What is UGC & How to Pitch Brands as a Creator
Ever scroll through TikTok or Instagram and think, "I could totally do that"? Well, if "that" involves creating awesome, eye-catching content for brands, you might be thinking about UGC - and you could totally do it, I promise.
What is UGC?
UGC stands for User-Generated Content. Basically, it's any content—photos, videos, reviews, blog posts—created by users (like you and me!) rather than the brand itself. Think unboxing videos, product reviews, or even just cute pics of you using a product. It's authentic, relatable, and super effective for brands.
What is the difference between a UGC creator and an influencer?
While both UGC creators and influencers create content, there's a key difference: influence.
Influencers typically have a large, engaged following and are known for their personal brand.
UGC creators, on the other hand, focus on creating content for brands, often without relying on a huge personal following. They’re hired to create authentic content that the brand can then use on their own channels. It's less about you and more about the product.
These two can mix together, but you don't have to be one to do the other!
How do you make UGC?
Creating UGC is all about showcasing a product or service in a genuine and engaging way. Think about what you would want to see if you were considering buying something. Here are a few tips:
Keep it real: Authenticity is key! Don't try to be someone you're not.Show, don't just tell: Demonstrate how the product works or how you use it in your daily life.Good lighting is your best friend: Natural light is (almost) always a winner.Invest in good equipment (if you can): Even your phone camera can take great photos and videos! But if you want to level up, cameras like the Dji Osmo Pocket 3, Canon Powershot V10 and Sony ZV-1 are popular choices.
How to Pitch Your UGC to Brands
So, you're ready to start pitching? Awesome! Here's the lowdown:Identify brands you love: Start with products you genuinely use and adore.Research their marketing strategy: Check out their social media and website to see what kind of content they're already using.
Craft a killer pitch: Keep it concise, professional, and highlight what you can bring to the table. Include examples of your previous work (even if it's just content you've created for fun).
Reach out! Find the brand's marketing or PR contact info. Some brands have their email attached to the contact button on their social profiles but you may have better luck on their website. Don’t be afraid to slide into their DMs if you can't find the proper contact!
Hit the Ground Running with My UGC Email/DM Templates!
Landing your first brand deal can feel so overwhelming. That's why I created these super helpful UGC Pitch Email/DM Templates For When You're Just Starting Out!
These templates take the guesswork out of reaching out to brands, giving you effective, proven starting points. Personally created from my experience as a seasoned content specialist with over 10 years of experience working with brands from marketing agency-side positions and arranging collaborations with creators, these templates are sure to get you noticed and remembered.
Inside, you'll find templates for:
Use them as a foundation to craft personalized pitches that showcase your unique value and land those dream UGC opportunities! Grab them here.