So, you’ve heard the buzz about UGC — user-generated content — and how regular people (not influencers!) are getting paid by brands to make videos from home. Maybe you’ve even taken the first steps, or you're still unsure how to dive in.
Whether you’re just beginning or looking to sharpen your skills, these five tips will help you stand out, stay professional, and start landing paid deals faster.
Let’s get into it.
🧠 1. Understand What Brands Actually Want
Many new creators think UGC means flashy videos or influencer-level editing. But what most brands are really craving is authenticity.
They want to see someone who looks and sounds like their customer. They want real voices, honest tones, and videos that feel native to the platform. You don’t need a huge following — just a phone, a relatable vibe, and a good understanding of the product you're showcasing.
💡 Pro Tip: Watch how brands speak to their audience. Then mirror that tone and style in your content. Do they use humor? Sentimentality? Simplicity? Match it.
🎯 2. Nail Your Hook in the First 3 Seconds
Attention spans are short, especially on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. If your video doesn’t grab someone in the first few seconds, the algorithm likely won’t push it—and brands will notice.
Start with a question, bold statement, or emotional trigger that makes people stop scrolling.
💬 Example:
Instead of starting a skincare video with “Hi, I’m Megan,” try:
“I used to think all eye creams were a scam… until this one.”
💡 Pro Tip: Write 3–5 hook variations before filming. Test what grabs attention best.
💸 3. Know Your Worth — And Don’t Work for Free
This one’s big, especially for newer creators. UGC is a service, and you deserve to be paid for your time, creativity, and deliverables. Free product doesn't pay the bills.
A good starting rate is around $150–$200 per video, even if you’re brand new. From there, you can scale up depending on the scope, usage rights, and demand.
💡 Pro Tip: Always ask:
How long will this video be used?
Will it run as an ad or organic post?
What platforms will it appear on?
These details affect pricing. (And yes — I walk you through all of this inside The Ultimate UGC Course.)
🛑 4. Don’t Skip Contracts (Even for Small Gigs)
It’s tempting to agree to terms over DMs or emails when you’re excited about a deal. But this opens the door to confusion, late payments, or even stolen work.
Every brand deal — even if it’s for $100 — should come with a clear agreement outlining:
Deliverables
Usage rights
Timeline
Payment details
💡 Pro Tip: Use a simple contract template. I include one in my course, and once you have one on hand, it becomes second nature to send it every time.
💥 5. Create a Portfolio That Feels Like You
Your portfolio is your storefront. It’s the first impression brands get when deciding to hire you. Make sure it’s:
Easy to view (Google Drive or Notion are great!)
Organized by content style (talking head, testimonial, demo, etc.)
Filled with content that showcases your personality and strengths
And here’s something many people miss: Your voice matters more than your perfection. Brands are looking for a person, not a perfectly polished actor.
💡 Pro Tip: Include a short written intro in your portfolio that explains who you are, your style, and why you love creating content.
Final Thoughts: UGC is a Skill — and Anyone Can Learn It
You don’t need to be a certain age, look a certain way, or have a huge audience to succeed in UGC. All you need is a willingness to learn, a bit of confidence, and the right tools to get started.
If you’re ready to turn your phone into a money-making tool, I walk you through every step — from building your portfolio to pitching to negotiating rates — inside The Ultimate UGC Course. It’s designed especially for people who didn’t grow up with social media but still want in.
