How to Be a UGC Creator
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve likely heard of UGC and are wondering how to be a UGC Creator. Getting started with UGC is a lot different than becoming an influencer, but there are still a lot of similarities. Today, we’re going over all you need to know if you’re wondering how to get starting with UGC.
Don’t forget that we interviewed Mariely Galindo, a successful UGC creator, on our podcast, Soulcial Scoop, and it’s available now for you to binge everywhere you listen to your podcasts.
🚨 Our Monthly Creator Members get FREE access to our “Becoming a UGC Creator” E-Book. If you’re not a member, you can join below using the link in the description or you can grab the e-book in our Etsy shop.
What is UGC?
First things first, you need to understand what UGC is. User-generated content (also known as "content creation) is where creators make content for brands to use in their own marketing efforts + social channels. The creator is not required to post this content.
As a UGC creator, you combine the skills of creating great content and social media strategy. Brands hire UGC creators because we understand what will perform well vs. them just hiring a general photographer or videographer.
It also allows brands to have multiple personalities on their social media channels/marketing efforts to show how different people can use the product or service.
There are so many different types of UGC: product photographer, lifestyle photography, product review videos, testimonials, lifestyle videos, copywriting, script writing, and so much more.
Can I be a UGC Creator?
Here are the questions I suggest asking to figure out if you’d be a good fit to start creating UGC:
✅ I can create high- quality, ad-worthy content.
✅ I can understand what types of content to create for a brand's marketing goals.
✅ I am comfortable asking the brand questions about what type of content they're expecting.
✅ I'm prepared to spend money on props, equiptment, etc.
✅ I realize that my face will be used in advertisements all around the internet.
✅ I know that I'll have to hustle to find jobs consistently.
✅ I am a self-starter and can stick to deadlines without issue.
✅ I know I'll have to get creative and not create the same content for every brand I work with.
What brands should I work with?
Daily Usage: Start the list by adding brands onto it that you're using everyday or very close to that. Those are brands you already know, love, and have personal connections with.
Brands You’re Excited About: Next, add brands to the list that you've discovered and think you'd absolutely love. These brands get you excited and fit the style of content you're comfortable creating.
Competitor Partners: Of the brands you have on your list so far, who are their competitors? Who are the brands that are similar to these?
Advertisements: Look at your TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest. What brands are targeting YOU with ads? These brands are already spending money on ads + you can see what their preferred content style is.
How can I get these brands to work with me?
In order to build great relationships with brands, you need to show them that you’re truly interested and are more than just a surface level fan of the brand. This is where I suggest you start by “warming up the brand”.
If you want to learn more about warming up the brand, check out our video on “how to pitch to brands as a micro influencer”
How to Create Your Portfolio
Before you start pitching to brands, it’s important that you’re prepared with a portfolio. You can learn a step-by-step on how to create yours by watching our recent video on “how to build a UGC portfolio”.
A portfolio is a great way to show brands what you’re capable of and how versatile you can be so that they’re more interested in working with you.
Setting Your Rates
Unfortunately, there’s really no set starting rate for every creator, so it’s hard for us to give you an exact formula, but there are some things that you should consider to figure out what you should charge.
Find your starting rate - the bare minimum you need to cover your expenses and make a small amount of cash to compensate you for your project.
Add to that rate depending on the project. See below for exact details on bumping up your rate.
So, what are the things that you should be raising the rate for?
A complicated ask: How in depth is this campaign? will you need to buy props? travel somewhere? the more work, the more the rate is.
Specific brands: Are you sending rates to a small business that you know personally or a huge multi-billion dollar company? Their budgets for influencers will be different. Take that into consideration. Some brands may also be riskier than others to post about.
Content revisions: How many times will you allow the brand to ask you to revise the content? Typically, creators include one revision, but you can include more at a price.
Contract terms: What is the ask in the contract? exclusivity? usage? whitelisting? Long payment terms? The more ask, the more the rate is.
Where to find UGC igs
Fiverr
A freelancer marketplace
You can post gigs and brands/companies can inquire about your post.
The site is solely based on inbound requests.
Brands do not post gigs on this site, so you're unable to send outbound requests.
Has an incredibly strong community of other freelancers to help you with issues + situations
Upwork
You are able to search through the gigs that brands have posted to this marketplace. You can apply to whichever seems it's a good fit for you.
You can also see which brands/businesses are "verified" so that you know you're working with a legitimate company
You're able to create a profile that showcases previous projects you've worked on.
You can search through opportunities that brands and businesses have posted and apply to any that are a good fit for you.
You can also see what thebrand's budget is to ensureyou're on the same page asthe brand.
Billo
App-only, no desktop website
All gigs have their own predetermined flat rate. Rates are typically very low, but this is a great place for beginners to build their portfolio.
Browse offers and apply to the gigs that suit you best.
Must make an intro videoto "introduce" you to potential brand partners
Twitter + LinkedIn
You'll have to do a lot more manual labor to find the gigs on these platforms, but using hashtags such as #UGC, #UGCCreator, or #UGCOpportunity would be a great place to start.
You can also connect with your favorite brands on LinkedIn to start building connections with the people who work at those brands.
Current brand partners
If you're already an influencer who has worked with brands in a sponsored capacity, tapping into these brands for potential UGC opportunities is a great option. These brands already know what it's like to work with you, so it's an easy in if you've wowed them previously.
If you’re looking for a script to help you figure out what to say in your UGC pitch, we have a free template in our “Becoming a UGC Creator” E-Book that our Monthly Creator Members get for FREE. It’s available in our Etsy shop too.
Conclusion
The more brands you work with, the easier it is to build your portfolio and become hired time and time again for jobs. If you’re just getting started, you can even grab a few products that you already use and love at home to create some content with to build your portfolio. Your portfolio doesn’t solely need to be content that you’re being paid for.
