Where to Find Brands Looking for UGC Creators (as a new content creator)

User-Generated Content (UGC) has become an essential marketing asset for e-commerce brands looking to build authenticity and trust with their target audience.

As a UGC creator, finding the right platforms where brands are seeking this type of content is crucial.

Here’s where you can start your search right now:

Social Media Platforms:

Thanks, Captain Obvious. Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter/X are hotspots for brands seeking UGC collaborations.

These brands outright post to their audience asking for content creators, or use hashtags like #UGCwanted, #ContentCreators, and #BrandAmbassadors.

Engaging with brands on these platforms and linking your UGC portfolio can increase your visibility and chances of collaboration.

Freelance Marketplaces:

Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork often have listings from brands seeking UGC creators, but not many people know about StarNow and Backstage.

These marketplaces allow you to bid on projects or be directly contacted by brands for collaborations.

StarNow and Backstage are owned by the same parent company.

StarNow is often used for United States creators, whereas Backstage is more for Australian/UK creators.

Direct Outreach:

Sometimes, a simple direct message works best if you have a brand in mind that you want to work with. Identify brands that align with your content ideas and audience, and reach out to them via email or direct message on social media channels.

These three channels will boost your chances of scoring some contracts as a UGC creator and can significantly increase your chances of being noticed by brands.

The key is to remain proactive with your online presence, showcase your unique video content, and understand the types of content influencer marketing agencies are searching for. Your content needs to align with the brand's social media marketing strategy, as well as overall content strategies.

How to Get a Job as a UGC Creator

So, you're charismatic in front of a camera, and you want some extra money. Becoming a User-Generated Content (UGC) creator is a super-easy path for those who are creative, enjoy producing short-form video content, and have a knack for producing high-quality content on their social media account.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to securing a job as a UGC creator:

Develop Your Unique Niche and Style

Identify your interests and areas where you can consistently create content without it feeling like a job. This way, your videos will never feel forced and will always feel like a genuine product review for potential customers.

Build your UGC Portfolio

Create content for brands for free if you're just starting to use as samples that showcase your skills in creating engaging and authentic content. Post this content to online communities and social channels to build out your audience while also increasing your visibility.

Actively Engage on Social Media Platforms:

Make sure that you're active on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter/X, where UGC is highly valued and brands are constantly searching. Regular posting of your organic content and engaging with other creators can attract the attention of brands and agencies. Lastly, be sure to use relevant hashtags to increase your visibility.

What is a UGC Portfolio?

A User-Generated Content (UGC) portfolio is a curated collection of content that a creator has produced, showcasing their skills, style, and versatility in generating authentic high-quality content for brands.

This UGC portfolio serves as an interactive content creator resume and is crucial for showcasing your abilities as a creator to potential brands and clients.

How to Create a UGC Portfolio

Creating a User-Generated Content (UGC) portfolio is easy as U-G-C.

It involves displaying your best short-form videos of product reviews and demonstrating your versatile abilities as a content creator.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to building a UGC portfolio that's guaranteed to get you in the door:

Choose your Best Work

Select content that showcases your range, including different formats like images, videos, blog posts, or social media posts. If possible, highlight your content that received high engagement or had a significant impact. Reach out to brands you've worked with in the past for this information.

Group Content by Theme or Industry

Make it easy for brands to find relevant work by grouping your content to demonstrate your experience in specific industries. For example, this could be 'health/beauty' as an industry, or 'funny' as a theme.

Include Contextual Information

For each piece of content, provide a short background, such as the campaign goals, marketing channels, social proof/engagement, and a summary of your creative ideas.

Conclusion

Brands need authentic UGC, now more than ever, with the rapid rise of AI marketing agents creating AI UGC.

So if you're someone who isn't afraid to jump behind the camera and put your face out there, there will forever be ecommerce brands looking for UGC content.