Hey Brands,
Hope you’re eating good and sleeping great!😎
I specialize in UGC--whether PAID or ORGANIC content. I’ve worked with brands like Door Dash, Hello Fresh, Fabletics and over 150+ other brands.
Let’s work!
Damon Sumner
damonasumner
@gmail
.com
Let’s normalize the “I made ANYTHING with UGC”
$5k & $10k months are a dope.
But, earning an extra $450 as a
#ugccreator
is a success. Being able to pay a bill or do date nights again is great!
All wins are wins.
If ur starting out, remember that.
#ugc
#ugccommunity
We need more black women in the UGC space.
We need more black women in the UGC space.
We need more black women in the UGC space.
We need more black women in the UGC space.
We need more black women in the UGC space.
We need more black women in the UGC space.
Just did the math…
And March 2023 will be my 1st FIVE-FIGURE month as a
#UGCcreator
!!!!!!!!!!!
🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Was like, “let me see how I’m doing?”
And WE DOING!!!!
Keep going. Stay with it. Be ENCOURAGED!!!
#ugccommunity
#ugc
I don’t know who this is for but…
I’ve gotten 0 deals. I’m not waking up to inbound emails, DMs or anything.
But I’m encouraged.
I see others thriving. So, I’m inspired.
Our journeys aren’t the same. And they don’t have to be.
My time is coming. That’s the only option.
It’s official.
I just signed my first two brand deals!!
I’m encouraged. I’m hype. I’m grateful.
Major shoutout to this dope
#ugccommunity
.
It’s been so amazing to see US making moves.
We’re just getting started✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾
UGC needs more men of color.
UGC needs more men of color.
UGC needs more men of color.
UGC needs more men of color.
UGC needs more men of color.
UGC needs more men of color.
UGC needs more men of color.
UGC needs more men of color.
UGC needs more men of color.
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but my first 35 days as a
#UGCcreator
was ROUGH.
No deals. Nothing.
But I stayed consistent.
Posting. Pitching. Creating.
Now, 65 days into the journey, I’m making money + the inbounds stay coming.
BE ENCOURAGED. Stay with it.
Forget what you heard: take that low-paying gig if you NEED to.
These bills don’t care about your principles.
Quick Story. Last month, I worked with a brand and did 10-12, SIMPLE $75 deals.
My current rate is $200 for one video—and I’m not really offering one-video deals
Just locked down a $3k deal on FIVERR. My biggest deal yet on that platform. 🙌🏾🙌🏾🤯🤯
This is THE platform myself and many other creators get consistent inbounds.
If you do NOT have my Fiverr guide, drop an emoji below and I’ll email it this week! 👇🏾👇🏾
Keep going!!
In May, Fiverr paid for my rent, car note and insurance.
If you’re wondering if you should try it out—here’s your answer. DO IT.
It’s a great markeplace for creators.
There’s many creators who are making good money on there.
Need help?
I got you😇
Get👏🏾on👏🏾Fiverr👏🏾
I don’t know who needs to hear this but:
Don’t give up.
Keep going.
Yea,
#ugc
is more challenging than you thought and the money isn’t falling in your lap like you hoped.
But imagine.
Imagine what COULD be if you stay with it.
Think about the future YOU.
Keep going!
Reminder:
Everyone you see starting out
#ugc
will not go continue.
It’s not to be rude.
It’s a fact.
Just like the gym on January 1st.
If YOU really want this—you have to persevere.
Especially at the beginning. When things are confusing + slow.
Keep. Going. Please!
YOU should be THE
#ugc
creator in your city.
*guy whispers* focus on local businesses for the next 30 days and see what happens😉
That new flower shop.
That dying restaurant.
That thrift store that’s struggling.
Think local. Create local.
#ugccommunity
This day, a year ago, changed my life.
I jumped into UGC.
Headfirst.
No one knew.
I didn’t set goals.
I was just like, “let’s see what happens”.
AND IT WAS NOT GOOD OR LUCRATIVE for a gooood while.
I saw many creators sharing about their earnings, their big deals
I’ve been a digital creator for 8 years, have worked and supported over 60 creators and so I officially have decided to offer 1:1 coaching for
#ugc
creators!
