Let’s just say it: UGC is saturated. Every second person online is calling themselves a UGC creator right now and while that’s great for awareness, it’s also why it’s harder than ever to stand out and get paid.
But here’s the thing: I’m not here to sell you a course. I’m not going to gatekeep what’s worked for me over the last 5 years. I’ve learned through trial and error, through paid gigs, ghosted pitches, and everything in between. And today, I’m giving you the exact things that helped me go from “just another creator” to someone brands trust with their marketing. I’m now getting return customers and 12 month contracts from massive NZ brands! And you can too!
So if you’re serious about landing paid UGC work and showing up professionally, this one’s for you. 👌🏼
✅ 1. You Need a UGC Portfolio (Instagram Isn’t Enough)
If you’re pitching to brands and all you’re linking is your Instagram feed, you’re missing opportunities. Your grid might be beautiful, but it’s not a strategy and it’s not professional. Sorry not sorry. (Not to mention aesthetic feeds aren’t actually useful these days. People want Value!)
A proper UGC portfolio showcases:
- Your face-to-camera content
- Voiceover examples
- A mix of niches (or a clear niche if you’ve found it)
- Video and photo samplesTestimonials or brand names (if you’ve got them)
- Clear contact info
Mine lives here and it’s one of the first things brands click on. Don’t make them go digging.
🛠️ Pro tip: Use Canva, Notion, or even a simple PDF if you’re just starting. And if you can afford it, buy a custom domain. They’re about $30 nzd per year which is super affordable and it instantly makes you look more legit.
To help you get started I have this free portfolio template you can edit via Canva. Feel free to change fonts, colours, and layouts to match your branding. Canva has a free domain you can use to get started.
✅ 2. Have a Strong Personal Brand
You don’t need to be an influencer, but you do need to be memorable. What’s your vibe?
- What kind of brands do you align with
- What’s your content style? (Clean? Energetic? Raw and real?)
Brands are not just hiring your video skills, they’re hiring your energy. Your perspective. Your voice. Figure out what makes you different and lean into it.
✅3. Show That You Understand Marketing
This is what separates pros from casual creators.
Are you writing hooks that stop the scroll?
Do you understand how to highlight benefits over features?
Are your CTAs subtle but effective?
UGC isn’t just pretty, it’s strategic. The best creators are part marketer, part storyteller. If you can explain why you structured a video the way you did, you’re already ten steps ahead.
If you’re just starting out and feel you need to lay some foundations, HubSpot Academy offer FREE marketing courses that you can enrol in. I highly recommend the Social Media Marketing Course and the Content Marketing Course. You’ll even get a certificate at the end. 👌🏼
✅4. Follow Through. Every. Time.
Honestly? A lot of brands have been burned by creators who never delivered. That’s why some are so hesitant to invest. (I know, because I’ve been there myself as a brand owner.)
If you want to stand out, be the one who:
- Delivers on time (or early)
- Communicates clearly and professionally
- Sends drafts if needed
- Hits the brief but adds your own magic
It sounds basic, but reliability makes you unforgettable in the best way.
✅5. Treat This Like a Business
Even if you’re just starting, show up like it’s your job. Because if you want to get paid, it is.
- Have a rates card
- Use a contract
- Send professional invoices
- Track your work and follow up
That kind of energy says, “You can trust me with your brand.” And that trust = paid work. 💸💸
✅6. Keep Learning (and Sharing!)
The creators who thrive are the ones who keep growing. Try new formats. Study what’s working in the ads library. Share value with your community. UGC isn’t static and neither should you be. I’m always testing new things, and when something works, I share it. I’m not here to hoard knowledge I want more of us to raise the bar.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering how to stand out, it’s not about being louder. It’s about being better. More reliable. More strategic. More you. You don’t need a huge following. You don’t need to look a certain way. You just need to treat this like the career it is.
And if you’ve made it this far, let me say this: You’re already ahead. Most people won’t take the time to learn, reflect, and level up. But you are. So keep going. Stay sharp. Keep it real. And if you ever need help, I’ve got you.
✨ Want to see how I present myself to brands?
Check out my UGC portfolio, and feel free to take notes or inspiration, zero gatekeeping here.
All the best in leveling up on your UGC journey! 🫶🏻