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A couple of weeks ago, I started my UGC series.
We went over the most commonly asked questions about User Generated Content. If you feel you need a bit of a refresher, go over to my UGC FAQs and then come back here.
Today, we’re going a little bit deeper into how you can get started as a UGC Creator.
I want to start by saying that being a UGC Creator isn’t just some easy peasy lemon squeezy thing for you to do. If you’re looking for like a quick and easy way to make a little bit of money with no effort, this is not it.
You will definitely have to put in some practice to perfect your skills in creating UGC Content. There’s also pitching to brands, organizing multiple deals when you land them, plus it’s actual work.
Be prepared to put in the work. Let’s go.
Step 1: Pick an Industry & Study That UGC Content
Study what UGC content looks like and pick an industry before you create anything. It’s wise to familiarize yourself with other UGC content so you know what’s currently performing well and how you can create your own content.
What I recommend doing is going to TikTok’s Creative Center here and seeing what ads are currently running on TikTok. A lot of those ads you’ll notice are UGC content.
What’s really cool here is that you can organize by industry to see what content looks like in specific Industries.
Why You Should Pick an Industry
The reason you want to pick an industry is similar to the reason you want to niche down as an Influencer.
Let’s say you’re creating UGC content for brands in the travel niche and your portfolio is all travel-related content. When you start pitching to brands in the travel industry, this is going to be a huge win for you because those brands will see that you’re an expert in their industry.
They’re going to have a lot more trust in you because you know what it’s like to create UGC content for them.
Of course, if you’ve never created UGC before, it’s normal to test a bunch of different industries to see what feels most natural to you.
Step 2: Build Your Portfolio
Now that you have an idea of what UGC you can create, build your portfolio.
Walk around your house and find a few products that you love and use every day. This can be anything that you’re comfortable creating content with.
Here are a few everyday examples:
- Skincare products
- Clothes (dresses, shoes, jewelry, etc.)
- Blue-light glasses
- The milk that you use in the morning
- Coffee/espresso machine
- Books
Basically, anything that you use on a daily basis.
These won’t necessarily be the brands you’re pitching to. So, don’t get scared or intimidated by grabbing these things. Just focus on creating because you genuinely love that product and brand.
A little bit later in this video, we’re going to be talking about the different types of UGC videos that you can create for brands. Right now, I’m going to talk you through the simple creation process I would do.
Creating UGC Content
I’m somebody that’s super comfortable showing my face and talking to the camera. What I would do is grab, let’s say, my favorite protein powder that I use literally every morning with my oatmeal. I’ll pull it up, talk to the camera and be like, “Oh my gosh y’all I love this!”
Here’s an example.
I can also show how I make my oatmeal in the morning to authentically show how I use the product. It’s just me showing up on camera, talking about how much I love the Blueberry Muffin KOS Protein Powder.
It could be as simple as that. Hyping it up, showing that you love it. If you’re not comfortable showing your face on camera, you can make more of an aesthetic video.
And here’s an example of that.
Whether it’s your skincare or green juice, you can make it aesthetically pleasing. Show the product in your kitchen or on a bookshelf or in your shower. Basically wherever you’d use it. You can show different angles of that product being used with text overlay, talking about the product.
(And be sure to implement all the best TikTok strategies as well, which I won’t get into now, but keep those in mind.)
During this creation process, you’re going to use the inspiration of the UGC content on that TikTok ads website. So, you’re finding inspiration to see what’s currently working and then using that for your creation process.
Creating Your Portfolio
After creating some content, you’re going to put that content into a portfolio, either on your website or in a Media Kit.
If you don’t have a website, what you’re going to do is:
- Go to Canva
- Search “UGC Portfolio”
- Browse through the free templates to use
You can upload pictures to your Media Kit and hyperlink to videos you created. When finalizing your Media Kit, I recommend ensuring everything is well-lit with natural lighting and keeping the content within your industry.
If you have content in multiple industries, make multiple Media Kits. Having a Media Kit that looks like it’s in the same industry comes across as a lot more clean, clear and more professional.
Step 3: Prepare Your Pitch
You can send your pitch to brands via DM, but if you can find the email contact of the direct person you want to talk to, that’s bonus points.
Here’s what you’re going to say when you reach out to the brand:
“Hi [BRAND],
As you can tell from this video (hyperlink to your video), I’m a big fan of [PRODUCT]. More specifically, [REASON YOU LOVE THE PRODUCT].
My name is [NAME] and I’m a UGC Creator for brands (see my portfolio here (yes, hyperlink to portfolio)). I’d be happy to make more content similar to this for you to use on your social media channels or for running ads. Does your team currently allocate some of your marketing budget to UGC creation?
I’d be willing to hop on a call as well to explore what a potential partnership would look like.
Thank you so much for your time!
[Signature] ”
Now, you want your email signature to be chef’s kiss, so I recommend using HubSpot’s free Email Signature tool. Just choose a template, fill out all of your info and when you’re done, copy your signature and paste it to the bottom of your email.
It’s as simple as that. Plus, it’s clean and professional, giving you that edge you need to land a partnership.
Step 4: How to Find Which Brands to Pitch
My favorite way to find brands to pitch to is the same website that I mentioned before, right here.
Why this website? Because this is literally showing you brands that are currently running ads. Meaning they have a marketing budget and have likely worked with UGC Creators before. It’s an easy in!
What you’re going to do is:
- Go to TikTok’s Ads Center
- Find a business you’re already a big fan of (or a product you already own so you don’t have to buy anything new)
- Make a video of yourself talking about the product, using it, hyping up the brand, the usual UGC stuff
- Pitch to the brand using the template we just talked about
- Using the hyperlink in your pitch, show them the type of UGC you create
- Land the deal 😎
Remember, If you don’t get a response, reach out to more brands! It’s a numbers game and one is bound to respond. So keep at it!
Step 5: Where to Find UGC Jobs
If you don’t want to start off with cold outreach, you can apply to jobs that already exist.
Option 1: Social Media
Utilize social media!
Go to Twitter right now, search “UGC creators needed” and you’ll see a bunch of brands saying, “Hey! We’re looking for UGC Creators to make us content. Apply here.”
You can do that same thing on LinkedIn. Go to LinkedIn, search “UGC creators” and switch the search filter to Posts. Scroll through and you’ll see information for you or even “UGC Creators needed!”
Boom. Easy-peasy.
Option 2: UGC Platforms
There are platforms you can use to apply specifically for UGC jobs.
Here’s a list of those UGC platforms:
There are even Influencer platforms where you can apply for influencer jobs. Sometimes, they’ll have UGC jobs listed as well.
Here’s a list of those Influencer platforms:
Then, of course, you have other websites like Fiverr and Upwork.
Brands will list that they’re looking for UGC Creators on those websites. Right now, UGC is so new that brands are trying anywhere and everywhere to put job listings out there.
It’s as simple as that.
When you follow these five steps, you’ll likely start getting some UGC work.
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