If you’re reading this, chances are you are either an absolute newbie to the world of UGC or looking to level up your game and land that first big brand collaboration. Maybe you’re just beginning to create content, or perhaps you are already pretty active in this space—we’re here to spill the tea on how to land your very first paid collaboration, even with zero followers.
What is UGC?
UGC refers to all sorts of content—video, photo, text, or review—created by the daily users of a product or brand. Brands tend to like them because such content resonates more with the consumers’ psyche as compared to highly produced content. UGC creators can earn a lot of money without needing a large number of followers. You can generate as much as $1,000 to $20,000 monthly.
Why Do Brands Love UGC?
There are three key reasons why brands opt for UGC:
- Cost-effectiveness: Brands save money by not hiring expensive production teams.
- Authenticity: UGC feels more relatable than overly produced advertisements.
- Audience Flexibility: UGC creators do not need a large number of followers. This allows brands to focus primarily on content.
While influencers share the content with their following audience, UGC creators are only responsible for making the content. The brand handles the posting, removing the pressure of follower counts and engagement metrics for creators.
How to Start as a UGC Creator
UGC requires dedication, time, and creativity. Once you put in the effort mentioned below, it will all be a piece of cake to you within weeks.
1. Find Your Niche
Narrow down on a niche or industry—skincare, fitness, or fashion—and specialize in that area. This may make your pitches more credible as you begin pitching to brands. Once you have decided your niche, the magic begins.
Here’s a checklist for finding your niche:
- Look at your profile from a brand’s perspective—what does your content say about you?
- Think about the type of content you love creating.
- Check which areas are in high demand for UGC collaborations (beauty, tech, food, etc.).
2. Build Your Portfolio
The next step is to make your portfolio. If you’re reading this, start now. Compile examples of your best work and make it easily accessible (Google Drive, a website, Canva, etc.).
Or if you’re freshly starting, start by creating authentic content with the product you already have at home. Your content can be as simple as you talking to the camera about your favorite protein powder or filming an aesthetic video without showing your face. Then you can edit these using apps such as VN Editor or Canva and showcase them on your portfolio. If you need help with graphic design for your website, Viral Omega has got your back. Reach out to us.
3. Pitching to Brands: How to Reach Out
Once your portfolio is ready, you can start pitching to brands via DM or cold emails. Personalize each email, mentioning the brand’s name several times to create a connection, and share how my content could benefit them. Even without a polished pitch, you can land yourself your first two barter collaborations. For example, start with:
“Hi [Brand], I’m a huge fan of [Product] and have been using it regularly. Here’s a video of the content I created about it: [Hyperlink]. I’d love to create more UGC for your brand. Does your team allocate a budget for UGC content creation?”
Including a signature at the end of your email adds professionalism to your pitch. Tools like HubSpot’s free signature generator can help create clean, polished email signatures.
Pro Tip:
Don’t send a mass email to multiple brands at once. Personalize each email to the brand you are targeting—it makes a huge difference!
4. Find Brands to Pitch To
Wondering where to find brands that may be interested in UGC? Start by revisiting the TikTok Ads Creative Center. This platform shows brands running ads, indicating that they likely have a marketing budget, making them great candidates to pitch to.
Additionally, create content with products you already own and pitch it to the brand using the same strategies mentioned in Step 3. Show them the type of UGC content you’re capable of, which will increase your chances of landing a paid opportunity.
5. Explore UGC Job Platforms
If pitching directly to brands doesn’t appeal to you, there are several platforms where you can apply for UGC jobs. Websites such as Trend.io, Tribe, and BeeRoll offer opportunities for UGC creators. Social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn are also excellent places to search for job postings. Simply search for “UGC creators needed” to find current opportunities.
Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork also have UGC job listings, allowing you to expand your search. Brands post listings across various websites, so don’t hesitate to apply across multiple platforms.
Bonus Tips: Advanced UGC Strategies
Once you’ve landed some UGC work, there are ways to maximize your earnings and creativity:
- Multiple Content Types: For one product, create different forms of content, such as unboxing videos, how-to tutorials, testimonials, or aesthetic shots.
- Editing Tips: Good lighting and a clean, professional presentation make a significant difference. Use natural lighting wherever possible, and keep your video editing simple and focused.
- Pricing: Start by researching industry rates to determine what you should charge for your content. As you gain experience, you can increase your rates.
Barter vs. Paid Collabs: How to Level Up
The biggest misconception of the town is that you will start getting paid collaborations right off the bat. That’s very rare. At first, you can land yourself barter collaborations.
Barter collaborations can lead to paid gigs. As you keep posting and improving your content, brands start approaching with paid offers. If you continue doing this for a while, you’ll end up in a position where you even turn down some collaborations due to time constraints.
Here’s how to move from barter to paid:
- Build Your Portfolio: Pile up your best work and add to your portfolio.
- Engagement Rates: Brands will notice you if you have a high engagement rate, even if you don’t have enough followers.
- Always deliver quality: Brands will come knocking on your door if they perceive you as carrying a potential. Always give quality content.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Having a Portfolio: Brands will always target people who showcase their best work with higher success rates than someone with words.
- Rushing the Process: If you think after a few barter deals, you would finally land paid collabs. Wrong! It takes time, consistency, and real hard work. Be patient.
- Not Engaging With My Audience: One key to success as a UGC creator is engaging with your followers and community. Don’t post and ghost.
Conclusion
Getting into UGC is a good way to start content creation without putting pressure on building any audience. Using the five steps in this guide-study of UGC—build your portfolio, pitch yourself, find brands to pitch to, and look for job platforms. In no time you will make thousands of dollars a month in successful earnings.
UGC refers to all sorts of content—video, photo, text, or review—created by the daily users of a product or brand.
Yes, you can make up to as much as $1,000 to $20,000 monthly. Companies go for UGC more than influencers since it is a more cost-effective option.
You can only fetch yourself paid collaboration after doing a lot of barter collaborations, which helps build your portfolio.
Yes, UGC creators often work with various brands, as long as they’re not conflicting. Collaborating with different companies helps diversify your portfolio and increase your visibility across different markets.
No, you don’t need a massive following. Brands value authentic, relatable content that resonates with their audience. Quality and creativity matter more than follower count, especially when starting out in UGC.
