Ever caught yourself scrolling through TikTok, only to stumble upon a video from a big-name brand, but it doesn't have that 'branded' feel? Instead, it feels... genuine, created by someone relatable—just like you or me. A bit like this:
Yep, what you've stumbled upon is User-Generated Content (UGC). These organic-feeling ads are taking over social media platforms—and for a good reason: They're authentic. They resonate. And more importantly, they drive sales. This shift has given rise to a new breed of content creators: UGC Creators. They’re pioneering a new style of genuine brand content, and they're raking in the rewards without the typical influencer pressures of having a big following.
A UGC creator creates content that seamlessly blends in as organic brand videos. Unlike influencers who are typically paid to post on their own accounts, UGC creators are compensated solely for the creation, allowing the brand to share the content as if it came from a real customer. For a deeper dive into "What is a UGC creator?" check out this article here.
If you've found yourself wondering, "How do I become a UGC Creator?", you're in the right place. This guide will walk you through the journey of becoming a UGC creator, from creating your first video to closing your dream brand deal.
Buckle up, and let's set you on the path to earning money from UGC!
Before diving into collaborations with brands, you've got to show that you can create good User-Generated Content (UGC). Start with creating 5 example videos for your portfolio (don't worry, we’ll talk about portfolios later).
I know, the thought of creating that first video can seem overwhelming. But I promise, once you get the ball rolling, it's a breeze. Let me guide you through it in 3 simple steps:
You know those skincare products you swear by? Or that makeup brand you just can’t get enough of? They’re going to be the first products you create UGC for. Need a few sparks of inspiration? Consider:
The key? Choose something that you genuinely enjoy. When you're passionate, it shines through in your content!
Got your product? Great! Now comes the fun part—creating content for it. Let's be real: your first attempts might not be perfect. And that's okay! All creators begin somewhere, and no one hits a home run on their very first try.
The good news? There are tons of UGC pros out there already nailing it. Dive into their content, see what's working, and notice what grabs your attention. Take notes along the way.
Here are some UGC experts for you to follow and draw inspiration from:
Okay, you've got your inspiration, you've done your homework, now it's time to create your 5 example videos. The videos should be from 15 - 50 seconds and need to follow this format:
Looking to level up your UGC scripting game? Dive deep here: How To Write Viral UGC Scripts.
Imagine you're at a networking event, and someone asks for your business card. That small card offers a glimpse into your world, right? In the realm of UGC, your portfolio plays a similar role—it's your business card, your introduction, and your best pitch, all wrapped into one.
If you're a UGC newbie, let's keep things simple. Enter: Canva. It's user-friendly, free, and, trust me, even if you think you can't design, Canva's got your back with many UGC portfolio templates to choose from.
Here are some great UGC portfolios to take inspiration from.
If you want to take your portfolio to the next level, I recommend reading our in-depth guide: How to Create a UGC Portfolio: A Guide for UGC Creators
Remember when I said you don’t need a following on social media? You don’t. However, having a dedicated space to showcase your work acts like a second portfolio and can help brands find you.
While you don't need thousands of followers, maintaining a presence and networking can bring more brand collaborations your way. Let's concentrate on two primary platforms where the UGC community is thriving: TikTok & Twitter (X).
For Inspiration: Peek into how it’s done with this account: @charlotte.ugc
For a Dash of Inspiration: See how it’s executed here: @savgsocials
Okay, so you’ve created your example content, built an impressive portfolio, and created your social media accounts. What’s next? Now we’re at the fun part: connecting with brands! Brands are always on the lookout for genuine content creators who can create good UGC for them. And that’s where you come in. Here's a deep dive into understanding and approaching brand partnerships.
In a Nutshell: A brand collaboration is where you create content for a brand in exchange for compensation.
Now, about getting your foot in the door. Let's go over two solid outreach strategies:
It’s now time to slide into the DMs. Instagram DMs are a powerful way to get in contact with the person who’s head of UGC collaborations.
Start by finding brands that are actively advertising on Instagram. Keep the DM short yet personalized. Your goal is to find the right email to contact. Here’s a template to give you a head start:
Hi there,
My name is [your name], I am a UGC creator based in [Your City, Country].
I specialize in creating content in the [your niche] and would love to create content for [brand name].
What’s the best email to contact so that I can send over a few ideas and examples of my content?
Thanks, [your name]
Now that you’ve got the right email to contact. It’s time to pitch your services. Here’s an outline to follow:
If you want an email outreach template that will make brands wish they found you sooner + more tips and tricks for outreach, check out: The Ultimate UGC Creator Pitch Template.
You now have the blueprint to become a high-earning UGC creator. From shooting your first video to crafting that winning pitch, everything you need is right at your fingertips. Just remember, in UGC, it's all about creating authentic content. Your goal? Make content that doesn’t just look good but genuinely connects with the brand’s audience and, of course, boosts their sales.
I've poured out all my UGC knowledge here. Now, it's your turn. Are you ready to turn this passion into a full-time job? Dive in and go land that dream brand partnership!
To set you up for success, I've curated a list of tools and blog posts that will be instrumental in your UGC journey:
Hi, I'm Ben, co-founder of TrustUGC. We launched TrustUGC with a clear mission: to empower UGC creators to build and share social proof. We are dedicated to helping UGC creators close more brand deals, whether it’s through insightful blog posts like this one, or our powerful UGC tools designed to seamlessly integrate into your portfolio.
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