Why Brands Ghost UGC Pitches & How to Fix It Quickly

Introduction {#intro} You’ve sent out dozens of pitches to brands, poured your creativity into each one, and still, all you hear is silence. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. UGC creator pitch issues are a common frustration in our industry. You might have even nailed a few collaborations, only to wonder why other brands just ghost you. Start here to understand why this happens and how to fix it. The reality is, many UGC creators face inconsistent income and the stress of uncertainty, largely because their pitches don't get the response they deserve. But what if you could change that? With the right strategy, you can transform your outreach process, reduce ghosting, and secure more paid deals. Let's delve into why brands might ignore your pitches and how you can improve your chances of getting noticed. ## Why Brands Ghost UGC Pitches {#why-brands-ghost} Brands ghost UGC pitches for several reasons, but a common one is simply being overwhelmed. A medium-sized skincare company, for instance, might receive up to 100 pitches weekly. Amidst this influx, your pitch needs to stand out. If it doesn't immediately capture attention, it might end up in the 'maybe later' pile, which often means never. Another factor is the lack of alignment with brand goals. A travel brand focused on eco-conscious experiences might not engage with pitches that don't highlight sustainability, regardless of the creator's follower count or engagement rates. If your pitch doesn't clearly communicate how your content aligns with their mission, it’s easy for them to overlook it. Then there's timing. Brands often plan campaigns months in advance. If your pitch arrives after they've finalized their budget or campaign calendar, it might be too late, even if they're intrigued by your work. Try aiming for a 20% response rate by aligning your pitches with brand timelines and goals. ## The Impact of Your Email Strategy {#email-impact} Your email strategy can make or break your outreach efforts. A creator I know, Jessica, went from a 5% to a 15% response rate by simply refining her subject lines and opening sentences. She learned that personalizing emails with the brand's recent campaigns, or even a compliment about a recent product launch, increased her chances of getting noticed. Using verified contacts is crucial. Sending your pitch to a generic 'info@' email rarely works. Platforms like UGCRoster help by providing verified brand contacts, which can increase your chances of reaching the right person by up to 30%. The email’s subject line, too, should be concise and engaging. Consider something like "Excited to elevate your next launch with engaging UGC" instead of "UGC Collaboration Inquiry". ## Crafting Effective Pitches {#effective-pitching} An effective pitch is concise, personalized, and focused on value. Imagine pitching a fashion brand like Zara. Your email should start with a hook that relates to their latest collection, followed by a brief introduction of who you are and what you offer. Clearly state how your content can enhance their brand image and drive sales. Include specific numbers. Mention how your previous campaign for a similar brand resulted in a 25% increase in engagement. This not only showcases your effectiveness but also sets you apart from generic pitches that lack data. Keep your pitch under 200 words; brands appreciate brevity and clarity. ## Follow-Up Strategies That Work {#follow-up-strategies} Following up is critical. A creator named Tom found success with a two-step follow-up process: an initial email a week after the pitch and a final one after two weeks. His persistence paid off with a response rate improvement from 10% to 18%. The key is to be polite and succinct, reiterating your interest and value without sounding desperate. Include a line like, "I understand you might be busy, and I’d love to explore how we can bring value to your brand when you have a moment." This shows respect for their time while keeping the door open for dialogue. ## Common Mistakes to Avoid {#common-mistakes} 1. Generic Pitches: Often, creators send the same email to multiple brands. This lacks personalization and relevance. Instead, tailor each pitch to reflect the brand’s unique needs. 2. Overlooking Details: Typos or incorrect brand names can make you appear unprofessional. Double-check your emails before hitting send. 3. Ignoring Brand Needs: Failing to research a brand’s current campaigns or values leads to misalignment. Show them you understand their goals and how you can contribute. 4. Inadequate Follow-Up: Many creators don't follow up at all, missing out on potential opportunities. Implement a structured follow-up schedule. 5. Too Much Focus on Yourself: Pitches that are too self-centered can be off-putting. Shift the focus to how you can solve a problem or enhance the brand’s presence. 