The digital world is changing. If you’ve noticed your polished food photos aren’t getting the love they used to, you’re not alone. Because the way people engage with content has shifted fast. According to Nielsen, 92 percent of consumers trust recommendations from other people over branded content.

That’s where user-generated content (UGC) for catering services can make a huge difference. What does that include? Client photos, videos, and testimonials that aren’t polished or produced.

In fact, UGC-based ads get 4 times higher click-through rates than traditional ads. Even on social media, it’s the casual phone pics, raw behind-the-scenes videos and happy client posts that spark trust.

So how do you use UGC and authentic video to grow your catering business? This actionable blog post will break it all down for you.

What Counts as UGC in the Catering World?

UGC doesn’t just mean influencers or people with huge followings. For catering, it can include:

• A bride posting a boomerang of your buffet setup

• A guest filming a quick “this food is amazing” clip

• A client sharing a picture of your delivery with a thank-you caption

• A professional photographer tagging you in their event album

• A 15-second phone video of your team prepping trays

• A review screenshot paired with a real photo

In other words: real people, real moments and real feedback. UGC works because it removes the sales pressure. It’s your happy clients doing the marketing for you.

1. Start by Asking for It (Yes, It’s That Simple)

Most clients are already taking photos at their event. You just need to ask for permission to share. Or better yet, ask them to tag you.

Ways to encourage more UGC:

• Mention it during your wrap-up email

• Put a small table sign at events: “Enjoying the food? Tag us!”

• Follow up with a message a week later: “If you shared any photos or videos, we’d love to see them!”

You’ll be surprised how many people are happy to help. Especially if the food was a highlight.

2. Repost Strategically, But Keep It Natural

Don’t just share UGC randomly. Frame it with a little storytelling to maximize impact, reach and engagement.

Example: repost a client’s Instagram story of their grazing table, and add your own caption:

“This bride said, ‘I want a snack wall that makes people stop and stare.’ We delivered. Thanks for the love, @clientname!”

You’re not just reposting. You’re reinforcing the client experience.

Tip: Ask for permission if the post was private or came from a message. Public tags are generally fair game, but a quick DM never hurts.

3. Turn Testimonials Into Scroll-Stopping Content

Client reviews are gold. But they’re even better when paired with visuals.

Try this:

• Take a Google review and pair it with a photo

• Create a video slideshow with quotes and dish photos

• Use the quote as the caption and the photo as the post

This turns words into credibility. People trust testimonials way more when they’re paired with a real, visible story.

4. Use Raw, Unpolished Video

Forget high-end production. People connect more with raw, real video than with something overly scripted.

Easy video ideas:

• Time-lapse of a table being set up

• A team shoutout or “Meet the Chef” moment

• A walkthrough of your kitchen prep before a big event

• A quick selfie video: “Just wrapped a 200-person wedding at [venue]”

• A client reaction or short thank-you message (if they’re open to it)

These don’t need to be longer than 10 to 30 seconds. Short, real, and frequent wins.

5. Build a Library of Reusable UGC

Start saving UGC in folders by category:

• Weddings

• Corporate

• Holidays

• Reviews

• Behind-the-scenes

When you’re low on content, dip into the folder. Reshare with a fresh caption or build a carousel post or reel. A single event can provide content for weeks.

6. Leverage Vendor and Venue Tags

Catering doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Every event is packed with collaboration opportunities that can be a goldmine for more authentic content.

Tag:

• The venue

• The photographer

• The planner

• The florist

• Even the DJ

Chances are, they’ll tag you back. Which means new eyes on your business, often from exactly the kind of clients you want.

7. Add UGC to Your Website and Quote Process

This is where most caterers drop the ball. You gather great content, but it never leaves your phone. Instead, put UGC to work strategically to close more clients.

• Add a reviews carousel to your website

• Build a “Real Events” gallery that’s photo-heavy and full of variety

• Include client quotes and event pics in your quote follow-up emails

• Use short videos as thank-you replies or even as ads

When a lead sees real people loving your work, they trust you faster.

Authentic Moves the Needle. Don’t Miss It.

You don’t need a ring light, a tripod, or a video editor. You just need to start collecting and sharing the moments that are already happening.

The smile when a guest takes their first bite. The bride who thanks you for the vegan sliders. The corporate client who raves about how easy you made lunch for 75. That’s the content that books the next client.

At Slamdot, we help catering businesses transform content into real marketing momentum. We build websites that showcase your best work, get ranked higher and make you stand out without doing it yourself.

Want to turn real moments into more catering leads? Contact us today!

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