My simple goal: to help YOU
Here’s how I’m going to do it + what’s in store for you:🪡
#ugccommunity
#UGCNET
Everyone’s portfolio doesn’t look good. 🤷🏾♂️
And not like, “ohh this is pretty!”
But like, where’s your email? Why is everything in all caps? Why is this portfolio 14 pages long?
I’m doing FREE portfolio feedback!
Comment below and let’s connect.
#ugccommunity
#ugc
I am a dope content creator
I am a dope content creator
I am a dope content creator
I am a dope content creator
I am a dope content creator
I am a dope content creator
I am a dope content creator
I am a dope content creator
I am a dope content creator
Let’s be real.
Hopping on a call with a brand can be scary.
Especially as a newer
#UGCcreator
.
What to say?
What to ask?
Here’s a few questions to help guide the convo so you’re an active listener that can close the deal.🧵
#ugccommunity
#ugc
I don’t talk about my money on here often.
But I wanted to encourage someone who may need to hear this.
When I first started, I was SECRETLY and SADLY taking $30, $50 gigs—when dope creators were on here saying they were getting 3-5 figure gigs.
I was like 👀🥺🫣🤐🤫😅
CREATORS of COLOR!
I’m thinking about doing a workshop on pitching this Saturday morning.
How to find brands. Crafting a solid pitch. The organizational side. Following up. Local brands. Etc.
Interested?
It’ll be GOOD😉
Comment if interested + Tell a friend✊🏾
Made more money with Fiverr last month than with any other brand deals.
I’m a fan.
Pretty confident that platform is going to get me to my first 5-figure month faster than I anticipated. 🙌🏾🙌🏾
Black creators matter.
Black creators matter.
Black creators matter.
Black creators matter.
Black creators matter.
Black creators matter.
Black creators matter.
Black creators matter.
Black creators matter.
Black creators matter.
Black creators matter.
Every UGC creator isn’t getting a flood of deals and swimming in 💰
MANY are working hard, trying their best and getting only a few deals.
Some have been at it for weeks, even months, and have gotten no deals.
Don’t assume what you SEE to be the majority.
Keep going!
Let’s normalize not having to go FULL-TIME with UGC
Let’s normalize not having to go FULL-TIME with UGC
Let’s normalize not having to go FULL-TIME with UGC
Let’s normalize not having to go FULL-TIME with UGC
Let’s normalize not having to go FULL-TIME with UGC
If you’re starting
#ugc
, be prepared to become a:
-salesperson
-marketer
-in the shower crier
-editor
-social media manager
-photographer
-administrative assistant
-encourager
-“did I eat today?” person
-networker
-cold-emailer
-hustler
#ugccommunity
I love when yall be like, “I’m in a Carribean Airbnb with 4 other creators and it’s CONTENT creation all day!”
Meanwhile, I’m at home with a pizza-stained hoodie pitching 100 brands wondering if this is the month UGC lets me down and I have to consider selling feet pics😏🤦🏾♂️🫠🥺
I been slacking on my TikTok.
My personal and UGC Tok.
But I couldn’t figure out why.
For like months, I kept trying to restart but just fizzled.
However, it hit me yesterday, while I was emotionally eating 5 packs of my kids fruit snacks.
I. Been. Caring. Too. Much.
Other creators are not my competition.
Other creators are not my competition.
Other creators are not my competition.
Other creators are not my competition.
Other creators are not my competition.
Other creators are not my competition.
I don’t know who needs to hear this but:
If you’re coming into UGC to get rich.
Quick.
Gone head and pack your bags booboo.
Don’t take the jacket off, keep your shoes on, don’t look up brunch spots or rent a car.
Because this ain’t the place.
We WORKING over here.
Having retainers for the first time ever is eye-opening for consistent income🤯
Blessed to have 4K locked in every month.
BUT it took ME over 18 months to land my first retainer.
Your journey is your journey.
Embrace it. Enjoy it. Crush that content.
Keep going!
#Fiverr
is really crushing my inbounds this month.
I’ve hit 4-digits a month with Fiverr as a good reason.
I might do a 30-minute zoom workshop next week.
Let me know if you’re interested.
#ugccommunity
#ugc
#ugccreators
I’m going to master passive income this year!
