I Got My First Long-Term UGC Deal
How I did it and three ways you can get in on UGC
UGC is the “thing” on the internet now, I think. At least on Twitter and Tik Tok.
It stands for user-generated content and it’s huge. Brands are paying content creators to make this content for them. They’re outsourcing it and both parties are reaping the benefits.
It’s attracting a lot of attention because it’s like making money from brand deals except, you don’t have to have a social following. So, you skip the work of building a following of thousands, which lowers the barrier to entry a lot.
UGC is something literally anybody can do.
Here’s how I landed my first long-term UGC deal…
Landing my first long-term UGC deal
I have been on social media for years.
When I started flipping websites almost a decade ago, I would pair a social media account (or accounts) with the website. I sold it as a complete package.
Doing that gave me a ton of experience with developing and building social media accounts, cultivating an audience, etc.
With the skills I learned along the way, I began doing social media management and teaching social media courses.
Tik Tok came along and I joined during the start of the pandemic here in the U.S., in 2020.
Within a year or so I grew that account to around 100K followers.
Then, I went on to build more accounts.
My first UGC deal came several months back. I created a few videos for a partner I worked with in the past.
All I had to do was make the video and hand it over.
No social posting at all.
It was easy for me.
Since then, I started seeing more and more people talking about UGC. I had experience with it so I decided to add an extra income stream and give it a try.
Although I didn’t do any email pitching, I did join a few creator sites that would email me opportunities that arose.
I was putting my name in the hat here and there, as brands that were in my niche came up.
The UGC opportunity I got though, as a result of one of my Tik Tok accounts.
It was in the same niche as the company that approached me. Because I had my email address in my bio, they were able to reach out to me easily and ask if I’d be interested in a UGC partnership.
After a few emails back and forth, we came to an agreement.
They offered me a generous amount. I countered to a higher number and they accepted.
And, that’s how it all transpired.
How you can get into UGC
If you’re curious about breaking into UGC, here’s what I’d recommend you do…
1. Get on UGC creator Twitter
Just search “UGC” or “UGC creator” or something similar on Twitter.
You will see some UGC creator accounts come up. Follow them. Follow who they follow. And soon after, you will probably start to get more UGC content in your feed.
The UGC content I’ve seen on Twitter has been super helpful. From, sharing opportunities to talking about tips and advice, best websites and tools, etc.
2. Join UGC-friendly websites
These are usually agencies that are trying to help brands and creators connect. Here are some to check out:
3. Pitch your favorite brands
Make a list of brands you want to work with and contact them to pitch a UGC partnership.
Some tips for sending your email:
- Keep it short and sweet
- No attachments
- Be clear and express your intent to work together for paid UGC
- Offer the share examples/portfolio/etc. in the next email
TL;DR
I got my first long-term UGC deal.
I’m so elated!
This is the kind of deal I’m really excited about. It’s a monthly recurring contract for low four figures per month.
Right now, I’m in the contract signing stages and as soon as I start creating content for them (next week), I’ll write an update to share more of the juicy details including how much I will be making, and how I create content, and more.
What do you think about UGC?
Is this a side hustle you’d try out?
Want to read more stories like this? Check out my Substack where I talk about side hustles, social media, content creation and business.
