How To Get Paid UGC Brand Deals.... Even With No Followers!

Introduction: The New Era of Influencer Marketing

Let’s clear something up real quick: you do not need a huge following to work with brands anymore.

I know that’s not what Instagram wants you to believe, so you can keep creating content on their platform hoping to earn a few pennies from reels bonuses. But that's small money, anyway.

Your content deserves to earn revenue, and you absolutely can, even as a beginner with no followers.

Back in the day, it felt like if you didn’t have 50K followers, verified check, and a perfectly curated feed… brands weren’t even looking your way. But that era? Gone.

We’re officially in a new phase of influencer marketing where brands care way more about content than follower count. They want real people who can create relatable videos, aesthetic photos, or short-form content that actually makes someone stop scrolling. That’s why you’re seeing everyday people land paid brand deals, even if they’re just starting out or have zero followers.

This is where things like UGC (user-generated content) come in. Brands don’t just want influencers as much anymore, they want creators. People who can make content that looks natural, authentic, and doesn’t scream “this is an ad.”

Translation? You don’t need to be famous to get paid by brands.

Micro-creators, niche creators, and beginners are winning right now because brands have realized something important: engagement and trust convert better than big numbers. A smaller creator who knows how to speak to an audience can outperform a large influencer with low engagement every time.

And the best part?

Platforms are actually helping this happen. Algorithms now reward good content, not just popularity. A well-shot video, the right keywords, solid hashtags, and a little strategy can put your content in front of brands faster than ever. That means you can become a paid influencer, work with brands, and start getting paid brand deals, even if your follower count is sitting at zero.

This new era isn’t about who’s the biggest.
It’s about who knows how to create.

And if you’ve got a phone, some creativity, and the right game plan? You’re already more qualified than you think.

Create User-Generated Content (UGC)

Let’s talk about the thing that’s paying people without them being famous: UGC.

UGC stands for user-generated content, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. It’s content created by regular people, videos, photos, reviews, testimonials, that brands use for their marketing. Not celebrity endorsements. Not influencers with millions of followers. Just real-looking content that feels natural and relatable.

Here’s the part most people don’t realize: when you create UGC, you’re not posting for clout, you’re creating content for the brand. They use it on their website, in ads, on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, wherever. That’s why follower count doesn’t matter. At all.

So, what are UGC creators? These are Influencers paid to post content on their own platforms because of their audience. UGC creators get paid to create content for brands to use, even if you have zero followers. You’re being hired for your content skills, not your popularity.

And yes, this pays very real money.

My first UGC deal was with Greenlight, a debit card for kids, and it paid $4,000 for one 60-second video. I didn't even have 1,000 followers. I didn't even have to post the content on my own social media pages. They didn't care about my audience size. The brand only wanted great content.

Brands love UGC because it doesn’t feel like an ad. People trust it more. It looks like something their friend would post, not a polished commercial. That’s why UGC usually performs better; higher engagement, more clicks, and more sales.

From a brand’s perspective, UGC is gold. From your perspective? It’s one of the easiest ways to work with brands, get paid brand deals, and break into the influencer space without waiting years to “grow a following.”

Bottom line: if you can record a decent video on your phone and follow directions, you can become a UGC creator. And once brands start paying you for content? That’s when influencer money stops feeling mysterious and starts feeling very real.

Follower Count Doesn't Matter

This is the part that trips people up, so let me say it loud and clear: brands care more about your content than your follower count.

I know social media makes it feel like numbers are everything. But behind the scenes, brands are looking at one main thing: Does this content work? Not “How many followers do you have?” but “Would this make someone stop scrolling?”

Brands pay attention to how content looks, how it feels, and how it tells a story. Clean visuals. Clear messaging. Natural delivery. If your video feels authentic and makes sense for their product, that matters way more than having a big audience.

Engagement is another huge factor. Likes, comments, saves, shares, those tell brands that people actually connect with what you’re posting. A creator with a smaller following but strong engagement is often more valuable than someone with a huge audience that barely interacts.

And here’s something most beginners don’t realize: brands want creators who match them. Same vibe. Same values. Same aesthetic. They’re not just hiring anyone with numbers, they’re looking for content that fits their brand without needing a lot of edits or coaching.

Authenticity is what really seals the deal. People can spot fake enthusiasm a mile away. Brands know this too. That’s why they’re leaning into creators who feel real, sound natural on camera, and actually know how to communicate.

If you’re new, this is good news. It means your job isn’t to chase followers, it’s to focus on creating high-quality content. Learn how to frame a shot. Improve your lighting. Get comfortable talking on camera. Develop a style that feels like you.

When you lead with good content, your follower count becomes background noise. Brands see potential, not numbers. And once you have a few strong examples of your work, you’ve got exactly what they need to say yes.

Equipment Needed for Content Creation

Let’s get one thing straight before we go any further: you do not need fancy equipment or a full studio setup to create high-quality UGC.

Brands are not expecting movie-level production. What they do want is clean, clear, scroll-stopping content that looks good and sounds good. And the good news? You can do that with a very basic setup. I've put together an idea list of the best content creator equipment on my Amazon storefront. But let's break down the most important content creation equipment.

First up: your camera.
If you have a newer smartphone, you’re already ahead of the game. Phones today shoot amazing video. I use an iPhone with plenty GB of storage, I recommend at least 512GB if you're filming lots of video.. You don’t need a DSLR camera. You just need to use what you have and learn how to frame a decent shot. Natural angles, steady hands (or a tripod), and clean backgrounds go a long way.

