Are you interested in becoming a UGC (User-Generated Content) creator in 2023? With the rise of platforms like TikTok and the potential to earn a substantial income, it’s no wonder many aspiring creators are eager to jump on board. Personally, I’ve built my UGC business into the 6 figures now! In this blog post, I’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to start your journey as a UGC creator in 2023. I’ll share valuable insights and practical tips to help you establish yourself in this exciting career field.

When you’re ready to take that next step and get started, make sure you grab my Free UGC Toolkit!

Step 1: Conduct Thorough Research
To kickstart your journey as a UGC creator, it’s crucial to immerse yourself in the world of UGC content. Start by exploring the TikTok Creative Center, a valuable resource that allows you to view top-performing UGC ads in real-time. By studying successful UGC videos, you’ll gain insights into the types of content that resonate with viewers and convert them into buyers. Remember, brands are looking for UGC creators who can deliver results, so this research will help you align your content with their expectations.

Step 2: Start Creating UGC Content
The next step is to start creating your own UGC content. Understand that your initial attempts may not be perfect, and that’s perfectly okay. Embrace the learning curve and use this opportunity to practice and improve. Whether it’s videos or images, begin by utilizing items you already have at home. There’s no need to overcomplicate this phase. The key is to start creating and honing your skills through consistent practice.

Step 3: Build Your UGC Portfolio
Your UGC portfolio acts as your digital resume, showcasing your skills and capabilities to potential brand collaborations. While having a dedicated website is ideal, you can begin by creating an outline on platforms like Canva. This will provide a professional and organized representation of your work. If you prefer a pre-made template, I recommend checking out affordable Canva portfolio templates available online. Aim to include 7-8 high-quality UGC video examples and 5-10 UGC images in your portfolio to demonstrate your versatility to brands.

Step 4: Stay Updated with Brands Meet Creator Newsletter
Sign up for the Brands Meet Creator newsletter, an excellent resource for UGC creators. This newsletter not only provides weekly UGC job listings that you can directly apply to but also delivers valuable insights and information related to the field. Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and opportunities through this newsletter, which is completely free to subscribe to.

Step 5: Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn can be a powerful platform for UGC creators. Create or update your LinkedIn profile to highlight your skills as a content creator. Utilize this platform to showcase your work and attract brands who are interested in collaborating with UGC creators. There are resources available online that provide tips on optimizing your LinkedIn profile specifically for UGC creators, so make sure to take advantage of them.

Step 6: Consider Freelancing Apps
If you’re looking for additional opportunities and want brands to come to you, consider signing up for freelancing apps like Billo or Insense. These platforms cater specifically to content creators and can provide you with direct job opportunities. However, ensure that you carefully review the terms and conditions of these platforms before signing up to ensure they align with your goals and preferences.

Step 7: Craft Compelling Pitches to Brands
Once you’ve gained some experience and worked with a few brands, it’s time to reach out to brands directly through email pitches. Avoid the common mistake of pitching through social media DMs, as those accounts are usually managed by social media teams rather than the marketing decision-makers you need to connect with. Scour brand websites to find the email addresses of the marketing team or marketing director. Platforms like CreoBase can be a helpful resource in finding contact information and other relevant details about brands you’re interested in collaborating with.

Step 8: Optimize Your Social Media Accounts
While having a large following isn’t a requirement for being a UGC creator, having social media accounts that showcase your UGC content can be advantageous. Use platforms like Instagram or TikTok (like I did) to share your UGC creations and demonstrate your skills to potential brands. Ensure that your profiles reflect professionalism and highlight your creativity. Focus on creating UGC content around your passions and interests, utilizing your daily life as inspiration.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the amount of advice and to-do tasks given to you to start your UGC journey? If you’re ready to take control of your career and increase your income from home, be sure to grab my UGC Starter Kit here! This guide will give you a step by step blueprint of how to start your business, cover the legal stuff, how to price your services, and even how to best structure your UGC videos!

Becoming a UGC creator in 2023 requires dedication, practice, and a strategic approach. By conducting thorough research, creating UGC content, building a strong portfolio, staying updated with industry trends, optimizing your LinkedIn profile, exploring freelancing apps, and crafting compelling pitches to brands, you can position yourself as a sought-after UGC creator. Remember, success in this field often comes with consistent effort, learning from mistakes, and continuously refining your skills. Embrace the journey and enjoy the process of becoming a UGC creator in the dynamic landscape of 2023.

Are you just not sure where to start with all of this info? Download my FREE UGC Toolkit here.

Thank you for reading, and best of luck on your journey as a UGC creator!