“Why We Trust Strangers More Than Brands — And What That Means for Your Marketing.” - By David Mills

Ever notice how you trust a stranger’s
review more than a brand’s ad?

You’re not alone — and it’s not a fluke. It’s science, emotion, and human nature all rolled into one. And if you’re not tapping into that as a business, you’re leaving money (and loyalty) on the table.

So, What Is UGC, and Why Does It Work?

UGC — or User-Generated Content — is the real, raw, and relatable content created by your customers, not your copywriters. It’s unpolished. It’s unfiltered. It’s real.

And that realness is exactly why people trust it.

Here’s what the data says:

• 84% of people say they trust peer recommendations over any other form of advertising (Nielsen).

• UGC is 2.4x more likely to be seen as authentic than brand-created content (Stackla).

• Consumers find UGC 9.8x more impactful than influencer content when making a purchasing decision (Tint).

It’s like word-of-mouth, And it’s working.

Why We Trust It

We trust people who look like us. Sound like us. Have the same messy kitchen or annoying dog barking in the background.

When Kerrie in Ohio says “This serum changed my skin,” we lean in.

When a big brand says it, we lean back.

People don’t want perfect, they want proof.

Why Brands Struggle to Create It

Let’s face it: Most brands weren’t built for storytelling. They’re busy making products, managing inventory, solving customer issues — not shooting TikToks and testing viral hooks.

UGC looks effortless — but it’s strategic.

That’s where David Mills Marketing steps in.

"You don’t need more ads. You need more advocates."
- David Mills

How We Help You Harness UGC

(Without Losing Your Mind)

We’ve spent 20+ years editing for big brands and small businesses. We know what sells — and what scrolls by unnoticed.

Here’s how we make UGC work for you:

✅ We script and storyboard UGC so it feels natural but still sells

✅ We cast real people who reflect your audience — not paid actors in perfect lighting

✅ We shoot, edit, and deliver ready-to-post content that feels like your customer’s best friend made it (but performs like an ad team did)

✅ We tailor it by platform — what works on TikTok doesn’t always crush it on Instagram Reels

✅ We test hooks, CTAs, and visuals to optimize performance (we’re nerds like that)

Why It’s Not Just Smart — It’s Powerful

When your audience sees someone like them use your product and love it — they lean in. They click. They buy. And best of all? They trust you. That’s what UGC does. That’s what we do.

You don’t need more ads. You need more advocates.

Let’s turn strangers into storytellers — and stories into sales.

👉Let’s make something scroll-stopping together, click here to talk to us