The Hustle is Real: Why UGC Isn’t Just ‘Easy Money’ & How to Actually Succeed

Hey creators! 

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get said enough: UGC is NOT easy money. We see it all the time—TikToks claiming you can land brand deals overnight, make thousands with zero experience, and work from your couch without any effort. But if you’ve been in the game for a while, you already know the truth.

At Twirl, we hear from so many creators feeling frustrated that they’re not booking jobs. And we get it—UGC is competitive. But here’s the thing: successful UGC creators don’t rely on luck. They build SKILLS. If you’re serious about making this work, here’s what you actually need to do to stand out and land more gigs. 🚀

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1. Your Portfolio Isn’t Just ‘Good’—It Needs to Be GREAT

Your portfolio is the first thing brands see. If it doesn’t immediately show high-quality, brand-aligned content, you’re going to struggle to get booked. Here’s how to make sure it’s working for you, not against you:

✅ Refine, Refine, Refine: Constantly update your portfolio with your BEST work. If you’ve improved, remove your older videos and replace them with stronger ones.

✅ Match the Brand’s Aesthetic: If a brand has sleek, minimal content, don’t pitch them a bright, playful video. Study their social media and create samples that align with their style.

✅ Show Variety, but Stay Focused: Having examples across different niches is good, but don’t go overboard. If you want to work with skincare brands, make sure you have 2-3 solid skincare videos in your portfolio.

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2. Your Pitches Need to Be More Than ‘I Love Your Brand’

Most creators send generic, one-size-fits-all pitches. If you’re just copying and pasting, brands can tell. Instead, make your pitches impossible to ignore:

🚀 Personalize EVERY Pitch: Mention a recent campaign the brand ran or why you align with their messaging.

🚀 Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of saying “I can create great content for you,” attach an example that proves it.

🚀 Be Clear on Value: Brands don’t hire creators just because they like them. They hire creators who can help them sell, engage, and grow. Make sure your pitch reflects that.

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3. UGC is a SKILL—Not a Lottery

If you’re not landing jobs, it’s not because you’re ‘unlucky.’ It’s because UGC is a job like any other—it takes time, learning, and constant improvement. Here’s how to keep growing:

🔹 Analyze What Works: Look at successful creators in your niche. What makes their content engaging? How do they structure their videos?

🔹 Invest in Quality: Brands notice good lighting, clear audio, and smooth editing. You don’t need an expensive setup, but you do need to focus on quality.

🔹 Engage & Stay Active: The more brands see your name popping up (in a GOOD way), the more they’ll remember you. Comment on their posts, engage with other creators, and make yourself part of the conversation.

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4. The Hard Truth: UGC is Competitive—Because It’s a REAL Job

We’re not here to sugarcoat it—UGC is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Like any industry, the most successful people are the ones who treat it like a business.

📌 You’re not just making videos—you’re running a creative service.

📌 You’re not just “hoping” brands pick you—you’re proving why they should.

📌 You’re not “failing” if you haven’t landed a deal yet—you’re just still learning the ropes.

And if you’re feeling stuck, we’re here to help.

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🚀 This Month: 10 Free Portfolio Audits for Twirl Creators!

To help creators step up their game, we’re offering 10 free portfolio audits for the 10 fastest Twirl creators to sign up. If you want personalized feedback on what’s working, what’s not, and how to actually start landing jobs, this is your chance!

📍 Want in? Book you call here!

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Remember—UGC isn’t about luck. It’s about skill, strategy, and persistence. Keep going, keep refining, and the opportunities WILL come. 💪

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