Introduction
You sent your pitch and now you're in limbo, wondering if the brand will ever respond. It's frustrating to pour effort into crafting the perfect pitch only to be met with silence. This is where following up becomes your best friend. A strategic follow-up can reignite interest and land you that deal. But timing and execution are key.
When you follow up after a UGC pitch, you're not just reminding the brand of your offer; you're showing persistence and professionalism. Many creators fear coming off as pushy, but a well-timed, thoughtful follow-up can actually set you apart. Brands are busy and your pitch might have just slipped through the cracks. Let's dive into how you can master the art of following up effectively.
llow-Up
Timing can make or break your follow-up. Wait too long, and your pitch might be forgotten; follow up too soon, and you risk being a nuisance. A good rule of thumb is to give it 5-7 business days after your initial pitch. This gives the brand enough time to process your email without feeling rushed.
Consider Sarah, a beauty content creator, who sent a pitch to a skincare brand. She waited six days before sending her follow-up email. This timing was ideal because it allowed the brand to focus on her pitch after they had cleared their inbox from the weekend influx. Her patience paid off when they responded with a collaboration offer worth $
500.
If you don't get a response after your first follow-up, wait another 7-10 business days before you try again. Persistence is important, but so is respecting the brand's time.
rfect Message
A follow-up message should be concise, polite, and direct. Start by referencing your initial email and reiterating your interest in collaborating. Show appreciation for their time and subtly remind them of the value you bring.
Here's a script to consider:
"Hi [Brand Contact Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my previous email regarding a potential collaboration. I’m really excited about the opportunity to work together and bring [Brand Name]'s amazing products to my audience of [Your Audience Size].
Please let me know if you have any questions or need more information from my side. Looking forward to your thoughts.
Best regards,
[Your Name]"
This message is simple and to the point, yet effectively nudges the brand to take action.
annels
Email is the standard, but it shouldn't be your only method of follow-up. Brands are inundated with emails, so consider reaching out through different channels like LinkedIn or Instagram DMs. This can help you stand out in a crowded inbox.
For instance, after sending a follow-up email, Jake, a travel content creator, decided to send a polite DM on Instagram to a potential partner in the tourism industry. He simply mentioned his email and expressed excitement about the possibility of working together. This dual-channel approach increased his response rate by 30%.
Just ensure your messages are consistent across platforms to avoid any confusion.
ogress
Keeping track of your pitches and follow-ups is essential for understanding what works and what doesn’t. Use tools like spreadsheets or CRM software to log when you’ve reached out and when you need to follow up.
For example, if you notice that follow-ups sent on Tuesdays get better responses, you can adjust your strategy accordingly. With platforms like UGCRoster, you can automate tracking and get insights into your outreach effectiveness, saving you time and increasing your chances of success.
Common Mistakes
- Following Up Too Soon: Waiting at least 5 days shows patience and respect. Jumping the gun might annoy the brand.
- Being Too Aggressive: Pestering the brand with daily emails or messages can backfire. Instead, space out your follow-ups by at least a week.
- Not Personalizing: Generic messages are easy to ignore. Personalize your follow-up to remind the brand why you're the best fit.
- Ignoring Feedback: If a brand gives feedback or a reason for not responding, address it in your follow-up to show you're attentive and adaptable.
- Using Only One Channel: Sticking to email alone limits your chances. Diversify your approach to increase visibility.
- Neglecting to Track: Without tracking your outreach, it's hard to know what's working. Use tools or spreadsheets to monitor your efforts.
- Sounding Desperate: Confidence is key. Frame your follow-up as an opportunity for mutual benefit rather than a plea for work.
Next Steps
Start by reviewing your previous pitches and identifying which brands to follow up with first. Prioritize those you haven't heard back from in over a week. Use UGCRoster to streamline your process with verified contacts and templates. Then, refine your follow-up strategy by incorporating multiple channels and tracking your results.
Once you've got your follow-up plan in place, dive deeper into mastering brand relations with our article on follow-up-with-brands-after-ugc-pitch for more strategies to boost your success rate.
FAQ
What are the best UGC platforms for beginners?
For beginners, platforms like Billo and Join Brands are great starting points. They have intuitive interfaces and don't require a large following. For example, Join Brands often has gigs that cater to creators with smaller audiences, and you can start earning right away. Some creators even land their first gig within a week. Starting with these platforms gives you the experience and confidence needed to branch out into more competitive markets.
llo, Incense, or Join Brands?
Choosing between Billo, Incense, or Join Brands depends on your niche and goals. Billo is great for short video content, while Incense focuses on photo and video gigs. Join Brands offers a mix, making it versatile. A creator I know started with Billo and made $300 in her first month just by focusing on video gigs. Evaluate what type of content you enjoy creating and where the demand is strongest for your style.
How do I get approved on UGC platforms?
To get approved, ensure your profiles and portfolios are complete and showcase your best work. Platforms like Incense might ask for sample content, so having a polished portfolio is key. One creator I helped had a 70% approval success rate by tailoring her portfolio to the types of brands she wanted to work with, showing her adaptability and creativity. Keep your content relevant and your application process thorough.
Do UGC platforms take a commission?
Yes, most UGC platforms take a commission, typically ranging from 10% to 20%. For instance, if you earn $100 from a gig on a platform like Billo, you might only take home $80 after the commission. It's crucial to factor this into your pricing strategy so you maintain a profitable margin. Always check the platform's terms before starting any project to understand the exact percentage they deduct.
What's the difference between UGC platforms and freelance platforms?
UGC platforms focus on content creation gigs for brands, while freelance platforms like Upwork offer a wider range of freelance services. On UGC platforms, you might find gigs like creating a TikTok video for a skincare brand, while on Upwork, you could be hired for anything from video editing to blog writing. If you specialize in UGC, these platforms streamline your search for relevant gigs, saving you time.
Should I apply to multiple platforms?
Yes, applying to multiple platforms can increase your chances of landing gigs and diversifying your income. A creator I know applied to both Billo and Join Brands and tripled her opportunities within two months. By being active on multiple platforms, you can access different types of gigs and not rely on a single source for income. Just be sure to manage your time well and not overcommit.
How long does it take to get approved?
Approval times vary, but typically it takes 3 to 5 business days. On platforms like Incense, creators often hear back within a week. One friend got approved on Billo in just two days after submitting a strong portfolio and completing all necessary profile details. Keep your email notifications on and check regularly to respond promptly to any follow-up requests from the platform.
What if I get rejected from a platform?
If you get rejected, review your application and portfolio, then make improvements before reapplying. A creator I know was initially rejected by Incense, but after adding more recent and relevant UGC examples, she got approved on her second try. Use rejection as a learning opportunity to refine your application materials. Reach out to the platform for feedback if possible, as this can provide valuable insights.
Are UGC platforms worth it or should I pitch directly?
UGC platforms can be worth it for steady work and structure, but pitching directly often yields higher payouts. A creator I spoke with used Join Brands for consistent small gigs but made $1,000 from a single direct pitch to a brand. Combining both strategies can maximize your income and offer flexibility. Use platforms for regular gigs and direct pitches to build lasting brand relationships.
How competitive are UGC platforms?
UGC platforms can be competitive, especially for high-paying gigs. For example, a friend mentioned that on Billo, some gigs receive over 50 applications within hours. However, niches like niche beauty hacks or local travel content might have less competition. To stand out, refine your niche and continuously improve your content quality. Consistent effort and specialization can help you land more gigs despite the competition.