This Startup Makes Collecting Customer Stories as Easy as Pie – Boost UGC Startup Review

Collecting genuine video testimonials can feel like finding a needle in a haystack, especially for business owners and Shopify store operators. The process usually involves spending hours coordinating with customers, hoping to capture their real stories. But even with all that effort, it often ends up being complicated and frustrating.

What if there was a simpler way? A method to seamlessly tap into the power of real customer voices, and use them to boost your marketing strategy—without the headache. That’s where Boost UGC comes into play. This innovative startup is revolutionising the way brands harvest user-generated content by transforming it into an effortless experience.

With an automated platform that collects heartfelt video stories directly from customers, Boost UGC not only lightens the operational load but also enhances the authenticity of your brand. In a world where consumer trust is paramount, how do startups like Boost UGC change the game?

We did an interview to find out more about this exciting journey and the vision behind it. Let’s dive into how Boost UGC is bridging the gap between brands and their most valuable advocates: real customers.

What is Boost UGC?

Boost UGC is an automated platform designed to help businesses gather authentic video testimonials from customers. For Shopify store owners and business operators, collecting genuine user-generated content can be a daunting task. The traditional methods often demand extensive time and resources, leaving many brands struggling to showcase real customer voices effectively.

With Boost UGC, you can streamline the process of acquiring heartfelt video stories directly from your customers. The platform eliminates the need for cumbersome applications, allowing businesses to effortlessly integrate these genuine testimonials into their marketing strategies. This not only saves time but also enhances the authenticity of your brand presence.

What sets Boost UGC apart is its focus on real, relatable customer experiences over staged content. Unlike many UGC platforms that use actors or scripted responses, Boost UGC prioritises raw, emotional footage that resonates with potential customers. By harnessing genuine video content, brands can significantly boost credibility and foster deeper connections with their audiences.

In a landscape where consumer trust is vital, Boost UGC provides a solution that speaks directly to your needs. By simplifying the video collection process, it empowers businesses to effectively engage with their most valuable advocates: their customers.

Boost UGC Founders

Brian Toczko is one half of the dynamic duo behind Boost UGC, serving as the CEO and Co-Founder. With a background steeped in marketing and sales, Brian has a solid grasp on what businesses really need when it comes to user-generated content. He’s not just theorising from a distance; Brian has firsthand experience as a Shopify store owner, which shaped his understanding of the hurdles brands face in collecting genuine customer testimonials.

His partner in this venture is Lalit L, the technical Co-Founder and CTO. Lalit brings a wealth of technical expertise, which has been crucial in building a seamless and user-friendly platform. Together, they recognised a common challenge lingering in e-commerce. It’s tough to gather authentic video testimonials without the hassle of extensive coordination. This shared frustration sparked their journey into the world of user-generated content (UGC).

In the early days, the startup faced the typical struggles of any new business. Getting free users to trial the platform proved challenging, as did fine-tuning the application for broad usability. Rather than overcrowding their offering with extraneous features, they focused on simplicity and effectiveness. They were determined to cut out the noise to create an experience that genuinely served the needs of brands.

The idea for Boost UGC emerged from their own experiences. They considered how to streamline the often chaotic process of video collection. Instead of relying on paid spokespersons or actors, they aimed to create a service that showcased real customer voices. This vision set them apart from the existing market. Their commitment to fostering an authentic connection between brands and their customers shapes every aspect of their strategy.

Interview with Brian Toz, CEO & Co-Founder of Boost UGC

I recently had the opportunity to interview Brian Toczko, the CEO and Co-Founder of Boost UGC. Brian shared insights into the startup’s mission and its innovative approach to user-generated content.

Q: Can you provide a brief overview of what Boost UGC does?
A: Absolutely. Boost UGC crowdsources real UGC video stories from your customers. We specifically target business owners and Shopify stores that rely heavily on video content. Our main focus is solving the problem of effectively gathering and utilising authentic customer testimonials to enhance marketing efforts.

Q: What led you to start Boost UGC?
A: Both Lalit and I own Shopify brands. We always found it difficult to collect genuine video content from our customers. After facing challenges in this area, we thought, “What if we could streamline the process of authentic video collection?” It all started from that frustration.

Q: What challenges did you face in the early days of your startup?
A: Initially, we struggled to get free users to try our platform. Fine-tuning the app for broader usability was another hurdle. We aimed to keep our offering simple and effective, so we cut many added features that weren’t core to our vision.

Q: How do you differentiate Boost UGC from competitors?
A: Many UGC platforms rely on paid actors who produce staged content. In contrast, we focus on collecting videos from real customers, ensuring they capture raw and emotional experiences. This authenticity cannot be faked and offers a genuine connection that resonates with potential buyers.

Q: Have you received any external funding?
A: No, we haven’t. We’re currently bootstrapping and focusing on growing our platform organically.

Q: How is Boost UGC doing in terms of customer base and revenue?
A: We currently serve about 50 customers each month, with 30 of them on a free trial. Our revenue stands at £5,000 monthly, but we’re in the early stages and just beginning to scale.

Q: What are the plans for Boost UGC’s future?
A: We’re planning to implement a rewards system and create a more tailored dashboard experience. Additionally, we aim to introduce AI features to enhance the platform further.

Q: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
A: Don’t overthink things. Take action every day. Progress comes from consistent effort.

Q: Can you share some relevant statistics about UGC?
A: Certainly. Research shows that 79% of people say UGC significantly impacts their purchasing decisions. Also, 84% trust peer recommendations above all advertising sources. And here’s a powerful statistic: UGC can result in 29% higher conversion rates compared to campaigns that don’t use it.

Feedough’s Take on Boost UGC

Boost UGC is positioned for significant disruption in the user-generated content space. By automating video testimonial collection, it turns a cumbersome process into a seamless experience. This shift not only enhances brand authenticity but directly taps into consumer trust—an invaluable asset in today’s digital landscape. The founders’ firsthand experience as Shopify store owners gives them a unique edge in understanding market needs.

However, as they scale, focusing on user feedback will be crucial to refine features and enhance user experience. As they explore AI integration and gamified engagement, the impact of Boost UGC could expand dramatically—changing how brands interact with their advocates. Expect exciting developments ahead!