How Many Brands to Pitch Per Week The sweet spot for most creators lies around 20 to 30 pitches per week. This allows you to cast a wide net without overwhelming yourself. If you're part-time, 10-15 may be more manageable. The key is to maintain a steady flow that you can sustain over time. Remember, quality trumps quantity; sending out 50 generic pitches won't outperform 20 well-researched, personalized ones. Take Jenna, a fitness UGC creator who decided to scale her outreach. She initially struggled with 5 pitches a week, which led to sporadic responses. When she upped her game to 25 tailored pitches weekly, her conversion rate jumped to 12%, landing her three new collaborations a month. Focus on a number you can realistically manage while ensuring each pitch is well-crafted.
Tailor Your Pitch for Success Personalization is your secret weapon. A generic pitch is a missed opportunity. Research each brand thoroughly , understand their values, recent campaigns, and target audience. Mention specific products or previous campaigns you admire in your pitch. This demonstrates genuine interest and increases your chances of getting noticed. For example, when pitching to a skincare brand, instead of saying "I love your products," specify: "I admire your recent campaign focusing on eco-friendly packaging. I believe my audience, who values sustainability, would resonate with your message." This level of detail shows you're not just another creator sending a mass email. UGCRoster can help you automate parts of this process by providing verified brand contacts and templates to streamline your pitching efforts.
Track Your Outreach Efforts Tracking your outreach is crucial to understanding what works and what doesn't. Use a simple spreadsheet or a tool like Airtable to log each pitch , include the date, brand name, contact info, and any follow-up actions. Track response rates and outcomes to identify patterns over time. For instance, if you notice that fashion brands respond at a higher rate than tech brands, you might decide to focus more of your efforts there. Or, if you find that following up after one week increases your response rate by 20%, make it part of your standard practice. By analyzing your data, you can refine your approach and improve your success rate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Pitching without Research: Sending out generic pitches without understanding the brand. Instead, spend 10 minutes researching each brand.
- Overloading Your Schedule: Trying to pitch 50 brands weekly and burning out. Stick to a sustainable number like 20-30 tailored pitches.
- Not Following Up: Assuming a lack of response means no interest. Brands are busy; follow up after a week to increase your chances.
- Ignoring Analytics: Not tracking which pitches converted. Use a tool to track your metrics and tweak your strategy based on data.
- Poor Timing: Pitching during busy seasons like holidays without considering the brand's schedule. Time your pitches when brands are planning new campaigns.
- Lack of Personalization: Sending the same pitch to all brands. Customize each pitch to show your specific interest and value.
- Neglecting Relationships: Forgetting to nurture existing relationships. Sometimes, repeat business is just a follow-up email away.
Next Steps for UGC Success First, decide on your weekly pitching target based on your capacity , aim for 20-30 if you're full-time. Use UGCRoster to streamline the process, ensuring each pitch is personalized and backed by verified contacts. Track every pitch you send and analyze what's working. Finally, adjust your approach based on your findings to optimize your efforts. If you're new to tracking, start with a simple Google Sheet or explore UGCRoster's outreach tools. Focus on building relationships and refining your pitch strategy based on what resonates with brands. This will set you on a path to consistent UGC success.
FAQ
How many brands should I pitch per week?
You should aim to pitch 20 to 30 brands per week for optimal results. This range allows you to reach enough brands to secure deals without overwhelming yourself. For example, if you're part-time, 10-15 might be more feasible. Think of Jenna, who went from 5 pitches to 25 weekly, boosting her conversion rate to 12% and landing three new gigs a month. It's about maintaining a consistent and manageable flow of quality pitches tailored to each brand.
What are the best UGC platforms for beginners?
For beginners, platforms like Billo and Incense offer great starting points because they have user-friendly interfaces and cater to various niches. Billo, for instance, connects creators with brands looking for video content, which is a hot market now. You might find that these platforms provide a structured environment to hone your pitching skills and start building a portfolio without the intimidation of direct pitching.
Should I use Billo, Incense, or Join Brands?
You should consider your niche and what each platform specializes in. For video-focused creators, Billo is excellent, while Incense suits those looking for diverse content opportunities. Join Brands is a solid option for those wanting a mix of both. For example, if you're in the beauty niche, Incense's diverse brand partnerships could offer more opportunities, whereas Billo's video focus might be better for tutorial-style content.
How do I get approved on UGC platforms?
You need to present a strong, authentic profile that showcases your work and aligns with the platform’s focus. Highlight your niche expertise, past collaborations, and any unique skills. For instance, if you specialize in lifestyle photography, emphasize your ability to capture engaging, relatable content. Many platforms value creators with a clear, cohesive style and a genuine passion for their niche.
Do UGC platforms take a commission?
Yes, most UGC platforms take a commission, typically around 10-20%. This fee covers their service in connecting you with brands and handling transactions. For instance, if you earn $200 for a project, you might receive $160 to $180 after the platform’s cut. Always check the platform’s terms so you know exactly how much you'll pocket from each deal.
What's the difference between UGC platforms and freelance platforms? UGC platforms focus on connecting creators with brands for content creation, often streamlining the pitch and payment process.
Freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr cater to a broader range of services beyond content creation. On a UGC platform, you might find more targeted opportunities for your niche. For example, a beauty influencer is more likely to connect with relevant brands on a UGC platform than on a generic freelance site.
Should I apply to multiple platforms?
Yes, applying to multiple platforms increases your chances of landing gigs. Different platforms have different brand partnerships, so diversifying your presence can lead to more opportunities. For instance, being on both Billo and Join Brands can expose you to a broader audience and more varied projects, maximizing your potential to secure deals and build a steady income stream.
How long does it take to get approved?
Approval times vary but typically range from a few days to two weeks. Some platforms have quicker processes, like Incense, which often approves within a week. Factors such as the completeness of your profile and the platform's current demand can impact timing. If it's been over two weeks, consider reaching out to their support for an update on your application status.
What if I get rejected from a platform?
If you get rejected, review your application and see where you can improve. Consider enhancing your portfolio or refining your niche presentation. For instance, if you applied to a fashion-focused platform, ensure your content showcases your expertise in that area. Reapply with a stronger, more targeted profile or try other platforms that might align better with your style and strengths.
Are UGC platforms worth it or should I pitch directly? UGC platforms can be worth it for structured opportunities and consistent gigs, especially if you're new or looking for less legwork in finding brands.
However, direct pitching often allows for higher earnings since there's no commission cut. For instance, if a platform takes 20%, a $200 gig becomes $
- Balancing both can maximize your reach and income potential, giving you the security of platform gigs and the flexibility of direct deals.
How competitive are UGC platforms? UGC platforms can be competitive, as many creators are vying for the same projects.
However, standing out with a unique style and personalized pitches can give you an edge. For example, on a platform like Join Brands, showcasing a strong niche expertise or innovative content ideas can make you more attractive to brands. Continuous learning and adapting to what works best on each platform can also help you stay competitive.
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