The User-Generated Content (UGC) space is exploding right now, and the best part? You don’t need to be an influencer, have thousands of followers or own a fancy camera to join in. What you do need is creativity, consistency and a smart game plan. Whether you’re just curious about dipping your toes in or ready to go all in, here’s how to start your UGC journey, and how to make brands want to work with you.

 

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 have at home – and get filming!

Ideas to kick things off:

  • Record an unboxing or review something you already have and love
  • Play 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!
  • And remember, 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 using “UGC” in your handle, it can feel a bit too commercial
  • Making sure your contact info & portfolio link are impossible to miss
  • Including your location. Especially useful for local shoots (think restaurants or in-person content)
  • Posting your best work to TikTok, Instagram and other platforms so your profile becomes a living, breathing 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? Pitch yourself! Here are some ways to get on a brand’s radar:

  • Send your portfolio directly to brands that you love
  • Network with agencies & social media managers on LinkedIn
  • Join UGC Facebook groups and creator communities
  • Keep posting UGC examples to build credibility

As Paulina puts it:

“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,” says Paulina.

And when you do get 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.

Want your content to feel genuine, but still meet the quality requirements to get brand deals? Focus on:

  • Always reading (and re-reading) the brand brief – know the must-haves so you can hit them your way
  • Jumping on trends, but make them your own
  • Adding voiceovers or talk to the camera for a personal touch
  • Using your phone’s back camera for better quality footage
  • Filming in natural light (window light is perfect!)
  • Always sending polished, edited clips, never raw footage

 

 

GROW YOUR PRESENCE (AND NETWORK)

Once you’re in the game, keep your momentum rolling:

  • Post consistently to stay top-of-mind
  • Use SEO in captions, drop 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 own content

Being active in the UGC community means you’ll always have fresh ideas, new contacts and more opportunities.

 

UGC DO’S AND DON’TS

DO’S:

– 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 up with trends and keep learning

DON’T:
– Miss deadlines, it’s a trust killer
– Disappear on clients after delivery
– Post raw, unedited clips as portpolio pieces
– Hide your contact info or portfolio
– 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 this industry.

 

So grab your phone, start creating, and most importantly, start now!

 

We’re always on the lookout for talented UGC creators from all markets to join our network. If you’re interested in collaborating with us, please send your portfolio to [email protected]