing real experiences over polished content, focus on celebrating genuine customer stories.
Finally, integrate these tactics with your existing tools. By combining streamlined photo collection, automated follow-ups, and strategic sharing, you’ll create a sustainable system that turns happy customers into vocal brand advocates. In fact, 65% of consumers are more likely to trust a brand that shares user-generated content instead of stock photos. This approach not only builds trust but also lightens the load of creating new content from scratch.
FAQs
How can I encourage customers to share photos of their new fence while respecting their privacy?
To get customers excited about sharing photos of their new fence while respecting their privacy, the first step is to ask for their explicit consent. Be upfront about how their photos will be used – whether that’s on your website, social media, or other marketing channels – and give them a simple way to opt in or out. Being clear and honest helps build trust.
You can make the idea more enticing by offering incentives. For example, you might provide a discount on future services or feature their photos in a "customer spotlight." The key is to ensure customers always feel in control of their content. Respect their comfort levels and handle the process with care. This thoughtful approach not only encourages participation but also leaves a positive impression without crossing any boundaries.
How can I encourage customers to share photos of their new fence on social media?
Encouraging customers to share snapshots of their new fence can be a rewarding way to boost engagement and showcase your work. Here are a few practical ideas to make it happen:
- Host a photo contest: Invite customers to post pictures of their fences using a specific hashtag. Sweeten the deal by offering a prize for the most creative or visually appealing photo. It’s a great way to add some fun while generating real, relatable content for your brand.
- Highlight customer photos: Share the submitted photos on your social media channels or website. Featuring their pictures not only makes customers feel appreciated but also inspires others to join in.
- Provide small incentives: Offer a discount, gift card, or another small perk for sharing photos. Even a modest reward can encourage more people to participate.
These simple strategies do more than just collect photos – they create authentic connections, build trust, and amplify your brand’s visibility through real, user-generated content.
How can I use customer-shared photos on social media to attract more clients and boost engagement?
To get the most out of customer-shared photos on social media, focus on highlighting genuine moments that reflect your customers’ positive experiences. A good starting point? Encourage your audience to use specific branded hashtags when sharing their photos. This makes it easier for others to discover and engage with your content. Pairing eye-catching visuals with captions that resonate can drive more likes, comments, and shares.
User-generated content (UGC) plays a key role in building trust. Research shows that people are more inclined to trust and interact with real customer stories. Share these photos across your feed, stories, or even in ads, and make sure to tag the customers when appropriate. This not only boosts your brand’s exposure but also fosters a sense of community while inspiring others to consider your services.