Next, let’s talk lighting, because lighting will upgrade your content faster than anything else. Bad lighting can make even good content look cheap. A simple ring light or small LED light can instantly make your videos look brighter, clearer, and more professional. Face the light. Don’t overthink it. If your face is well-lit, you’re winning.

And please don’t ignore audio.
You could have the prettiest video in the world, but if people can’t hear you clearly, they’re scrolling right past it. A basic lapel mic or small external microphone can dramatically improve sound quality. I use a Rode Me microphone. My Amazon storefront has even more microphones for under $20.

You don’t need anything expensive, just something that makes your voice sound clean and not like you’re recording in a bathroom.

That’s really it.

Phone.
Good lighting.
Clear audio.

That simple setup is more than enough to land paid UGC deals. Brands care about how your content feels to the viewer, not how much gear you own. Once you understand how to use these basics properly, your content can easily compete with creators who spent way more money than you.

Start simple. Focus on quality. Upgrade later.

That’s how you move smart, and get paid.

How to Use Social Media to Get Brand Deals (Even With Zero Followers)

If you want to work with brands, social media is still your best entry point, even if you’re starting from scratch.

Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Threads make it possible to get paid brand deals without a large following because they reward content, not popularity. That means brands are discovering new creators every single day based on how their content performs, not how many followers they have.

The key is using each platform the right way.

TikTok: The Fastest Way to Get Noticed by Brands

TikTok is one of the easiest platforms to break into when you’re trying to become an influencer or land UGC brand deals. Short-form videos that feel natural, relatable, and real tend to perform best. Brands pay attention to creators who can tell a story quickly and clearly.

Use trending sounds when they make sense, but don’t force them. Focus on showing personality, everyday moments, or simple product-style videos that look like something a real person would post. Pair that with relevant hashtags like UGC creator, brand deals, or work with brands to increase discoverability.

Consistency matters more than perfection here. Posting regularly helps the algorithm test your content with new audiences, including brands scouting creators.

Instagram: Build Trust and Showcase Your Brand-Friendly Content

Instagram is still important for brand partnerships, especially when it comes to Reels, Stories, and visual aesthetics. Even with a small following, brands look at how your page feels overall. Is it clean? Is it on-brand? Does your content look usable?

Reels are your main growth tool, while Stories help brands see your personality and how you communicate. Replying to comments and DMs also plays a role. Brands notice creators who know how to engage naturally.

If you’re short on time, cross-posting to Facebook can help extend your reach without extra effort. The goal is to show consistency, reliability, and content that looks ready for brand use.

Threads: An Underrated Tool for Brand Relationships

Threads is more conversational, which makes it a great place to build connection. Brands like creators who can communicate clearly and show personality without trying too hard.

Posting short thoughts, opinions, or behind-the-scenes moments helps humanize your brand. Over time, this builds trust. And trust is a big reason brands say yes to partnerships.

Brand Deals Without a Big Following

Here’s the reality: brands are searching social media every day for creators who already look brand-ready. They’re not just looking at follower counts, they’re looking for people who know how to create content that fits seamlessly into ads, websites, and social feeds.

By showing up consistently, using smart keywords, and creating content that feels real, you increase your chances of being discovered and hired. This approach allows you to get brand deals, create UGC, and build momentum, even if no one knows your name yet.

Getting Started As A UGC Creator

Starting as a UGC Creator can feel confusing, especially when everyone online makes it seem like you need a big following, connections, or years of experience just to get noticed.

Most beginners aren’t stuck because they lack talent. They’re stuck because they don’t know where to start, what to say to brands, or how to position themselves in a way that makes brands take them seriously. That uncertainty is what keeps people scrolling instead of taking action.

Here’s the truth: brands don’t expect you to be perfect. They expect you to be prepared.

That’s exactly why I created the Elite Influencer System for people who want to work with brands, create UGC, and land paid brand deals without guessing their way through it.

Shift From “Who Would Pay Me?” to “I Know My Value”

One of the biggest mindset blocks new creators face is not believing they’re “ready.” The Elite Influencer System helps you understand how brands actually think, and why your content, perspective, and creativity already have value, even with zero followers.

Instead of wondering what to say, you’re guided on how to present yourself clearly and professionally. That alone changes how brands respond to you.

Pitching Without Sounding Awkward or Salesy

Reaching out to brands is where most people freeze. They overthink emails, second-guess DMs, or avoid outreach completely because they don’t want to sound desperate or unqualified.

The system includes ready-to-use pitch templates and UGC portfolio examples designed to help you introduce yourself confidently, explain what you offer, and show brands how working with you benefits them. These aren’t generic copy-and-paste messages. They’re structured to help you sound like someone brands actually want to work with.

Knowing Which Brands to Contact (Instead of Guessing)

Another common struggle is not knowing who to pitch. Random outreach wastes time and kills confidence.

Inside the Elite Influencer System, you’ll find a curated list of brand contacts and guidance on identifying brands that are open to working with new creators and UGC creators. This saves you from pitching brands that were never a good fit in the first place and helps you focus your energy where it actually counts.

Where To Find UGC Deals

Instead of relying on luck or waiting to be “discovered,” the Elite Influencer System also walks you through where to find brand deals, platforms and opportunities that align with beginners, micro-creators, and UGC creators.

This turns brand deals from something that feels random into something you can actively pursue with intention.

The Transformation

This isn’t about becoming an influencer overnight.
It’s about finding brands that align with your goals, and creating that killer content.

When you know how to position yourself, what to say, and where to look, brand deals stop feeling out of reach. You’re no longer waiting for permission, you’re building opportunities.

Get on the fast-track and find brands that work with small creators. Grab the Elite Influencer System and start making that money, Honey.