PostEaseThe most reliable source is asking directly
The most consistent way small brands collect UGC is asking satisfied customers directly whether they would share something, and making the ask specific rather than vague. "Would you be willing to share a quick photo" gets a real response far more often than a general call for content posted publicly in the hope that someone answers.
Lower the effort required from the person doing it
A customer willing to share something rarely wants to spend real effort producing it. Lowering the bar (a short prompt, a low-effort format, no elaborate requirements) gets more responses than an ambitious ask that sounds impressive but demands too much of someone doing it as a favor.
Always ask before resharing, and give real credit
Reposting someone's content without asking first, even when it is public, reads as a misstep once noticed. A quick message asking permission costs little and avoids that outcome. Crediting the original person clearly when resharing is the other half of the same courtesy, and it is what makes someone willing to share again next time.