Starting on this new journey, I find myself on a quest to unravel the mysteries of UGC. For those who haven't heard of UGC before, it stands for user-generated content. UGC is where creators create content and then brands use that content on their social media platforms. My curiosity about how to tap into the world of UGC stemmed from one of my social media classes from a previous semester propelled me to delve deeper, absorb every ounce of knowledge I could get, and share my journey with all of you. I am eager to learn, grow, and create meaningful connections along the way. Let's start on this exciting new adventure together!!

5 Tips I've learned to start this UGC adventure

• 1. Study the UGC content that you find and pick the area that you want to create content for. Look for what content is being created already and look at how they are performing. How is the response from viewers? Is it getting likes, shares, and comments? Is there a lot of engagement? I have found that looking at the ads that are being created on TikTok is a great place to start and where you will be able to find answers to your questions. It is also a great place to look up the different categories that you are contemplating and find your niche. It is totally okay to start by creating content in a bunch of different areas so you can get an idea of what products you are most comfortable creating content for.

• 2. Build up your portfolio. This might seem a little tricky if you haven't created anything yet, but that is okay. I recommend going to Canva and searching for UGC portfolio templates. Find one that will be clean, clear, and that you can make your own. Then find items that you already have around your house that you would recommend to family, friends, or someone contemplating buying it if you were walking down the aisle in the store. It could be body or skin care products, clothes like a favorite jacket, it could be your dog's food, or his favorite toy that he can't destroy. Find anything that you would buy over again because you love it that much! If these are the products that you love then it would be great to pitch to them to make content for them. Having content already created for their product because you already love it is something that companies would love to see when they check out your portfolio.

• 3. Grab your camera. Once you've picked the products that you want to create content with, give it a try. You can choose to be in front of the camera or you can create videos showing the product. Try both out and see how you do and how it feels. Remember that the more you are in front of the camera the better it will feel if you are nervous and awkward to begin with. Everyone starts there and the best and fastest way to be comfortable in front of the camera is to be in front of the camera. Remember that you are pulling ideas from the ads that you previously found. Try to make it your own but use similar angles or backgrounds to the ads that you were inspired by.

Once you've created your content then upload it to the portfolio that you made.

• 4. Preparing your pitch. It can seem a little daunting to know what to say to a prospective brand that you want to collaborate with, so here is a template that can help you get started. https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/46021227437100688/
  

• 5. Pitching Finding a way to contact the person who is responsible for hiring for UGC might seem daunting as well, but there are a few ways that you can find their information. Look up the brand online and scroll to the bottom of their page. There is usually, in small writing, the contact information. I would suggest emailing that contact information email and asking for the name and email address of the person on the marketing team who is over their user-generated content, and then you'll have the right name and email address to send your pitch to. The other way that you can find brands to pitch to is to go on TikTok shop and see what brands are running UGC ads and contact them through their DMs, but I feel that a more professional way would be to find the right person through their email.

• Bonus!! If I could suggest 1 more tip to help you have the best chance of success in landing a collaboration with the brand you are reaching out to, it would be that instead of sending an email, I would create a short loom with your pitch. Not only will this help you stand out but it also gives the brand a chance to see you, hear you, and connect with you better than through the words in an email. Video is a growing powerhouse in the marketing industry and the world is craving connection. What better way to stand out from the crowd than with a video in your pitch?

These are just a few tips that I have learned as I have started on this path and I hope to be able to find more info that can help all of us navigate our way through this emerging world of UGC as master creators!

Let's do this! Your Friend,

Shauna