User-Generated Content in Emails Strategies for United States Businesses Using Clay and Klaviyo
Apr 21, 2025
Previously, transactional emails were purely robotic. You would purchase something, receive a receipt, and that would be all.
There was no emotion and no connection, just a sterile confirmation. These days, that is not enough; in 2025, U.S. businesses will redefine the practice by harnessing user-generated content for emails, assisted by technologies like Clay email integration and Klaviyo automation.
Where the updates previously held little promise, they are now shining moments of great storytelling.
Check out how Airbnb transformed its post-booking emails from the generic receipt to those with actual traveler reviews and uploaded user photos-boom, social proof fits right in there where necessary.
Why User-Generated Content Belongs in Your Transactional Emails?
Let’s get this straight UGC isn’t just for social media. When customers see their peers in email marketing campaigns, they relate. It's authentic, and it drives action.
“UGC in emails is not just a trend, it's trust, delivered straight to the inbox,” says Angela Kim, Head of CRM at a leading U.S. beauty brand.
Transactional emails, often opened more than promotional ones, offer prime real estate.
When paired with Klaviyo automation and Clay email integration, U.S. brands can drop in real user reviews, images, and even unboxing videos dynamically. Result? The kind of open and click-through rates marketers dream of.
Behavioral Email Marketing Meets Smart Tech
Let’s talk about behavioral email marketing, a strategy where email content adapts based on what your user did (or didn’t do). Combine that with user-generated content in emails, and you're not just personalizing content, you're building community.
Example? A fitness brand in New York uses Klaviyo automation to trigger post-purchase emails that include transformation photos submitted by past buyers. Thanks to Clay email integration, the photos are filtered based on the product purchased and embedded in real-time.
It’s not magic. It's a strategy.
“People trust people—not logos. We let our customers do the talking in our emails,” says Carl Benson, CMO of a U.S. wellness startup.
The Power Duo: Clay Email Integration + Klaviyo Automation
Let’s break it down:
Clay email integration helps you gather, curate, and filter UGC at scale. Think of it as your UGC control room.
Klaviyo automation handles the delivery with behavioral triggers and smart segmentation.
Together, they let you build dynamic, transactional email marketing flows filled with real-life stories.
Want to send a shipping confirmation with a photo of another happy customer receiving the same product? With Clay email integration and Klaviyo automation, that’s just a few clicks away.
Real Results, Real Fast
A U.S.-based skincare brand added user-generated content in emails across their order confirmation and post-purchase emails. Within three weeks, they saw:
A 27% increase in click-through rates
3x more social media engagement
Higher review submissions, thanks to “see your photo featured” CTAs
And yes, it was all built using Clay email integration and Klaviyo automation.
Tips to Make It Work for Your U.S. Brand
Ask for UGC at the right moment
Use Klaviyo automation to send a UGC request email 3 days post-delivery.
Showcase smartly with Clay
With Clay email integration, filter UGC by product, rating, or even aesthetic.
Use behavioral email marketing wisely
Trigger specific UGC content based on the user journey: cart abandonment, repeat purchase, or referrals.
Always reward contributors
A coupon code or shoutout can go a long way in fueling a loop of more UGC.
Conclusion
Let’s be real, transactional emails were once an afterthought. But with user-generated content in emails, U.S. businesses are now flipping the script.
Combined with behavioral email marketing, Clay email integration, and Klaviyo automation, these emails are now engagement machines.
You're not just sending information; you’re telling stories, building trust, and turning first-time buyers into lifelong advocates.
FAQ
Why is user-generated content in emails important for transactional campaigns?
User-generated content in emails builds authenticity and trust, making your transactional emails more engaging and relatable.
How does Clay email integration help with email marketing?
Clay email integration allows you to curate and organize UGC efficiently, embedding it into your transactional email marketing flows seamlessly.
What’s the advantage of Klaviyo automation in transactional emails?
Klaviyo automation enables behavior-based email delivery with precise timing, ensuring relevant content (like UGC) hits the inbox at the perfect moment.
How can I use behavioral email marketing with UGC?
Behavioral email marketing can trigger UGC-rich content based on actions like purchases, reviews, or website activity, creating deeply personalized emails.
Can small U.S. businesses benefit from this approach?
Absolutely. Whether you're a boutique brand or an e-commerce startup, user-generated content in emails through Clay and Klaviyo levels the playing field.