Yes, you can do UGC with no followers because UGC is paid content creation, not audience distribution, so brands hire you for the video or photo assets they can post on their own channels or run as ads.
Why followers matter less for UGC
UGC creators get paid for deliverables (for example, 3 short videos, a set of product photos, raw clips, or multiple hook variations). Influencers get paid for deliverables plus reach. That’s why follower count is a deal breaker for influencer deals, but it’s optional for UGC work, unless you’re using a marketplace that sets minimums.
| What you’re doing | UGC content creation | Influencer post |
|---|---|---|
| What you sell | Assets a brand can reuse | Assets plus access to your audience |
| Do followers matter? | Usually no | Yes, it affects pricing and deal fit |
| Where it runs | Brand pages, email, landing pages, ads | Your account, sometimes also repurposed |
| What brands look at | Portfolio quality, on-camera comfort, editing, speed, reliability | Audience match, engagement, credibility, posting history |
If you’re the creator (even at 0 followers)
Start with a small portfolio: 6 to 10 sample videos using items you already own (skincare, kitchen tools, kids products, services you use). Show variety, like unboxing, how-to demo, problem-solution, voiceover, and “talking head.” Put them in a simple portfolio page or folder, then pitch local businesses with a clear offer: what you’ll create, how fast, and what usage rights they get. If you want help packaging this into a sellable offer, our UGC content service covers creative direction, scripting, and production workflows.
If you’re the business hiring UGC
UGC is a strong fit when you need more trust-building content than your team can film. For Orlando and Central Florida businesses, local creators can shoot on-location (clinic, office, truck, storefront) which often feels more believable than stock footage. Keep your brief tight: who it’s for, the pain point, what to show on camera, and the exact call to action. If you plan to run the videos as ads, pair UGC with paid media management so you can test different hooks and scale what converts.
Compliance and permissions (Florida-friendly)
Get written permission from anyone identifiable in the content before you use it in advertising in Florida, and be extra careful with audio because Florida is an all-party consent state for recording private conversations. For dentists, doctors, and med spas, patient testimonials and before-and-after content should be handled with signed authorizations and careful wording. For law firms, ads and testimonials can trigger Florida Bar advertising rules, so your UGC should follow the same standards you’d apply to any other ad. For any paid or gifted collaboration posted from a creator account, disclosures need to be easy to notice (use platform “paid partnership” tools and plain language like “ad”).
If you’re deciding where UGC belongs on your site, this quick guide on what makes a webpage SEO-friendly explains how content, proof, and page structure work together to turn visitors into leads.
