How a Cat and Instagram UGC Boosted My Brand’s Popularity
Struggling to Get Attention on Instagram?
Like many small brands, I posted regularly, used trending hashtags, and even tried Reels. Still, engagement was low. I was doing everything “right,” but nothing clicked.
Then I realized: creating good content is only half the battle. The other half is how you engage with your audience — and that’s where UGC (User-Generated Content) and automated Instagram DMs came in.
The Struggle: Getting Noticed on Instagram
I consistently posted content, utilized hashtags, and aimed to generate interest in my brand, yet nothing seemed to gain traction. Despite my efforts, engagement remained disappointingly low, leading to growing frustration. It felt like I was putting in a lot of work without seeing any positive results, which was disheartening. I wondered if my strategies were misaligned or if I needed a fresh approach to connect with my audience effectively. The lack of interaction was discouraging, and I knew I had to rethink my tactics to drive better engagement and interest in my brand.
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The Surprise: Mr. Whiskers to the Rescue
Just when I felt like giving up, I got tagged in a post. A customer had shared a photo of their cat, Mr. Whiskers, sitting inside one of our product boxes with the caption:
“When your human buys cool stuff, but the box is the real prize. Thanks, @MyBrand, for the best cat throne ever! #MyBrandLife.”
It was hilarious and real—not a polished ad, just genuine joy. And people loved it. That post had more engagement than most of my branded content.
That’s when I realized: UGC builds trust, and when paired with smart tools to automate Instagram messages, you can turn that attention into real results.
Why UGC Works (and How Automation Makes It Better)
User-generated content works because:
- It’s authentic — real customers sharing real experiences.
- It acts as social proof — people trust people more than ads.
- It sparks community — when you feature customers, they feel valued.
But here’s what I added to take it further: Instagram DM automation.
Whenever someone tagged us or messaged us about the hashtag campaign, I used an Instagram DM automation tool to:
- Instantly thank them for their post.
- Share contest details or discount codes.
- Collect emails or product feedback.
This turned engagement into a conversation — without manually replying to every message.
The Explosion: Instagram UGC Takes Off
The Campaign: #MyBrandLife + Smart DMs
Inspired by Mr. Whiskers, I launched a UGC campaign:
- Customers shared photos using #MyBrandLife.
- I offered a small prize for the best post.
- I set up automated Instagram DMs to respond to every participant
Here’s what the automated message said:
“Thanks for sharing your story! We loved your post 🐾 You’re now entered in our contest. Want 10% off your next order? Click below 👇”
It was friendly, fast, and saved me hours of manual replies.
The Results: Engagement + Conversions
User-generated content (UGC) proved to be more than just enjoyable; it significantly impacted our business outcomes. I saw a marked increase in website traffic and sales, while new customers began engaging with our brand. Additionally, I gained valuable insights into which products resonated most with our audience and how they incorporated them into their lives. This feedback not only informed our marketing strategies but also strengthened our connection with customers, ultimately driving growth and enhancing our brand’s reputation.
Within a week:
- UGC posts increased by 4x.
- My brand was getting tagged daily.
- Website traffic spiked.
- And best of all, I started getting actual sales from Instagram.
The reason? I wasn’t just getting attention — I was responding to it instantly with automated Instagram DMs.
When someone interacted, they got a reply. When they asked a question, the DM automation tool shared answers. It felt personal, even though it was automated.
Why You Should Automate Instagram Messages
If you’re still manually replying to every DM, here’s what you’re missing:
✅ Speed matters. People expect instant replies. Automation gives them that.
✅ Lead capture. You can use automation to collect emails or phone numbers right in the DMs.
✅ Customer support. Answer FAQs, send order updates, or direct people to the right product link.
✅ Scalability. Even if 100 people message you in one day, automation handles it with zero burnout.
How to Automate Instagram Messages (Even if You’re a Beginner)
You don’t need to be a tech wizard. Most Instagram DM automation tools let you:
- Set up welcome messages.
- Trigger replies when someone uses a keyword or reacts to a story.
- Run mini-quiz or contest flows inside the DMs.
Some tools even integrate with your store or CRM so you can track orders or send follow-up offers.
Start simple:
- Pick one tool (there are free ones too).
- Set up a welcome message for new followers.
Create an auto-reply for common DMs like “price?” or “how to order?”
Final Thoughts: UGC + Automated DMs = Growth
That silly cat post taught me something big:
People love sharing real moments — and when you respond to those moments instantly, you build trust.
By combining a fun UGC campaign with an Instagram DM automation tool, I turned passive likes into real conversations — and those conversations into sales.
So if you’re wondering how to automate Instagram messages or debating whether it’s worth it — take it from me: it is.
Let your customers share their stories. Then let automation help you respond, reward, and nurture them — at scale.
Happy Instagramming!