6. Lack of Clear Call-to-Action: Vague pitches without a clear next step lead to confusion. Be clear about what you want the brand to do next. 7. Poor Subject Lines: Subject lines that don't grab attention are easily ignored. Craft compelling, personalized subject lines to increase open rates. ## Next Steps {#next-steps} Start by refining your email pitches with verified contacts and personalized content. Use UGCRoster to streamline your outreach and track your pitch performance. Next, visit our guide on email impact for deeper insights on crafting the perfect email strategy. Prioritize these changes, and watch your response rates climb. Happy pitching! ## FAQ ### What are the best UGC platforms for beginners? For beginners, platforms like Billo and Incense are great starting points. Billo is intuitive and allows you to create content for brands without needing thousands of followers. Imagine starting with a platform where you can land your first deal within a month. Incense is similar but focuses more on Instagram content, which could be perfect if you're already active there. These platforms help you get your foot in the door without facing the steep competition you might find on larger, more saturated platforms. ### Should I use Billo, Incense, or Join Brands? It depends on your niche and where your strengths lie. Billo is excellent for creators who enjoy video content, providing a streamlined process for product reviews. Incense is ideal if your Instagram game is strong, as it connects you with brands looking for Instagram content. Join Brands, on the other hand, caters to a wider range of content formats. If you’re versatile, try Join Brands, as it might offer more opportunities, consider it a way to diversify your income streams. ### How do I get approved on UGC platforms? Getting approved typically involves completing your profile with standout content examples. Some platforms, like Incense, might require at least 1,000 followers on Instagram for initial approval. Make sure your content portfolio is polished and showcases your style. It's like applying for a job; they want to see your best work upfront. Also, keep an eye on your engagement rates, as platforms often favor creators who actively engage with their audience. ### Do UGC platforms take a commission? Yes, most UGC platforms take a commission, usually between 10-20% of your earnings. For instance, if you earn $100 for a campaign on a platform like Billo, expect to take home around $80-$90. This cut goes towards maintaining the platform and facilitating transactions. While it might seem like a lot, consider it a trade-off for easier access to brands that might be hard to reach on your own. Weigh this against the time you'd spend on direct outreach. ### What's the difference between UGC platforms and freelance platforms? UGC platforms are tailored for user-generated content, focusing on matching you with brands that need authentic content. Freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr are broader, offering various services beyond UGC. If you specialize in content creation, UGC platforms streamline the process, matching you directly with brands. Picture it like a specialized job board versus a general one; UGC platforms can offer more targeted opportunities if content creation is your main gig. ### Should I apply to multiple platforms? Yes, applying to multiple platforms can increase your chances of landing more deals. Think of it like diversifying your portfolio. If you’re on Billo, Incense, and Join Brands, you’re potentially reaching three different brand pools. A friend of mine uses three platforms and averages five deals a month, compared to just two when they were on a single platform. Just make sure to manage your workload so you can maintain quality across all your collaborations. ### How long does it take to get approved? Approval times vary, but typically, it can take anywhere from a few days to a week. Platforms like Incense might approve you within three days if your profile is complete and meets their criteria. On the other hand, Billo might take a week due to their volume of applicants. It's like waiting for a callback after a job interview; patience is key. If you haven’t heard back in two weeks, follow up to check your application status. ### What if I get rejected from a platform? If you get rejected, don't sweat it, use it as a learning opportunity. Check if there are specific areas you can improve, like your content quality or engagement rate. A creator I know was rejected by Incense but got approved on the second try after boosting her Instagram engagement. Consider asking for feedback if the platform allows it. Rejections can be stepping stones; they give you the chance to refine your approach and come back stronger. ### Are UGC platforms worth it or should I pitch directly? UGC platforms are worth it if you're looking for less hassle in finding brands. Direct pitching can be rewarding but often involves more time and effort. Imagine spending hours researching and contacting brands, versus logging onto a platform and finding ready-to-go opportunities. Platforms handle the matchmaking and often the payment logistics, allowing you to focus on creating. However, if you have a specific brand in mind, direct pitching could help you build a more personal relationship. ### How competitive are UGC platforms? UGC platforms can be competitive, especially as more creators join. For example, Billo might have thousands of creators competing for the same campaigns. But don't let that deter you. A creator I know stands out by tailoring her pitches with a unique angle, landing two deals a week. Focus on what makes your content unique and continuously refine your approach. The more you personalize and align with brand goals, the better your chances of standing out among the crowd. ## Related reading - Why Brands Ghost UGC Creator Pitches & Email Impact