So you’ve discovered the booming world of User-Generated Content (UGC) and want to get started.
You’ve read guides on how to become a UGC creator, but now comes the real challenge: landing your first UGC client.
It’s the somewhat nervous leap that turns your whimsical interest into a proper freelance career.
This guide will walk you through how to find UGC jobs, build a simple but powerful portfolio, and use proven outreach strategies (including email and DM templates) to connect with brands. Along the way, you’ll see how tools like Xolo make the business side of freelancing effortless so you can focus on creating unbeatable content.
Why your first UGC client matters
Freelancers just starting out are often faced with the dilemma of “What portfolio?” And while there are ways to build a portfolio as a freelancer before your first client, it’s always the client jobs that hit hardest.
Landing your first UGC client isn’t just about money, it’s about momentum. Your first collaboration helps you:
- Build a credible portfolio
- Gain testimonials and social proof
- Refine your pricing and processes
- Open doors to repeat work and referrals.
Scaling your freelance business kicks off from client numero uno, and ensuring that you (1) land that client and (2) blow them away with quality work are crucial to hitting the ground running.
Build a simple UGC portfolio
Brands need to see your creative skills before they trust you with a project. Even if you don’t have clients yet, you can create a mock portfolio:
- Pick a product you already own (skincare, coffee, fitness gear)
- Shoot 2–3 short videos showing its benefits in a natural, authentic way
- Edit with free tools like CapCut, Canva, or InShot
- Save them in a clean Google Drive folder, Notion page, or simple website.
Label each video with the type of deliverable (e.g., “TikTok unboxing,” “Instagram Reel testimonial”) so brands instantly see your range.
And remember: once you start landing clients, Xolo can help you professionally invoice them and stay tax-compliant –– no messy spreadsheets required.
4 crucial places to find UGC clients as a content creator
Knowing where to acquire UGC clients will make a huge difference, both in acquisition and time spent acquiring. There are 4 key locations where UGC clients look for their next ad-spot, and we’ll quickly break them down.
UGC marketplaces
- Billo, JoinBrands, Trend.io → platforms where brands post UGC campaigns.
- Great for beginners since the projects are smaller and lower-risk.
Freelance platforms
- Upwork, Fiverr → search specifically for “UGC creator” or “User-generated content.”
- Competition is higher, but brands browsing here are actively hiring.
Social media outreach
- Search hashtags like #ugccreator or #brandambassador on TikTok and Instagram.
- Try engaging with brands that are already collaborating with creators.
Direct brand outreach
- Focus on small-to-mid e-commerce brands, startups, and DTC shops - they’re more open to testing UGC and taking a chance on early stage creators.
- Use LinkedIn to find marketing managers or social media coordinators and reach out to them directly.
Remember to have a pitch ready to go! Your first message or outreach will be the lasting impression, but it may also be the only shot at getting a key inside the door. You won’t always succeed, but you can ask for feedback and tailor your outreach style through every failure and success.
Master outreach strategy with global-ready templates
The difference between a cold pitch and a booked client is how you position yourself. Remember that your first contact is likely going to be your only contact, unless the client wants to move forward.
We’ve got some ready-made templates you can base your pitches off of.
Email Template
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Subject: UGC Collaboration Idea for [Brand] Hi [Name], I’m a UGC creator who specialises in short-form videos that build trust and engagement. I love [brand/product] and would be excited to create content that connects with your audience. Here are examples of my work: [Portfolio link]. Best, |
Instagram DM Template
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Hey [Brand’s handle]! 👋 I’m a UGC creator and a big fan of your products. I’d love to create authentic short-form videos that highlight your brand. Here’s my portfolio: [link]. Would you like me to send over some creative concepts? |
TikTok Comment + DM
- Comment on a recent TikTok post:
“This would make such a fun UGC-style video. Would love to create something like that for you!” - Follow up with a DM linking your portfolio.
Always personalize! Brands get dozens of generic pitches daily. Mention a specific product, campaign, or ad you liked. Link your work, express yourself and strive to stand out in the right way.
Learn to follow up without feeling pushy
Most brands won’t reply right away. Send a polite follow-up after 5–7 days.
Persistence shows professionalism, but be careful not to spam. These brands are likely receiving throngs of messages per day –– if possible, look for more professional ways to reach them (like through webpage contact forms and other extra-mile style steps that show you searched.
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Hi [Name], just wanted to follow up in case my last message got buried. I’d love to help [brand] create UGC that resonates with your audience. Here’s my portfolio again: [link]. Looking forward to hearing from you! |
Close your first UGC deal with confidence
Once you’ve caught the interest of a brand, you’ll want to ensure that you tackle some basic –– unshakably important –– terms. Without these, you may find yourself working outside of the assumed scope, or running into the freelancer’s worst nightmare of late or incorrect payment.
Agree on deliverables and limit the current project to exactly what’s agreed upon. This may mean creating 3 videos and 5 photos surrounding the brand itself.
Clarify usage rights, by deciding on organic social posts and paid adverts. It’s your channel, it’s their product, and it’s your combined project.
Confirm payment terms and send a professional invoice. Sign an agreement! And make sure that this portion of how much and when and for what is unbreakable.
With Xolo, you can create professional, compliant invoices in minutes; accept global payments; and even handle taxes. You’ll look like a pro from day one when you manage your finances and admin through Xolo.
Wrapping up UGC content creation for freelance creators
Today we covered everything from the ground up! From…
- Building a portfolio, even with mock content
- To exploring UGC marketplaces, freelance platforms, and direct outreach
After you’ve gotten yourself established, you’ve learned to…
- Use outreach strategies with tailored email/DM templates.
- Follow up and close with confidence.
And last but not least, we’ve let you know that…
- Xolo can handle the admin side of your freelance business, including amazing invoices
They joy of UGC content creation without the admin––with Xolo
Getting your first UGC client is the hardest step, but once you’ve done it, the path to building a thriving freelance business becomes much clearer.
Don’t let invoicing, contracts and taxes slow you down — Xolo gives you everything you need to run your UGC business stress-free.
👉 Start with Xolo today and focus on what you do best: creating scroll-stopping content for brands.