A Friendly Guide to Creating User-Generated Content (UGC)

The presence of content creators advertising for big brands is becoming bigger and bigger on social media. However, they’re not your usual influencers or celebrities. They’re just regular people, just like you, and often don’t even show their faces. Have you wondered what is going on and how are they doing it?

Well, that is the job of a user-generated content creator, and hopefully, by the end of this article you’ll know what that means and what to do to become one.

What is UGC?

So, what exactly is this UGC everyone’s talking about? UGC, or user-generated content, refers to any form of content—such as images, videos, reviews, blog posts, and more—created by users, not the brand itself. Think of it as authentic, real-world content made by everyday people like you and me.

For instance, when you post a photo on Instagram showing off your amazing new sneakers from a popular brand, that’s UGC. Brands love this type of content because it’s genuine and relatable.

Why Create UGC?

You might be wondering: “Why would I want to create content for someone else?” Here’s why:

Get Noticed: Sharing your experiences can get you noticed by your favorite brands.
Earn Money: Many brands now pay UGC creators—yep, you can get paid for this!
Build Skills: It’s a brilliant way to improve your content creation skills.
Join a Community: You’ll become a part of a passionate creator community.

Why is UGC Great for Creators?

Creating UGC isn’t just about earning money—it’s also about personal growth and empowerment:

Build a Portfolio: UGC is a fantastic way to showcase your creativity.
Networking Opportunities: You’ll interact with brands and other creators, opening doors to new opportunities.
Flexibility: You often get to choose which projects you want to take on, giving you more control over your schedule.

UGC Benefits for Brands

Brands invest in UGC for several solid reasons:

Authenticity: UGC adds a layer of realness that’s hard to achieve through traditional ads.
Higher Engagement: Audiences connect better with genuine content, leading to higher engagement.
Cost-Effective: It can be more affordable than running professional ad campaigns.
Social Proof: UGC acts as a form of real-world endorsement, enhancing trust and credibility.

UGC Creators vs. Influencers: What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to confuse UGC creators with influencers, so let’s clear things up.

UGC Creator:

Content Creation for Brands: UGC creators make content that brands can use in their marketing campaigns.
Quality Over Quantity: The focus is on producing high-quality, authentic content.
No Audience Interaction: UGC creators don’t usually engage directly with an audience.
Freelance Gig: They are paid per project rather than based on their following.
Brand-Centric: The content is all about the brand, without any tie to the creator’s personal following.

Influencer:

Promotes to Their Followers: Influencers promote products to their own viewers/subscribers.
Personal Brand: They focus on building their personal brand and maintaining audience engagement.
Audience Interaction: Influencers interact directly with their followers, influencing purchase decisions.
Paid for Engagement: They are often paid based on their reach, engagement, and influence.
Mix of Content: Influencers blend product promotions with their personal brand.

7 Steps to Start Creating UGC

Now that you know what UGC is and why it’s valuable, here’s a simple guide to help you get started:

1. Research and Choose Your Niche

First, figure out what type of content you enjoy creating. Whether it’s lifestyle, fashion, technology, beauty, or something else, focus on your interests and strengths.

Example: If you love cooking, you might want to create content around food and recipes.

2. Build Your Skills

Before contacting brands, create high-quality content and ensure you like what you created. It doesn’t have to be 100% perfect, as skills are something we are always developing and shaping.

Still, spend time learning key skills like photography, videography, and editing to make your work stand out. As a beginner, it is important to make good use of the tools you have available. It will also help you to have a good practical system when it’s comes to creating more content and less time.

Pro Tip: In photography, you can always take advantage of the daylight, instead of gearing yourself up with lots of equipment. For example, you can make the most out of the golden hour light to shoot your UGC.

3. Create a Portfolio

Build a portfolio that showcases your best work. The most common channels nowadays are TikTok and Instagram Reels, since short-form content is so popular. But don’t rule out YouTube (Shorts or not). Just make sure to provide good and professional-like content and avoid rookie mistakes when editing your videos.

Example: Besides your social media accounts, it’s vital to also have a portfolio in document form. It can be as simple as a Canva file, but you can use it to explain your work better.

4. Reach Out to Brands

Make a list of brands you’d love to work with and get in touch. Be authentic in explaining why you love their products and how your content aligns with their values.

Example: Send a well-crafted email to a kitchen gadget brand, showing examples of your food content and explaining how you could create engaging UGC for them.

5. Focus on Authenticity

Brands love genuine, relatable content. Stay true to your voice and create content that reflects your real experiences.

Example: Share a video using the brand’s product in your daily cooking routine, highlighting its strengths and providing honest feedback.

6. Create From Home

Creators, more often than not, do work from home. Take advantage of some tips on staying productive while working from home and make the most out of the flexibility of having everything you need in one place.

Tip: Share behind-the-scenes videos of your home workspace or any tricks that made your content creation easier.

7. Track Your Progress

Keep a record of your projects, feedback, and earnings. This will help you see what’s working and where you can improve.

Example: there are plenty of Notion templates that can help make your life easier and more organized.

Creating user-generated content isn’t just a trend; it’s an exciting opportunity for creators to turn their passion into a profession. Whether it’s the authenticity that brands (and consumers) are looking for or the creative freedom that drives creators, UGC is here to stay.

So, find your niche, get creative, and start making amazing content that brands will love. Who knows—your next big project could be just around the corner!

Happy creating!

About the author: Camila Rodrigues, a content marketing specialist, with expertise in creative and copywriting for SaaS business.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camila-rodrigues-de-araujo/