If you’ve put together a UGC portfolio but brands aren’t biting, don’t panic. You might just need a few tweaks to stand out in a very saturated space. Here are five of the most common portfolio mistakes I see—and how to fix them to start landing paid brand deals.
1. Too Little Variety
If every video in your portfolio follows the same style or format, brands may assume you're limited in what you can create.
Fix it: Mix it up with a range of content types:
Voiceovers
Face-to-camera testimonials
Product demos
Unboxings
Aesthetic B-roll
Trend-style videos
Showing variety helps brands imagine you creating content for them in different formats.
2. No Clear “Niche”
If your portfolio jumps from skincare to baby bottles to protein powder, it might feel scattered.
Fix it: You don’t have to stick to just one niche, but at least organize your portfolio by category. If you're just getting started, it’s smart to create 4–6 videos in 1–2 industries so brands can see how you fit into their space.
💡 Inside my course, I include 4 done-for-you Canva portfolio templates—all fully customizable and designed to help you create a clean, professional portfolio that showcases your best work with clarity and confidence.
3. No Text Context
A portfolio of just video thumbnails with no context is confusing. Brands won’t know what they’re looking at or what type of video it is.
Fix it: Add simple labels or titles beneath each video.
Examples:
“Voiceover: Hair Serum Demo”
“Face-to-Camera: Vitamin Testimonial”
“Unboxing: Smart Water Bottle”
This one small step immediately makes your portfolio more professional.
4. Weak First Impression
If your first one or two videos are your oldest (or weakest), you could lose a brand’s attention in seconds.
Fix it: Lead with your strongest work—especially videos from niches you’re actively pitching to. Think of your first 1–2 videos as your "hook." They should be clear, well-lit, and demonstrate your confidence on camera.
5. No Clear Contact Info
You’d be surprised how many creators forget this step altogether. If a brand has to dig for a way to contact you, they’ll move on.
Fix it: End your portfolio with a visible CTA or contact section.
Something like:
“📩 Email me to collaborate: [your email]”
“Click here to book a custom UGC video”
Or include a link to your Stan Store or inquiry form
📌 Remember: A portfolio doesn’t need to be perfect to start—just clear, professional, and reflective of your unique voice and content style. If you need help building one, those Canva templates inside my course make it 10x easier to get yours done and start pitching.
