In a world where user-generated ads achieve four times higher clickthrough rates than average ads, plus a 50% decrease in cost per click, it’s no wonder user-generated content (UGC) is on the rise.
UGC has the power to make or break brand advertising strategies. As more businesses become aware of the benefits, marketers and social media managers everywhere are looking for UGC creators they can work alongside.
Have you ever wondered, “how do I become a UGC creator?” That dream might soon be one step closer to reality! Here’s how you can get started with UGC creation.
What is a UGC Creator?
User-generated content is exactly what it sounds like: content generated by users. This can cover all kinds of content formats, from text-based testimonials to user experience photos and videos.
In recent years, UGC creators have started to pop up globally. Rather than waiting for customers to share photos or videos, brands are actively engaging and paying content creators to produce UGC-style content (most commonly TikTok-style videos) promoting their latest products and services.
As a UGC creator, your job is to craft authentic and engaging content based on a brand’s main product or service offerings. Your content should be authentic and original while tapping into the latest content creation trends, from trending audio to eye-catching transitions and beyond.
Why Become a UGC Creator?
UGC creators are in demand, and the job offers plenty of perks. You can build your own audience and work with the brands you love.
As a successful UGC creator, you can even build a career testing and marketing products for businesses. This is a great way to harness your content creation skills and turn your social media following into career opportunities.
Will you get paid? Yes! While some user-generated content creation roles offer only a free product in exchange for content, many brands are starting to recognize the value of experienced creators. As the industry continues to expand, compensation is likely to grow.
But in order to become a successful UGC creator, you need foster a loyal, engaged audience and understand what brands are looking for from UGC content creators.
Steps to Become a UGC Content Creator
Do you maintain an active presence across the world’s most popular social media platforms? Do you know how to create content that engages your target audience and shows off key features?
If you’re a skilled content creator, you might be able to offer your UGC creation services to businesses starting right now! Here’s how to get started as a UGC creator.
1. Identify Your Niche
First, it’s critical that you identify a clear and relevant content niche. It’s no use being a jack of all trades here. Brands love UGC creators who have built up engaged audiences interested in specific products and services.
Before you can become a UGC creator, you need to narrow your focus. Are you a beauty influencer hoping to help market makeup and hair products? Are you a sustainability guru eager to advertise eco-friendly innovations?
Whatever your niche, make it your own, and take steps to create content that engages a tailored audience within that sector. This will boost your content performance and make your services more appealing to brands.
💡 Plann Tip: Most brands will request a copy of your social media analytics to assess the demographics of your audience before working with you as a UGC creator. Be sure to grow your social accounts in a considered way and strategically build an engaged following that will be interested in the products brands are looking for you to promote.
2. Create High-Quality Content
Next, it’s time to produce high-quality content. This content is important, as it will form your UGC portfolio, helping you reach out to brands and show them what you can do.
Try to create a mix of content types and formats. Mix and match between text, image, and video content. Whenever you post on your social media accounts, make sure you’re prioritizing clear, crisp execution that highlights the best of any products you’re using.
Remember, your content is your key selling point. Take the time to produce each post to the best of your ability, and be willing to keep improving your approach. High-quality content is more likely to make you a go-to creator.
💡 Plann Tip: Make it easy for brands to find your top-performing UGC posts by pinning your most successful posts to the top of your Instagram grid.
3. Choose the Right Platforms
Most successful UGC creators are active across a range of social media channels. Think carefully about which platforms align best with your content creation skills, as well as the audience you’re trying to target.
Ideally, as a professional UGC creator, you’ll build a presence across a few major networks, including sites like Instagram and TikTok. Take note of where other members of the UGC creator community are spending their time.
If you’re not quite sure which platforms are right for you, try out a few of the greats! Keep an eye on the brands you’d like to work with, and notice which channels they are most active on, as well as where their existing UGC partnerships come from.
4. Engage with Your Audience
Creating content is an important first step, but a strong UGC portfolio also requires a clear sense of how you engage with your audience. Even before you land your first partnership, show that you know how to engage well online.
Start conversations with your followers, and build meaningful connections that help you frame yourself as a go-to source for recommendations. In every post you share, remember to include a clear and impactful call to action.
When you engage effectively with consumers, you can build your social media presence and showcase your ability to create authentic content. This can help you stand out from the crowd and eventually secure better-suited deals.
5. Collaborate with Brands
Finally, it’s time to get started creating branded content! Reach out to your favorite brands to offer your services as a UGC creator. Don’t forget to demonstrate your skillset and the audience you’re providing access to.
