User-generated content (UGC) is any form of content created by users on online platforms such as social media, forums, and wikis. UGC can be valuable for brands because it can increase authenticity, engagement, and trust among consumers. However, creating UGC is not always easy or rewarding. As a UGC creator, I have faced many challenges and learned many lessons along the way. In this article, I will share some of the things that I would do differently if I started UGC again, and some of the tips that might help you succeed as a UGC creator.
Starting a journey with UGC can be an exciting but challenging endeavor. Reflecting on my own experiences, there are several aspects I would handle differently if I were to embark on this journey today. Here are some key lessons learned and adjustments I would make:
Keep track of your clients and transactions
One of the first things that I would do differently if I started UGC again is to keep track of every client e-mail that I have ever gotten in contact with, and store that data for future reaching out and future collaborations. This way, I can build long-term relationships with my clients, and also have a record of who I have worked with and what I have done for them. This can help me showcase my portfolio, get referrals, and negotiate better deals.
Another thing that I would do differently is to keep a file, like a spreadsheet, with every transaction that I have done. This can help me manage my finances, track my income, and pay my taxes as a UGC creator. I would also do my admin work at least once a week, and update my file regularly. This can save me a lot of time and hassle at the end of the year, when I have to file my tax returns and report my earnings.
Protect your work and get paid
Another thing that I would do differently if I started UGC again is to always send my work with a watermark before hand, before getting paid, and only after I got the money in my bank account, then I would send the files without the watermark. This can prevent my clients from using my work without paying me, or delaying the payment for a long time. I have been in situations where I sent the files to a client and they did not pay me for a week, or even worse, they ghosted me and never paid me at all. This was very frustrating and unfair, and I felt like I wasted my time and effort.
To avoid this, I would also request half of the money before hand, and the other half after delivering the work. This can ensure that I get at least some compensation for my work, and also motivate the client to pay me the rest. I would also work more often with contracts, especially with brands that do not have to send me any product, such as apps and online services.
A contract can help me secure my rights and obligations as a UGC creator, and also protect me from any legal issues or disputes. A contract can also specify the scope, timeline, and quality of the work, and the payment terms and methods. If a brand does not want to give me a contract, that means that they are not really serious enough about their work and my work, and I probably do not want to work with them.
Create more variety of UGC and showcase your portfolio
Another thing that I would do differently if I started UGC again is to create more variety of UGC and send it to my clients through a portfolio on a website that I paid for. This can help me demonstrate my skills and creativity, and also attract more clients and opportunities. I would also experiment with different formats, styles, and platforms of UGC, such as videos, podcasts, blogs, infographics, and more. This can help me expand my audience, reach new markets, and diversify my income streams.
To showcase my portfolio, I would invest in a professional website that I own and control, rather than relying on third-party platforms that might change their policies, algorithms, or fees. I would also update my website regularly, and add testimonials, reviews, and case studies from my previous clients. This can help me build my reputation, credibility, and authority as a UGC creator, and also increase my visibility and discoverability online.
Creating UGC can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, but it also comes with many challenges and risks. As a UGC creator, I have learned a lot from my mistakes and successes, and I hope that sharing them with you can help you avoid some of the pitfalls and achieve some of the goals that I have.
If I started UGC again, I would do some things differently, such as keeping track of my clients and transactions, protecting my work and getting paid, and creating more variety of UGC and showcasing my portfolio. These are some of the tips that I think can help you succeed as a UGC creator, and I hope that you find them useful and helpful. Thank you for reading, and good luck with your UGC journey!