What is UGC?

User-generated content (UGC) refers to any form of ​content, such as reviews, testimonials, photos, videos, or ​social media posts, that is created and shared by ​consumers or users of a product or service.

WHY UGC FOR BRANDS

UGC is valuable for businesses because it allows them to ​tap into the authentic experiences and opinions of their ​customers, which can greatly influence the purchasing ​decisions of other consumers. UGC is a powerful tool for ​businesses to leverage the voice of their customers and ​create a more authentic and engaging brand presence.

WHAT IS CGC

With the rise of UGC style creators, Creator Generated ​Content (CGC) is now being referred to such creators. As ​they are strategically creating authentic content to support ​the brands vision, online engagement and sales.

You’ll need a couple of products to properly ​get started on your UGC journey. These are ​the essentials, things you’ll need in order to ​create good-quality content.

1. A phone or camera ​(preferably one that is able to ​film in at least 4K)
2. A tripod for more stability in ​your shots
3. A microphone for better ​sound quality
4. A ring light, just in case ​there’s not enough natural ​light
5. Tiles or backdrops to use ​while filming
6. Props to use while filming
   

What do you need?

UGC terms you should know about

Inbound / outbound

Inbound: The brand contacts you.

Outbound: You reach out to the brand.

Either of these options is great - do not get discouraged if ​you have not received inbounds yet!

Hook / CTA

Hook: Is a statement, audio visual or combination at the ​beginning of the video to grasp the audiences attention- ​usually firdt 2-3 seconds.

CTA: Stands for Call to Action and is at the end of the ​video to prompt the viewer to take some from of action.

Usage rights

Usage rights refers to the duration your content will be used ​as as an ad by brand. Essentially how long do you allow ​your content to be used for marketing. Typically brands test ​ads between 1-3 months. And will request longer usage if ​they found great return on investment.

Organic

This content is created for the brand to post on their social ​media accounts. It is meant to educate, entertain, or inform ​their audience.

Spark Ads

A spark ad or (meta) whitelisting is essentially allowing a ​brand to boost and put money behind your social media ​post which allows the content to be pushed out a wider ​audience. Some brands prefer this as an ad format as it ​looks more organic building their online credability.

Raw footage

This is unedited video, still, or audio content.

Where to start?

CREATE A NEW EMAIL ACCOUNT

Start with a new UGC email. I prefer Google. You can of course choose to ​buy a domain and create an even more professional email. That said, Google ​is a great place to start and It also gives you access to Google Forms and ​GoogleShareDrive, which will get to bit later!

CREATE NEW SOICAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS

Create a new Tiktok, Instagram and Twitter social media page. You can also ​choose to create a new LinkedIn account.

CREATE ABN FOR TAX PURPOSES

I am no accountant, so I suggest you seek professional guidance, however if ​you choose to work with agencies even some brands, they prefer you have an ​ABN.

LINKTREE ACCOUNT

This is optional but it helps to create a Linktree account, it’s worth all the ​hype and its free to download! It allows you to house all your social media ​links, portfolio and any additional links.

5 things to include in your portfolio

About me

A little bio about yourself, image or welcome video.

Videos

Most important content to include is problem/solution style ​videos, talking to camera, testimonials, and unboxing, fun ​trendy videos as extra. Remember personality is key!

Images

UGC style images, this includes showing the product while ​you’re using it.

Deliverables

This is optional or may come in time when you work with ​more brands.

Contact details

Include links to all your social media, including your email - ​make sure they are all clickable links

Rate card

This section includes all your rates. For most creators this ​contains videos, photos, and sometimes packages as well.

Where to find brands?

SOCIAL MEDIA

Usually every second or third post is an ad, and is a good indication of ​brands who put money behind their products.

WHERE TO FIND BRANDS TO WORK WITH

AGENCIES AND PLATFORMS

Reaching out to UGC Agencies or joining platforms is a great way to link up ​with brands who are keen to work with creators.

FACEBOOK AD CENTRE

This is a great way to see which brands are investing in social media ​advertisements.

FROM OTHER UGC CREATORS

This community is so transparent, making it easier for you to see what brands ​already have UGC in their marketing mix.

The brand said YES! Now what?

Pitch

First you pitch to the brand

YES!

The brand likes you, they say YES!

Contract

You sign a contract (theirs or yours)

Research

You research the brand and video ideas

Film

You film your videos for the brand

Send content

Always send your content WITH WATERMARK first!!!

They approve

The brand approves your content; they’re happy!

Send invoice

You send your invoice to the brand

Receive payment

You receive your payment from the brand

Send content again

You send your content without the watermark on it

YOU’RE READY TO GO NOW!

I hope this free UGC roadmap will help you start your UGC ​journey! If you have any questions, feel free to

e-mail or DM me.