I’m going to master passive income this year!
I’m going to master passive income this year!
I’m going to master passive income this year!
I’m going to master passive income this year!
Making five figure is nice + that’s a great aspiration.
But don’t poo-poo on the $358 you’ve made.
Or the $852.
Or the $1903.
Or the $104.
All of it is a blessing.
It’s helping you. Your loved ones.
To a better life.
Continue to walk in gratitude!
I know I do🙌🏾
Y’all really be getting me!
Folks be like, “go check your spam folder. I had $43,317 worth of deals there!”
Meanwhile, my spam folder is just old navy coupons, ways to design a website and sexy cougars in my neighborhood wanting to chat.
Welp.
Back to work😅😅
Don’t know who this is for but:
You’re not doing anything WRONG.
This
#ugc
journey just isn’t a cut-and-paste-make-a-portfolio-get-5K-a-month-get-on-Twitter-instantly-land-deals-gig.
This journey will require CONSISTENT hard work.
If you’re down for that, you’ll be good.
Don’t put ALL your eggs in the UGC basket
Don’t put ALL your eggs in the UGC basket
Don’t put ALL your eggs in the UGC basket
Don’t put ALL your eggs in the UGC basket
Don’t put ALL your eggs in the UGC basket
Don’t put ALL your eggs in the UGC basket
Be an ACTIVE member in the Twitter community.
Seasoned creators can attest to this.
Being engaged here makes a difference.
Give congrats. Say hello. Follow people. Follow brands.
Ask/answer questions.
POST your WORK.
Don’t complain if you ain’t doing.
Be present!
I’m proud of the work I HAVE done.
I’m proud of the work I HAVE done.
I’m proud of the work I HAVE done.
I’m proud of the work I HAVE done.
I’m proud of the work I HAVE done.
I’m proud of the work I HAVE done.
I’m proud of the work I HAVE done.
#ugc
Take out the “why UGC” from your portfolio
Take out the “why UGC” from your portfolio
Take out the “why UGC” from your portfolio
Take out the “why UGC” from your portfolio
Take out the “why UGC” from your portfolio
Take out the “why UGC” from your portfolio
To my Black creators:
I see you.
Keep going.
Be encouraged.
We are valuable.
We bring value.
We’re wanted. And definitely needed.
Keep moving forward.
✊🏾
#ugccommunity
#ugc
If you’re NEW to UGC—know this:
You’re in the HARDEST phase.
It’s slow.
You’re learning.
You’re balancing a 9-5 probably.
The money ain’t moneying as fast as folks claimed.
And tbh, many folks fade, quit and fizzle out.
Don’t.
Keep going. Keep going! KEEP GOING!
I see YOU!
Working hard.
Juggling
#ugc
and a 9-5.
Trying your hardest when it feels like it’s not doing anything.
Helping your family as a SAHM.
I see YOU.
But I want you to see your efforts too.
You got this.
Be encouraged.
It’ll be worth it!
#ugccommunity
I love how I get on here and folks be like “the inbounds inbounding”, so I rush to my inbox…
Refresh…
…refresh
Just to find coupons for Kohl’s cash, spam to help me “perform better”, credit karma updates and 5 emails from other creators’ email lists 😅🫠🫣
New creators!
If you’re not doing it already—SAVE video examples from other creators.
Make an Inspo folder.
Watch. Learn. Study. Mimic.
Don’t be afraid to try to literally recreate a great video from someone else as you learn—your way.
Be a student. Hone your CRAFT.
I don’t know who needs to hear this but…
Stop trying to make your content look like theirs.
Use your humor.
Embrace your cadence.
Unleash your personality.
There’s no one way to be a great creator.
But there’s a way to shortchange yourself.
Keep going!
JUST got an email from a brand saying “let’s work together. We’re ready to move forward”
I reached out in November. Last year.
We had a call that month. Good call.
Then I followed up. Last one being in February.
Then nothing.
Yet, TODAY, they’re like… let’s go.
I’m Damon. A male, BIPOC-UGC creator that produces engaging content that’ll increase brand awareness + lead conversions. Seasoned pro with short video content. Ready to create paid/organic
#UGC
. Let’s get to work. Damonasumner
@gmail
.com
Portfolio:
What app or website do YOU use to try to land UGC deals?
