Getting Started

Getting Started with Brand Deals & UGC

1. Choose Your Niche(s)

   Select 1-3 product categories you're genuinely interested in (beauty, fitness, tech, home goods, etc.). Focus on niches where you already use products or have knowledge. This targeted approach helps you create more authentic content and pitch to relevant brands.

   Timeframe: 1-2 days

2. Gather Basic Equipment

   You don't need professional gear to start. Essential equipment includes:

   • Smartphone with good camera (iPhone 11+ or equivalent Android)
   • Basic lighting (ring light $20-40 or natural window light)
   • Smartphone tripod ($15-30)
   • Optional: simple backdrop material, clip-on microphone

   Timeframe: 2-3 days

3. Learn Basic Editing Skills

   Download and learn one of these beginner-friendly editing apps:

   • CapCut (Free, user-friendly)
   • InShot (Free with paid options)
   • Adobe Premiere Rush (Paid, more features)

   Focus on learning basic cuts, text overlays, transitions, and audio adjustment.

   Timeframe: 3-5 days of practice

4. Create Sample Content

   Produce 5-10 sample UGC videos using products you already own. These should be 15-60 seconds long and follow common UGC formats:

   • Problem-solution videos
   • Product tutorials or demonstrations
   • "Day in the life" with product integration
   • Before/after results

   You don't need to post these publicly—they're for your portfolio.

   Timeframe: 1-2 weeks

5. Establish Professional Presence

   Create the following business essentials:

   • Professional email address (firstname.lastname@gmail.com or yourname@ugccreator.com)
   • Simple portfolio website (use Wix, Squarespace, or Notion)
   • Instagram business account to showcase your work
   • Basic media kit (1-2 page PDF with your services, rates, and sample work)

   Timeframe: 2-3 days

6. Join UGC Platforms

   Register on these beginner-friendly UGC marketplaces:

   • Billo (Easy approval, good for beginners, $20-75/video)
   • Insense (Connect with DTC brands, $100-300/video)
   • Tribe (Project-based opportunities, $100-250/video)

   Complete your profile thoroughly with samples and clear service descriptions.

   Timeframe: 1 day for signup, 1-7 days for approval

7. Begin Direct Outreach

   While waiting for platform opportunities, start direct outreach:

   • Identify 20-30 brands in your niche that use UGC in their marketing
   • Find marketing managers on LinkedIn or through company websites
   • Send personalized pitches highlighting how your content can help their specific marketing needs
   • Attach your media kit and link to your portfolio

   Expect a 5-10% response rate initially. Follow up once after 3-5 days.

   Timeframe: Ongoing, start with 5 outreach emails daily

8. Complete Your First Projects

   When you secure your first opportunity:

   • Get clear project briefs and reference examples
   • Confirm deliverables, deadlines, and payment terms in writing
   • For platform work, follow guidelines exactly
   • For direct clients, consider a 50% deposit for first-time projects
   • Build in 1-2 rounds of revisions in your timeline

   Deliver on or before deadline and follow up for feedback.

   Timeframe: 1-3 days per project typically

9. Scale Your Operation

   After completing 5-10 projects:

   • Update your portfolio with your best work
   • Gradually increase your rates (10-25% per month as you improve)
   • Request testimonials from satisfied clients
   • Create a more systematic outreach process
   • Join UGC creator communities for support and opportunities

   Timeframe: 1-2 months after first project