8 Steps On How To Become A UGC Creator | by Tara Deal | May, 2023

Collaborating with User-Generated Content (UGC) creators is a popular and effective strategy companies use to generate more sales.

UGC is all about regular people like us creating content that influences a whopping 90% of consumer purchase decisions. And get this, it’s 2.4 times more authentic than content created by brands themselves.

A study even showed that UGC is a mind-blowing 5 times more likely to convert customers compared to non-UGC content. No wonder it’s skyrocketing in popularity! And guess what? You don’t need a massive following or to be an influencer to get started. How cool is that?

So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of becoming a UGC creator and working with your dream brands.

For those seeking to become a UGC creator, the first step should always be picking the right niche.

Choose something you’re passionate about and where brands are looking for awesome creators like you. Whether it’s fashion, food, or gaming, make sure you know the ins and outs of your chosen niche.

Simply go on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, type in relevant terms related to that industry, and browse the top-performing content.

Once you have identified the niche, the next step is to research its brands.

A successful career as a User-Generated Content (UGC) creator is about building meaningful connections with brands.

One of the most essential steps is to research the brands you want to work with.

Check out their social media pages, see what kind of content they post, and get a feel for their target audience. You can also explore successful UGC campaigns in your niche to gather some inspiration.

Now, let’s talk about creating killer UGC. A good piece of UGC generally has two components: the content itself and how it’s presented.

Your content should be interesting, relevant, and helpful to your audience. And don’t forget about the presentation! Use eye-catching visuals, clear captions, and awesome camera angles to make your content pop.

When it comes to video content, follow the AIDA framework: Attract, Interest, Desire, and Action. Hook your viewers with something captivating, spark their interest with compelling storytelling, create desire by showcasing the product or service, and then guide them to take action, like making a purchase.

Attract

If you are creating a video, the first part of the content should be easily digestible, entertaining, and exciting so that your viewers are “Attracted” to the rest of it. This is what many marketers would describe as a hook.

You can start by presenting the following:

• an interesting fact
• a question
• a shocking claim

This is where you usually try to be a problem agitator and invoke emotion regarding a potential customer’s struggles. This then incentivizes them to move on to the next part of the video.

Interest

Once you’ve attracted viewers, the next step is to show them why your video is interesting by giving them a taste of what the rest of it offers.

Interest is created through more in-depth content and storytelling.

This section is where you inform viewers about a potential solution that you found, which can be an introduction to a product or service.

Desire

After generating interest, it is time to tell them why they need that particular product/service.

This is the perfect time to showcase certain features and benefits, including demonstrations and applications.

Action

The final step is to get them to take the desired action, usually through a purchase.

So remember to tell them where to go to execute that explicitly.

This is usually a product or service page of a company.

Having the right tools and resources can make all the difference in creating quality content that stands out from your competitors.

You don’t need fancy equipment to create amazing UGC. Your trusty smartphone is more than enough! In fact, 1080p is more than enough.

Just make sure to stabilize it with a tripod and use good lighting. No need to go overboard with Hollywood-level production. Brands want genuine content that speaks to their customers.

Tools Needed To Create Your UGC content:

The whole point of UGC is that it should look like it was created by an actual user, which is un-curated, raw, authentic, and unrefined but still of a decent standard.

Now that you have researched and understood the fundamentals, it’s time to start creating content.

Whether it’s short videos, photos, blog posts, or testimonials, put your skills out there for the world to see. You’re not trying to be an influencer, so don’t stress about growing a massive following. Just focus on honing your content creation skills and showing off your talent.

Now it’s time to set up your social channels, preferably starting with Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

But you are wondering, “How can I make any content if I don’t have any products or services yet to promote?”

Take any of your favorite products that you already have around your house and review them while considering all the concepts I mentioned in the above sections.

The point is to get started, be comfortable being on camera, and hone your production skills.

Once you’ve built up a collection of content, it’s time to create a UGC portfolio.

Get this UGC portfolio template here.

Showcase your content, highlight your services, and include your contact information. You can even go the extra mile and make a short introduction video tailored to each brand you want to work with. Talk about impressing them!

Your UGC portfolio should, at the very least, showcase the following:

• Who you are
• UGC portfolio with videos and image content
• Services
• Prices & rates
• Contact information
• Social links

And suppose you are REALLY serious about it. You could even create your own UGC portfolio with a website builder like Canva, WIX or Squarespace.

Now that you have built your UGC portfolio, it’s time to get acquainted with the brands you want to work with.

This can be done by engaging and interacting with them using the following methods:

• Sending a direct message on their social media channels.
• Posting your UGC content on your social media (specifically built for your UGC content) and tagging the brand

Whichever method you choose, always include these:

• A link to your portfolio.
• A statement about why you love their products, why you want to work with them and why they should hire you.
• Past testimonials (if available).

It’s vital that you have a legally binding document that lays out every single detail.

When you strike a deal with a brand, it’s important to negotiate and create a contract that protects both parties. Define the scope of work, set deadlines, and clarify payment terms. Keep communication open and professional throughout the project to build trust and show your professionalism.

Here is a UGC contract template that you can customize for your own use.

Alternatively, you can go to Fiverr or Upwork and hire a legal professional to make it.

In conclusion, becoming a UGC creator is definitely a hot profession with a lot of demand.

Becoming a successful UGC creator requires a combination of passion, consistency, and community building. By identifying your niche, creating high-quality content, engaging with your audience, leveraging social media platforms, and collaborating with fellow creators, you can unlock your potential and build a thriving community around your unique content.

Embrace your creativity, take action, and watch your UGC journey unfold! Who knows? You could even turn content creation into a successful career and start making 4–5 figures a month!

If you liked this guide, don’t forget to share it!

And if you have any questions or feel I missed something, let me know in the comments below!