This is a communal thread WE can all use and bookmark.
So, everyone chime in.
This community is dope. Let’s build together.
I’ll start the ball: Cohley, Insense and Twirl!
Ok. What you got? 👀
Maybe I’m old fashioned, but pitching brands BEFORE your portfolio is SOLID seems like it’ll do more harm than good.
Don’t rush the process.
Sometimes you only get one—1st impression.
Make it count.
#ugc
#ugccommunity
If you're new here and you haven’t heard, let me break it to you.
#UGC
isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme.
It’s changing lives.
IF you’re willing to put in the work, stay consistent, stay humble, be easy to work with, then WELCOME!
If not, don’t waste your time.
Respectfully.
When I negotiate, I start with retainers.
Work down from there to large bundles then to small bundles.
Start HIGH.
Don’t offer one video to start.
Showcase the VALUE they get working with you on a long term basis.
It won’t always work.
But when it does🤌🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾
Does that new spa around the corner have a strong social media presence?
Does that bed & breakfast 15 minutes down the road have updated photos?
Is that new lounge in your neighborhood even on TikTok?
#ugccreators
think LOCALLY.
There’s tons of brands.
Look around😉
Having a virtual assistant took my business up 3X!
She builds database. Finds quality emails for leads. Pitches brands via DMs + email.
A VA has given me DAYS back worth of time.
If you’ve been considering a VA, do it.
Because when you get a good one. You can’t go back!
Black creators.
I still see you.
Keep going.
If you’re thriving, keep killing it.
If you’re in a “slow” phase, keep persevering.
Wherever you may be in your journey
You’re valued.
You’re needed.
You’re worthy.
Keep GOING✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾
I saw this and thought of the
#UGCcreator
.
Too often we think we have to go HARD everyday.
Some days you do.
Other days are 50/50. And some days you’re like, “if I just send one pitch that’s a win.”
Consistency is showing up.
But it may not look the same everyday.
#ugc
#UGCcreator
be honest!
What’s something about the
#ugc
business that annoys you the most.
This is a safe space.
I’ll go first:
It’s frustrating to see VERY polished, studio-made content get labeled UGC. I’m like— boo bye!
What YOU got?
#ugccommunity
I love it when new creators be like…
“UGC ain’t for me. I been at it forever. No money. No deals. This ain’t it y’all. It’s a scam.”
Meanwhile, their portfolio is incomplete, they pitched like 3 brands and never post any examples.
Baby girl.
Go
Sit
Down
Looking for 2 male or female creators, who only live on sea, who’ve got at least 100K followers. $4 per video/200 videos a month + commission.
RT, Follow, Comment to be considered. Or DM but they’re not open but please waste your time anyway.
Also, my profile pic isn’t me.
😒
If I get an inbound and the brand doesn’t share the budget immediately—I’ll ask.
Otherwise, I share my rates off-top.
I don’t want to waste 72 hours of back and forth messages if we’re not going to agree on 💰
Get the budget or give your rates.
Early.
#ugccommunity
Today I will show up for myself
Today I will show up for myself
Today I will show up for myself
Today I will show up for myself
Today I will show up for myself
Today I will show up for myself
Today I will show up for myself
Today I will show up for myself
The other side of being a creator…
Sometimes that 💰come in S.L.O.W. ⏰ ⏰😳
I’m currently waiting on about $2100 to clear...
And these bills ain’t waiting on nobody🥹
So, hopefully they’ll hit by Friday. 🙏🏾
Otherwise, it’ll be a Ramen night😶
Turn OFF the autoplay in your portfolio.
Turn OFF the autoplay in your portfolio.
Turn OFF the autoplay in your portfolio.
Turn OFF the autoplay in your portfolio.
Turn OFF the autoplay in your portfolio.
Turn OFF the autoplay in your portfolio.
UGC creators shouldn’t charge over $50/video.
& they definitely shouldn’t try upsell for ad usage.
The whole point of UGC creators is for cheap ads.
If I wanted to pay $200 for a video, I’d ask an influencer with 10-20k.
The vid takes 1 hour max to make.
$50/hr ain’t bad.
