Brand Pitching Simplified: Get Noticed as a UGC Creator
Congratulations on embarking on your adventure in the world of user-generated content (UGC)! I know how exciting and daunting it can be to think about collaborating with brands. So, where do you begin?
My goal here is to demystify the process of brand pitching, transforming it from something that can be overwhelming to a manageable and even enjoyable task. By the end of this blog, you'll be equipped with the insights and strategies needed to attract the attention of brands and secure those collaborations you've been dreaming of.
And there's a little extra treat for you at the end—a bonus section where I delve deeper into some personal tips for nailing your pitches through Twirl.
Step 1: Build a Strong Portfolio
In my journey, I realised how crucial it is to have a portfolio that truly represents you, whether you choose to make it into a website or use your social media platforms! I made sure mine was a reflection of my best work, which means keeping my portfolio fresh and updated with my top-performing content.
Let me tell you, brands will use your portfolio to figure out if you're the right fit for their image and values. Remember, in the world of UGC, your portfolio is like your handshake—it needs to be strong, confident, and true to who you are.
Step 2: Seeking Out Brands That Vibe with You
Now its time for my favourite part – finding brands that match your style and goals. My go-to way is scrolling through Instagram and TikTok, which is like going on treasure hunts, leading me to brands that were either already into UGC or popping up with sponsored posts.
But here's a cool tip: don't just stick to brands already in the UGC game. I've had some amazing collabs with brands new to UGC. If you spot a brand you love but they haven't dived into UGC yet, take that as your cue to introduce them to it.
This can set you apart and open up some really exciting opportunities. 🌟
Step 3: Crafting Your Pitch with a Personal Touch
Now into the nitty-gritty—let's talk about making your pitch stand out. Because you know what? cookie-cutter pitches just don't cut it anymore. To really grab a brand's attention, you've got to step it up.
Think of each pitch like a letter to a friend, where you're sharing something cool and exciting.
Try to demonstrate that you're not just shooting off emails left and right, but you're genuinely interested in each specific brand you research out too!
So, how can you spice things up in your pitch?
- Teach a bit about UGC, but keep it light and fun. Like, “Did you know UGC can be a game-changer for connecting with your audience? Your audience is looking for real and relatable.”
- Throw in some specific ideas. Not just, “I want to work with you,” but more like, “Imagine, we do this cool thing together that totally complements your latest campaign.”
- Show off what makes you, well, you. Maybe it's your quirky sense of humour or your way of seeing the world. Let them know why your content would be the perfect addition to their brand.
Remember, your pitch is more than just a proposal; it's a sneak peek into the amazing collaboration that could happen. Keep it fun, keep it real, and before you know it, you'll be teaming up with brands that love your vibe just as much as you do.
Step 4: Pinpoint the Perfect Person to Pitch To
Here's a little tip I learned the hard way: before you eagerly press 'send' on that awesome pitch of yours, pause for a sec. Who exactly should receive this? Finding the right person for the brand can make all the difference.
Start by playing detective on the brand's website or social media (Linkedin is a good one here!). You're looking for someone on their marketing or partnerships team. And if there is no luck there, shoot a quick message to their customer support or a friendly DM on their social channels!
By sending your pitch to the right person, you’re not just increasing the chances of it being read; you’re also showing that you're thorough and thoughtful. So, take that extra minute to make sure your pitch lands in the right hands!
Step 5: Keep the Conversation Going
Okay, so you've sent off your pitch. High five!
But here's the thing – brands are juggling a million things, just like we are. If you don't hear back right away, don't let that get you down.
Following up is key. Drop them a polite follow-up email or message to remind them how excited you are about the possibility of working together. Sometimes, it's that gentle nudge that gets you the collab. 💌
Bonus: Best Practices for Pitching Through Twirl
Now, onto the premium content! Let's chat about Twirl.
Although pitching through twirl is a whole lot smoother than reaching out directly to brands, don't let that ease fool you. Why? Because Twirl has a lot of very cool content creators that, in a way, you are competing against. So, standing out here will also need a little bit of magic from your side.
Here are some golden tips to make your Twirl pitches pop:
- Profile Perfection: Treat your Twirl profile like it's your shining moment. Keep it updated with your latest, most fabulous work. It's your digital persona, your intro to the brands, so make sure it's showing off the very best of you.
- Brand-Specific Pitches: Even on Twirl, customisation is key. Take each pitch and craft it to fit the brand like a glove. Show them you're not just shooting pitches left and right – you've done your homework, you get their vibe, and don’t be scared to throw in some ideas.
- Showcase Your Content: Twirl's got this neat feature where you can upload your work right there. Use it to your advantage! Share pieces that match the brand’s identity and their brief.
Jumping into the Twirl pool with these strategies up your sleeve will definitely give you an edge. As a fellow UGC enthusiast, I can vouch for the power of persistence and passion. So go ahead, use these insights, and watch those brand collabs start rolling in.