The Road Less Travelled: UGC Creators vs. Influencer Marketing
When it comes to monetizing creativity online, two prominent paths often come up – User-Generated Content (UGC) and Influencer Marketing. However, there's a common misconception that you need a large social media following to make a mark. Today, we're setting the record straight.
UGC is all about authentic content that stems from real interactions with a product. Whether it's a photo, a video review, or other creative content, it's made by regular folks without the need for thousands of followers.
Contrarily, Influencer Marketing requires substantial online following. Influencers promote brands or products on their platforms, often in a more professional and polished manner.
While both have their places in the online marketing landscape, they're fundamentally different. Key to note is that UGC doesn't require you to be an influencer or even post the content on your personal social media channels. Brands typically use your content for their own advertising efforts.
Assessing Your Suitability for UGC
If you have a flair for creativity and enjoy sharing your thoughts on products, then UGC is a potential side hustle to consider. But be aware, if you're uneasy about being the face and voice of your content or find it challenging to handle public critique, UGC might feel daunting.
Securing UGC Creation Opportunities
There are many platforms out there that aim to connect UGC creators with brands looking for UGC creators. One that stands out, particularly for those just starting, is JoinBrands. It offers a variety of opportunities and can help you begin building a portfolio. For a detailed guide on how to get certified on JoinBrands, I will publish another blog post titled JoinBrands certification guide.
Tips for Succeeding on JoinBrands
A critical thing to remember is that not all your applications on JoinBrands will land you a gig. It's all part of the game. A piece of advice from my experience: try applying for less mainstream products. While trendy items such as makeup, vitamins, and lotions attract a swarm of applications, the less glamorous ones like bike locks, Christmas tree stands, or software usually have fewer competitors, increasing your odds of securing the gig.
Wrapping Up
In the diverse world of online content creation, UGC offers an accessible and potentially rewarding side hustle opportunity. Platforms like JoinBrands make it possible for anyone to delve into the UGC world, no influencer status needed. So why not take the leap? You might discover a hidden talent and make some extra cash along the way!
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