How to Land Your First Paid UGC Deal (Even If You Have No Followers or Experience)

Hey creator! It’s Sisi here from The UGC Playbook. Today, I’m showing you exactly how you can secure your very first paid UGC deal yes, even if your follower count is still sitting at zero.

When I first started, I thought I needed tens of thousands of followers before brands would take me seriously. I quickly discovered that brands don’t care nearly as much about your follower count as they do about your ability to deliver engaging, authentic content. So let’s dive right in!

Step 1: Build Your Portfolio Fast!

Your portfolio is your calling card. And guess what? You don’t need past clients to make one. Here’s how to build an impressive portfolio in less than 48 hours:

Choose 3 Content Formats: I recommend starting with:

A 15-second product demo (perfect for Instagram Reels)

A 30-second tutorial or unboxing (ideal for TikTok)

A carousel post (great for Instagram feed posts)

Use My UGC Portfolio Template from The UGC Playbook Templates Library. It’s already structured so you can easily drop in your content, and it makes you look instantly professional.

Host Your Portfolio Online: Use a free platform like Carrd or Linktree, or even a simple Google Drive link works perfectly.

Step 2: Perfect Your Pitch

Outreach is the key to landing your first deal. Here’s my go-to formula for outreach emails and DMs that actually get responses:

Subject Line Magic:

“Quick Idea for [Brand Name]!”

“[Brand Name], Need Authentic UGC?”

First Sentence Personalisation: Always personalise your outreach:

“Hi [Brand Manager Name], I loved your recent sustainable skincare launch it inspired me to create a quick demo showcasing how real users enjoy your products. Here's a link!”

Show Your Work Immediately: Always include a direct link to your portfolio.

End With a Clear Call to Action:

“Would you have 10 minutes this week for a quick chat?”

Bonus: Follow-Up Formula

Day 3: Quick check-in “Did you get a chance to look at my idea?”

Day 7: Provide additional value“I’ve drafted some Instagram Stories you might like attached for free!”

Step 3: Deliver Exceptional Content

Here’s how you impress brands and keep them coming back:

Use My Brief Checklist: (available inside The UGC Playbook)

Confirm message, brand tone, and key CTAs.

Clarify usage rights upfront.

Leverage the Content Blueprint Module:

Easy scripts, shot lists, and editing guides for consistency and professionalism.

Revision Boundaries:

Offer one free revision, and set clear fees for additional rounds.

Gather Feedback:

Send a quick feedback form (Google Forms template included in the Playbook) for testimonials and continuous improvement.

Pricing & Negotiation: Know Your Worth

Here’s a solid starting point for pricing your UGC services:

15-second Reel: £150–£200

30-second Video: £200–£250

Carousel Post: £100–£150

Bundle (3 videos): £450–£550

Usage Rights: Additional £100–£150

Use the Rate Calculator in The UGC Playbook to benchmark yourself confidently.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

There it is your step-by-step blueprint to landing your very first paid UGC deal, zero followers needed! This strategy has worked for countless creators I’ve coached, and it will work for you too.

Ready to accelerate your success? Join my Outreach Accelerator Mini-Course inside The UGC Playbook, where I share real pitch examples, video walkthroughs, and insider tips from my personal journey.

You’ve got this!

Sisi, The UGC Playbook