The Power of User-Generated Content (UGC) and Why You Should Leverage It Today

What is User-Generated Content (UGC)?

UGC refers to any type of content—videos, images, testimonials, social media posts, and reviews—created by consumers rather than brands. This content is shared on social media, websites, and advertising campaigns, allowing brands to tap into the power of authentic, unpaid endorsements.

For example, a customer posting a TikTok video reviewing a new skincare product or a homeowner showcasing a contractor’s work on Instagram—that’s UGC. Instead of relying on big ad agencies, brands now partner with UGC creators to produce relatable content that resonates with audiences.

Why Brands Love UGC

Authenticity Wins: Consumers trust real people more than scripted advertisements.
Higher Engagement: UGC drives 28% more engagement than standard brand content.
Boosts Conversions: According to Stackla, 79% of consumers say UGC influences their purchasing decisions.
Cost-Effective Marketing: Brands save money by repurposing user-generated content rather than producing in-house ads.

As a 57-year-old UGC creator, I’ve seen firsthand how brands benefit from relatable, natural content. Whether it's luxury fashion, travel experiences, or home improvement services, businesses need authentic content creators to connect with their audience.

🚀 Want to work with me? Check out my portfolio at KeithaScarfo.com.

The Types of UGC Every Brand Needs

Product Reviews & Testimonials

A whopping 92% of consumers trust peer recommendations over traditional advertising. Video testimonials, unboxings, and side-by-side product comparisons are gold for brands looking to convert viewers into buyers.

👉 Example: A beauty brand reposting a TikTok of a real customer raving about their skincare routine.

Lifestyle & Relatable Content

People love seeing products in real-world settings. Whether it’s a travel blogger showcasing a new carry-on suitcase or a contractor demonstrating a roofing installation, these organic moments sell better than staged advertisements.

👉 Example: A home improvement company sharing a customer’s before-and-after renovation photos on Instagram.

Tutorials & How-To Content

Educational content performs exceptionally well, especially in industries like fashion, beauty, fitness, and home improvement. A simple tutorial can drive sales by showing customers how to use a product effectively.

👉 Example: A video tutorial demonstrating how to style gray hair for women over 50—just like I do on my social channels!

Behind-the-Scenes & BTS Content

Audiences love a peek behind the curtain. Whether it’s showing the craftsmanship of a handmade product or a “day in the life” of a UGC creator, this type of content builds strong brand relationships.

👉 Example: A contractor sharing behind-the-scenes footage of a home renovation project, giving potential clients insight into their work.

Social Media Challenges & Brand Hashtags

Brands encourage UGC through hashtag campaigns, where users share their experiences with a specific product. This fosters community engagement and provides free marketing content for brands.

👉 Example: Starbucks’ #RedCupContest encourages customers to share their holiday-themed drinks for a chance to win prizes.

How to Get Started as a UGC Creator

Whether you’re an aspiring content creator or a brand looking to leverage UGC, the process is straightforward:

Step 1: Define Your Niche

Choose an industry you’re passionate about:
Fashion & Beauty
Travel & Lifestyle
Health & Wellness
Home Improvement & Contracting

For instance, as a fashion-loving, gray-haired 57-year-old, I specialize in luxury UGC for fashion, skincare, and home brands. If you're a contractor, showcasing real customer experiences will set you apart from competitors.

Step 2: Create a UGC Portfolio

Brands need to see what you can do. Build a portfolio featuring sample videos, testimonials, and social media posts to showcase your UGC skills.

🔗 Check out my portfolio at KeithaScarfo.com.

Step 3: Pitch Brands Directly

Don’t wait for brands to find you—reach out! Send emails or messages offering to create high-quality UGC for their marketing campaigns.

Pro Tip: Many brands pay $100 - $500 per video for UGC content.

Step 4: Optimize for SEO & Social Media

Use relevant hashtags, keywords, and SEO-optimized descriptions to increase your content’s reach. Some powerful SEO keywords include:

Best UGC Creators for Brands
How to Make Money with UGC
Fashion UGC Creator Over 50
Home Improvement Marketing with UGC

Step 5: Stay Consistent

Content creation is a long-term game. Brands work with UGC creators who post regularly and adapt to trending content formats on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

Why UGC is the Future of Digital Marketing

As the demand for authentic brand engagement grows, so does the opportunity for UGC creators. Here’s why:

Short-form video content (TikTok, Instagram Reels) is dominating online marketing.
Consumers trust peer recommendations more than polished brand ads.
Platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok reward authentic UGC content with higher reach and engagement.

According to a Business Insider study, brands investing in creator-driven UGC see significant revenue growth.

If you're a business looking to grow, or a content creator looking to make money online, UGC is the way forward.

Final Thoughts: Start Your UGC Journey Today

Whether you're a brand, entrepreneur, or aspiring creator, leveraging UGC is a must in 2024. It’s affordable, effective, and high-converting—a win-win for both brands and content creators.

Want to collaborate? Contact me at KeithaScarfo.com for high-quality UGC services that elevate your brand.

Share this post if you found it helpful, and start your UGC journey today!