How to Pitch to Brands as a Small Creator (With UGC Email Templates!)

When you’re just starting out as a small creator, pitching to brands can feel daunting. But trust me, it’s a skill that improves with practice, and it’s key to growing your business. Whether you’re aiming for paid collaborations or starting small with gifted deals, the way you pitch matters. Here’s how you can stand out and land those UGC (User-Generated Content) deals. (Photo by Dushawn Jovic on Unsplash)

1. Do Your Research

The first step in any pitch is in-depth research of the brand you want to work with. Although it would be much easier, you can’t just send out the same generic email to every brand and hope for the best. Get to know the brand you’re reaching out to—what are their values? What’s their aesthetic? What kind of content do they usually post? By tailoring your pitch to match their brand voice and style, you’re showing that you’re not just another creator looking for a deal. You’ve done your homework, and you know how your content can add value to the brand.

2. Keep it Simple and Clear

Brands are busy, and they don’t have time to sift through long, complicated emails. Try to put yourself in the brand's position and try to create a pitch that if you were a brand you would find interesting. First of all, keep your pitch concise. Highlight what you can bring to the table and why your content is a good fit for them. Don’t overcomplicate it—get straight to the point. A simple and clear email will stand out more than one that’s too wordy or confusing. Make sure that the subject line is not broad and that the brand knows exactly what the email is about straight from the subject line of your email. 

3. Pitch, Pitch, Pitch—And Keep Pitching

The key to success here is persistence. Don’t expect to land your first UGC gig after just a couple of pitches you did sporadically throughout the few months. It’s going to take time and a lot of effort. Most brands won’t see your email, some might not even respond, and many will only offer gifted collaborations (which is fine to start with). The truth is, it’s a numbers game. Pitch as often as you can—aim for several pitches a week, especially in the beginning. Over time, your chances of success increase as you learn what works and refine your approach. Don't take it personally when you don't get a reply or if the brand wants to compensate your work with gifted products. This is a business and both sides want to make the most out of it. 

4. Forget the Follower Count, Focus on Content

Many brands still ask for your social media following as they are not quite familiar with the UGC world, but here’s the thing: when it comes to UGC, follower count should not be the main selling point. Brands should care about the quality of your content, not how many followers you have. It’s your ability to create content that aligns with their brand that makes you valuable. When you pitch, focus on showcasing your content skills and what you can bring to the table. 

5. Don’t Get Discouraged

When you’re starting out, rejection can feel discouraging, trust me I know—but don’t let it stop you. It’s all part of the process and the more you keep on going and learn the better you will be. Keep refining your pitch, keep creating high-quality content, and keep reaching out to brands. With each pitch, you’ll get closer to landing those collaborations, and when the right brand does respond, you’ll be ready.

Email Templates to Get You Started

Below are a couple of email templates you can use to pitch to brands. Feel free to customize them to suit your style and the brand you are pitching to!

Template 1: General Pitch for UGC Creation

Subject: UGC Collaboration Proposal

Hi [Brand Name Team],

My name is [Your Name], and I’m a content creator with a focus on [your niche]. I’ve been following [Brand Name] for a while, and I absolutely love your [mention something specific about their products or brand]. I believe that my content style aligns perfectly with your brand, and I’d love to create some high-quality UGC for you to use on your channels.

Here’s a link to my portfolio: [link] where you can check out some of my recent work. I’d be thrilled to discuss how I can create content that connects with your audience and elevates your brand.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Best,

[Your Name]

[Your Contact Info]

Template 2: Pitch for Paid Collaboration

Subject: Paid UGC Collaboration Inquiry

Hi [Brand Name],

I hope you’re doing well! I’m [Your Name], and I’m a content creator who specializes in [your niche]. I’ve been a fan of your brand for some time, and I’d love the opportunity to collaborate with you on a paid UGC campaign.

I create [type of content], and I believe my content could bring a fresh, authentic perspective to your brand. You can view my work here: [link to portfolio]. If you’re open to discussing how we can collaborate on a paid partnership, I’d love to chat further!

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Best,

[Your Name]

[Your Contact Info]

Remember, pitching is a process. The more you do it, the better you’ll get. Keep refining your approach, and don’t get discouraged—success will come! You can go between pitching on social media and email. Pay attention to what works and what doesn't.