Paid to Create! Sponsorships and UGC for Beginners
LYNNIE VERSION
Would you like to read this article in more grown-up words, still easy to understand? Jump here.
Hi! I’m Lynnie! Today I’m explaining sponsorships and UGC for beginners.
Lots of people dream about brands paying them for videos and photos. It’s a real way to earn!
What Lynnaider means
Brands invite you to make content. Content means photos, videos or writing. In sponsorships, you also share it with your followers. And you get a set price, no matter how much the brand sells afterwards!
That set price is the big difference from affiliate marketing. There, you only earn when somebody buys. In a brand deal, you’re paid for your work and for being seen.
What sponsorships are
Sponsorships are how influencers started earning, with content all about their own lives. Grown-ups call that a personal brand. But today there are way more ways!
A bigger idea of “influencer”
You DO need to make content. But it can be about an activity, not your life. You can be a creator without sharing your life story, or even your face!
Hidden creators and sponsorships
It’s still less common for hidden creators to get sponsorships. Brands pick creators themselves, and they often like ones they can see. But hidden creators have good ways to work with brands and learn too!
What UGC is
That’s where UGC comes in! UGC means user-generated content. Photos, videos or articles you make about a brand’s product. Often, you don’t post them yourself.
The brand uses them on its own pages or in ads, because fresh styles are super valuable. So UGC is a service, without using your followers.
UGC is the front door
UGC is often the first step into brand deals, especially for beginners. Lots of brands start by asking a creator for UGC. If they love it, they come back later with a sponsorship, once the creator has more followers!
An easy path
Start with UGC deals, because the main job is the same: making really good content. Later, when more people follow you, try sponsorships.
And here’s a secret. Most of your content should NOT be for money. It should make your own page better. The more you practice, the more brands will notice you!
A story
A home cook films close-up videos of her hands cooking simple meals. She never shows her face! First, she offers UGC to kitchen brands: short videos of their pans in action, for their ads.
After a year of posting, tens of thousands of people follow her. Then a spice brand offers her a sponsorship: one video on her page with their spices, for a set price. Yummy!
Always say it’s an ad!
When you post paid content on your own page, you must say so clearly. Use a label like “ad” or “sponsored,” say it out loud in videos, or use the app’s paid partnership tag. People have a right to know!
For UGC the brand posts, the brand is responsible for labeling it. But agree in writing who does what.
What’s next?
The next article explains what you offer brands, and five things to do before pitching. The whole module is in the book on our products page. Want a grown-up to help you start? Go to our services page.
What grown-ups usually ask (and I answer)
How much do brand deals pay?
It’s really different every time. Beginners often start small with UGC.
What are sponsorships?
Brands pay a set price for content you share with your followers.
What is UGC?
Content you make for a brand to use on its own pages.
What’s the difference?
Sponsorship pays for content AND attention. UGC pays for content only.
Am I paid by sales?
No! A set price, no matter the sales.
Do I need to be an influencer?
You need to make content. It can be about an activity, not your life.
Should all my content be paid?
No! Most should make your own page great.
Will there be step-by-step lessons for each of the ten ways?
Maybe! If lots of people want them. Join the waitlist and you’ll know first.
Where can I get help on a small budget?
Lynnaider shows you ways to start that cost nothing, or very little. You’d be surprised! And a free robot helper called Lynnaider Compass helps you step by step.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal, tax, or business advice. Pursuing an online business does not guarantee income; results depend on many factors including the business environment, individual effort, skills, and consistency. Some links on this site may allow Lynnaider to earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader.
