If you're just starting your UGC journey, you've probably heard this advice a hundred times:
“Make a portfolio.”
But what no one tells you is: How?
What exactly should go in it?
How do you stand out when you don’t have paid work yet?
In this post, I’ll break down exactly what your UGC portfolio needs, step by step, so you can start pitching brands confidently — and getting paid.
What Is a UGC Portfolio, and Why Does It Matter?
Think of your UGC portfolio like a digital audition tape. It shows brands that:
You understand how to create content for their audience.
You can tell a story around a product.
You’re professional, prepared, and ready to work.
Even if you have zero followers and zero paid work — a portfolio helps bridge the gap between “new creator” and “booked and busy.”
1. Include 4–6 Diverse Video Styles
You want to demonstrate range — and make it easy for a brand to imagine hiring you for their campaign.
Types of videos to include:
Product demo: Show how to use the product (simple + visual).
Problem-solution: Start with a pain point, introduce the product as a fix.
Unboxing or first impression: Capture your natural reaction.
Testimonial-style: Face-to-camera, sharing why you love it.
Voiceover review: Use b-roll and a calm voice to tell a story.
TikTok trend spin-off: Participate in a trend, but tie it back to the product naturally.
💡Tip: You can film these using products you already own. You don’t need to wait for a brand deal to start.
2. Use Real Products (Even if They’re Unpaid)
Pick items in your home that:
You truly love using
Would make sense in a brand collab
Are in a niche you want to work in (beauty, wellness, parenting, tech, etc.)
Why it works:
Brands aren’t asking if you’ve been paid yet. They just want to see if you can make content they’d be proud to post.
3. Highlight Your Hook and Storytelling Skills
Every piece of UGC should:
Hook the viewer in 1–3 seconds
Tell a clear, simple story (problem → solution → result)
Feel natural, not like a sales pitch
Hook example:
“I tried every eye cream for my dark circles, but this one actually worked.”
This is what makes your content convert — and makes brands want to hire you again and again.
4. Make It Easy to View (and Share)
Your portfolio should be:
One single, shareable link
Visually clean and simple
Fast to load on mobile
📎 Tools to use:
Canva (to design a branded, one-page portfolio)
Google Drive (with linked folders of videos)
Stan Store (includes a portfolio link page!)
Notion (for a minimalist creator site)
Pro tip: Add a small intro at the top:
Hi! I’m Megan, a UGC Creator specializing in wellness and lifestyle. I help brands create authentic, high-converting videos for TikTok and Reels. Let’s work together!
5. Keep Updating It as You Grow
Your portfolio is a living document.
As you create new videos, test new styles, and book actual brand deals — update it!
Brands want to see current work that reflects what’s trending now.
💡Keep a monthly reminder on your calendar to refresh your link!
6. Include Contact Info + CTA
Don’t make brands guess how to work with you. End with a clear next step.
✔ Add your email
✔ Or a contact form link
✔ Bonus: Include testimonials or short brand reviews if you have any!
Example CTA:
Want UGC videos that stop the scroll and drive real results?
📩 Email me at yourname@gmail.com — let’s chat!
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to “Wait” to Look Professional
You don’t need a contract from a brand to start creating.
You don’t need a perfect portfolio before you pitch.
You just need to show what you can do — with a little creativity, good lighting, and consistency.
📦 Want portfolio templates and content ideas?
Inside The Ultimate UGC Course, I walk you through building a client-ready portfolio from scratch — plus give you real examples, templates, and feedback checklists.
You can do this — and I’m here to help you get started the right way.
