BUILD A PORTFOLIO THAT POPS
Think of your portfolio as your visual CV — a highlight reel showing brands exactly what you can do. Don’t wait for brands to send you products before getting started. Just use products that you already have at home and start filming.
Ideas to kick things off:
- Record an unboxing or review something you already have and love
- Experiment with editing styles, voiceovers, trending audio, or quick cuts
- Practice talking to the camera to showcase your personality
- Style a meal, an outfit, or your home — whatever you enjoy
- You don’t need a niche from day one, but specialising can help you stand out once you’ve found your style
“Let your personality shine! Brands don’t just want product shots — they want storytelling and a genuine connection between you and your audience. Make your portfolio easy to find, easy to send, and keep it clear, consistent, and professional.”
— Paulina, UGC Creator and UGC Coordinator at Cure Media
MAKE IT EASY FOR BRANDS TO FIND YOU
Even if you’re not posting every single day, your online presence should still say: “I’m here, and I’m ready to work with you!”
Optimise your profile by:
- Using keywords like “UGC creator,” “UGC examples,” or “Open to collabs” in bios and captions
- Avoiding “UGC” in your handle — it can feel overly commercial
- Making sure your contact info and portfolio link are easy to find
- Including your location, especially useful for local shoots (restaurants or in-person content)
- Posting your best work to TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms so your profile becomes a living portfolio
Below you can see a good example of a bio where Paulina clearly shows her portfolio, work, location, and contact details:
PITCH LIKE A PRO
Here’s the truth: waiting for brands to find you is a slow game. The fastest way to get work is to pitch yourself.
Ways to get on a brand’s radar:
- Send your portfolio directly to brands you love
- Network with agencies and social media managers on LinkedIn
- Join UGC Facebook groups and creator communities
- Keep posting UGC examples to build credibility
“Reach out, reach out, reach out! After a hundred no’s or no replies, you might get that one yes that leads to long-term work.”
— Paulina
When you start getting responses:
- Be professional
- Hit deadlines every time
- Communicate if anything changes
- Only commit to what you can deliver — your reputation is your currency
CREATE CONTENT THAT FEELS LIKE A RECOMMENDATION, NOT AN AD
UGC works because it feels real. You’re not a walking billboard — you’re a friend sharing something you genuinely like.
To keep your content authentic while meeting brand standards:
- Always read (and re-read) the brand brief so you know the must-haves
- Jump on trends but make them your own
- Add voiceovers or talk directly to the camera
- Use your phone’s back camera for better quality footage
- Film in natural light (window light works perfectly)
- Send polished, edited clips — never raw footage
GROW YOUR PRESENCE (AND NETWORK)
Once you're in the game, keep building momentum:
- Post consistently to stay top-of-mind
- Use SEO in captions (terms like “UGC,” “UGC example,” etc.)
- Add relevant hashtags (#UGCcreator, #UGCexample, #PaidPartnership)
- Engage on LinkedIn — connect with social media managers, comment on industry posts, and share your work
Being active in the UGC community means fresh ideas, new contacts, and more opportunities.
UGC DO’S AND DON’TS
DO:
- Be yourself — authenticity wins
- Use your full name and city in your portfolio
- Tell a story or solve a problem in your content
- Stay consistent, even during quiet periods
- Keep learning and following trends
DON’T:
- Miss deadlines — it damages trust
- Disappear on clients after delivery
- Post raw, unedited clips as portfolio pieces
- Hide your contact information
- Sit back and wait — go pitch
UGC is a multi-hat role: you’re the director, actor, editor, and producer all at once. But with persistence, creativity, and a little hustle, you can carve out your own space in the industry.
So grab your phone, start creating, and most importantly — start now.
If you're interested in collaborating with us, please send your portfolio to paulina.johnson@curemedia.com.