At first, you might need to work with smaller brands. This will help you build up your portfolio and establish your reputation as a professional in the industry. Over time, you’ll be able to connect with larger businesses and bigger brand partnerships.
When you start creating UGC, remember to focus on the item you’re advertising. Let the product be the star of the show, and maintain the originality and authenticity that your followers respect about your account.
💡 Plann Tip: Make sure to have a services card or rate guide handy to share with potential brand partners! This rate card should give brands an overview of who you are, your social media stats, your rates and the brands you’ve worked with in the past. Design this in Canva and keep it short and punchy.
Essential Tools and Resources for UGC Creators
Before you start creating UGC, it’s a good idea to explore the tools and resources on offer. These can help you navigate the journey with ease. Check out these essentials for UGC creators!
Canva
Canva’s home page offers opportunities to design images and videos for a range of contexts.
Sponsored content should be crisp, clear, and compelling! Canva can help you easily edit high-quality content and produce unique designs. The platform’s click-and-drag interface makes it easy to use, even for complete beginners, and you’ll look like a true professional.
Psst… did you know that you can use Canva directly in your Plann workspace? Our handy integration means that you can plan, design, and schedule your UGC assets in one place.
Adobe Spark
Adobe Spark’s dashboard offers content creation tips and access to production tools.
Adobe Spark provides user-friendly yet professional tools to help you create videos and images easily. The platform allows you to enhance content quality and take control of your production approach, ultimately making your expertise more attractive to big brands.
Alternatively, try out CapCut (TikTok’s video editing suite), which is a powerful free tool for editing and producing engaging short-form video content.
Plann
Plann’s scheduling allows you to share simultaneously across multiple social channels.
Your UGC strategy will rely on effective scheduling and content planning. That’s where Plann comes in! Our all-in-one social media management app can help you curate post ideas and prepare content ahead of time.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
The UGC creator journey is exciting! But that doesn’t mean it won’t come with its fair share of challenges. Here are some of the most common problems new creators encounter and how you can overcome them.
Content Saturation
It’s a competitive content market! There are many other UGC creators trying to build careers, which can make it difficult to stand out. In order to beat content saturation, try to produce your content in a fresh or unique way.
Bonus tip: Niche down! Sometimes, the best way to overcome the challenges of an oversaturated niche is by establishing yourself as an expert in something more specific. Instead of competing with a whole world of beauty influencers, focus your account on just skincare or lipgloss.
Creativity Struggles
Staying creative can be a challenge, especially when you’re creating new content every day. Try to explore a range of other content avenues that inspire you and boost your creativity. If you feel yourself getting burned out, don’t be afraid to take a break and regroup. When you’re really stuck, tools like Plann can provide ideas to help get you out of a slump!
Beat creative block with our AI caption generator to produce on-brand captions in seconds. Alternatively, use our social starters to gain high-performing content ideas for your next branded content post.
Competing Creators
In the UGC business, there’s no shortage of competition. As you begin to explore UGC opportunities, you’ll need to compete with other creators along the way. Make your account pop by refining your editing skills and offering something different. Establish yourself as a go-to provider of quality content in your niche.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start as a UGC content creator?
Many UGC creators start with original content! Set up your accounts and start working on your skills to show what you can do. This will help you leverage your platform to start securing brand deals soon.
What platforms are best for UGC content?
UGC videos and ads appear across a variety of social networks! Currently, though, some of the best platforms for UGC creators are TikTok and Instagram. This is especially true for brands seeking UGC video content.
How can I monetize my UGC content?
Many brands pay creators! As you build your skills, you can begin to charge a fee for your content. In this way, you can become a part of the marketing team and earn an income based on the content you create and share.
How do I collaborate with brands as a UGC creator?
In some cases, you may be able to reach out directly to brands you’d like to work with. This is a great choice when you’re new to the industry and already a consumer of the product you want to help advertise. Alternatively, you may be able to find UGC opportunity lists on a dedicated influencer marketing platform.
💡 Plann Tip: Have a dream brand on your UGC creator vision board? Shoot the brand a DM on social media to pitch your services as a content creator! This can be an effective way to reach and catch the eye of brands.
Start Your UGC Journey With Plann
Are you ready to get started in the world of UGC creation? There’s no time like the present! UGC content creators are in huge demand, and you already have everything you need to make waves.
Sign up today for a FREE 7-day Plann trial, and take the first step toward becoming a UGC creator.
