Transactional: User-Generated Content in Emails Strategies for United States Businesses Using HubSpot and GetResponse

Apr 16, 2025

You know that feeling when you open an email and instantly connect with it?

Not because it’s beautifully designed (though that helps), but because it feels real. Like it was made for you. Like the brand gets you. That’s the power of user-generated content in emails.

And for businesses across the United States, especially those sending transactional emails - think receipts, shipping updates, booking confirmations - UGC can turn a basic message into something customers actually care about.

Today, we’re diving into how you can use HubSpot email integration and GetResponse automation to pull this off - without getting caught in spam filters or losing sight of your email marketing goals.

Let’s keep it human, practical, and worth your time.

Why Should You Care About User-Generated Content in Emails?

Look, people trust people - not polished ads.

When someone sees a review, a real photo, or a social media shoutout from another customer, they’re more likely to engage. That’s the heart of user-generated content in emails. It builds authenticity, credibility, and yep - email open rates go up. In fact, UGC can boost engagement by up to 73%. That’s not a stat to ignore.

And here’s the good news: it’s not hard to get started—especially if you’re using platforms like HubSpot or GetResponse.

HubSpot Email Integration: Built for Personalization

Let’s start with HubSpot. One of the reasons businesses love HubSpot email integration is because of its built-in CRM magic. It knows who your customers are, what they’ve done, and how to talk to them based on real behavior.

Now imagine pulling a customer’s own product review or survey response right into a confirmation email. That’s not just smart - it’s personal.

You can use:

HubSpot Forms to collect testimonials.
Surveys to gather feedback.
CRM triggers to decide what UGC to show and when.

Bonus: HubSpot helps you keep your emails clean, which is crucial because too many links or overly promotional copy can trigger spam filters - even on legit transactional emails.

GetResponse Automation: Behavior-Based Brilliance

If HubSpot is the CRM whisperer, then GetResponse is the automation wizard.

GetResponse automation shines when it comes to behavior-based email flows. You can easily set up triggers like:

“Send this thank-you email if a customer tags us on Instagram.”
“Insert a review in their receipt email if they left a 5-star rating.”

It’s smart. It’s scalable. And it makes your email marketing life a whole lot easier.

Even better? GetResponse keeps a close eye on deliverability. Its built-in spam-checking tools help ensure your beautifully crafted emails don’t get filtered into the void.

Add in their strong support for responsive email design, and your emails will look great on every screen - whether your customers are scrolling on their phone or checking email from their laptop.

Make UGC Work in Transactional Emails

A lot of brands still treat transactional emails like a formality. “Here’s your receipt. Bye!”

But that’s wasted real estate. People open transactional emails. That’s your golden chance to build trust and connection.

Here's how to make the most of it:

Add a real customer quote below the purchase summary.
Include a UGC photo with a “Thanks for being part of our community” message.
Drop in a short review to cross-sell another product they might love.

Simple, subtle touches go a long way.

And remember - user-generated content in emails doesn’t have to mean an entire newsletter of testimonials. Sometimes one sentence from a happy customer does more than a fancy graphic ever could.

Responsive Email Design: Don’t Skip It

Your email could have the best UGC in the world - but if it’s not responsive, it won’t matter.

Both HubSpot and GetResponse make responsive design easy, but always test across devices. A customer-submitted image should look just as sharp on mobile as it does on desktop.

And it’s not just about looks. Spam filters also don’t like bulky layouts, broken code, or overstuffed messages. A clean, well-designed email = better delivery + better engagement.

Email Open Rates: UGC Makes It Personal

Here’s a little secret: people are more likely to open an email if they know it contains something real.

Whether it’s a shoutout, a customer photo, or a social media highlight, UGC gives people a reason to click - and to care. It signals that the email isn’t just automated noise; it’s a part of a two-way conversation.

And that’s how you boost email open rates, strengthen your brand, and make every transactional email do double duty.

Final Thoughts: Real Voices, Real Impact

At the end of the day, user-generated content in emails is about giving your customers a voice - and showing your future customers what real people love about your brand.

Whether you’re leaning into HubSpot email integration or running powerful GetResponse automation workflows, one thing is clear: UGC makes your emails better. It lifts email open rates, helps you bypass spam filters, and strengthens your overall email marketing strategy.

Have questions? Contact us