#ugc
is an opportunity to truly change the trajectory of your life.
Don’t allow imposter syndrome to hold you back from a better life.
Send those pitches. Create that content. SHOOT YOUR SHOT.
A Pitching strategy I use:
I go back and pitch brands that never replied(even after follow ups)
But
Via a DIFFERENT medium.
So, if I pitched them 3x in December via email
Then
I’ll do a new round of 3x pitches via IG DMs
My business is built on EFFORT😎🙏🏾
Just a reminder:
These brands aren’t going anywhere.
They’ll be there on Monday.
Take time for yourself, your loved ones, and ENJOY the fruits of your labor.
I don’t know who this was for—but I know someone needed it🙏🏾
Reminder:
Do what works for you.
If you get most of your content done on the weekends—do it!
If you’re using AI to pitch because you’re juggling a 9-5—crush it!
If you don’t do outbounds because inbounds are plentiful—stay there!
There’s no blueprint.
Create YOUR path
Creators who are 30+ years old—tap in!
A few agencies have asked for me to build a list, so here I am😉
Drop an emoji if you’re 30 and older.
And if you’re 29 or younger… take that metabolism elsewhere!😅
UGC isn’t for everybody and that’s ok
UGC isn’t for everybody and that’s ok
UGC isn’t for everybody and that’s ok
UGC isn’t for everybody and that’s ok
UGC isn’t for everybody and that’s ok
UGC isn’t for everybody and that’s ok
UGC isn’t for everybody and that’s ok
I haven’t had the type of day I wanted to have.
No pitches.
No inbounds.
No deliverables sent.
No coaching calls.
It happens.
And it’s all good.
Don’t beat yourself up about what DIDN’T get done.
Stay positive.
And get to it when you CAN.
Keep going!
Can I be honest for a moment? 😬
A few weeks ago, I got caught up. 🫠
I was scrolling and scrolling and was seeing “everybody” so busy.
I’m doing 7 scripts. I’ve gotta edit 9 videos this weekend. I’m scripting for 5 clients tonight.
And I was like, “yo. Why you ain’t
Ok! Let’s talk CONCEPTS.
Seasoned creators! I want your input.
Let’s help the commuity and build a dope thread of concept ideas that newer creators can save and utilize when they land those multi-video bundles.
I’ll go first and then I want yall to add to the thread!
Ok.
NEW creators!
Your portfolio is good enough.
Leave it alone.
Some of y’all👀 are changing it up more than creating content, pitching, and following up.
That portfolio don’t matter if brands don’t see you.
Get out there.
Pitch. Post examples.
Keep going!
Sometimes, I’ve got nothing to say except…
Don’t quit.
I know someone’s on the verge of stopping their UGC journey and I say—keep at it!
It’s been slow, demoralizing and harder than you anticipated.
But, WHEN you figure it out.
💥💥💥💥
Stick with it.
Keep GOING!!
Outbound tip
#257
What I’ve done before:
Google “top fitness apps of 2023”
Google “top parenting websites of 2023”
Google “new Coffeeshop in LA”
Utilize already-made LISTS.
There’s TONS of brands.
They don’t know you.
Change that!
The
#ugc
space is NOT over saturated.
There’s thousands of water companies. There’s millions of singers. There’s an infinite amount of candy businesses. All thriving.
There’s plenty of room for YOU.
Keep going.
🫣57🫣
🫠I just checked 100 creators’ DMs and they were NOT OPEN.
57😩
🗣️Reminder🗣️
Be sure your DMs are open. Check. Seriously, check NOW. 👀
You may be missing out on deals😳
And please have your portfolio link + email in that bio🙏🏾
Set yourself up to WIN. We all can✊🏾
Raise those rates.
I don’t know if you’ve been at UGC for 2 days or 4 years.
But I just bought some mints and a water at the airport and it was $47.
So….
Raise them rates boo. These brands got that 💰💰
Also—anyone wanna buy some mints + water? New. Unused. Best offer😬
New creators: “How do I find more brands to pitch?”
Me: it’s easier than you think.
Screenshot the ADS you see DAILY on your socials.
Those brands have a budget and will need more content.
Don’t overthink it.
Sometimes it’s right in front of you.