Ever wondered when — or if — those first brand dollars are finally going to hit your account? I used to ask myself the exact same thing. But recently, I crossed a major milestone:
I officially secured my first brand deals and hit my first thousand dollars in contracted work. The best part? You don't need a massive following to make it happen.
If you’ve been wondering how to do the same as a new or small creator, here is the exact playbook I used — and how you can replicate it step-by-step.
1. Leverage Platforms Built for Small Creators
Stop stressing over follower counts. Instead, meet brands where they are looking for authentic talent. I started using Cohley, which is an incredible marketplace for user-generated content (UGC).
Platforms like this make it super straightforward: brands post briefs, and you apply. You don't need a million followers; you just need to pitch how you're going to knock the campaign out of the park.
Pro-tip: For one of my applications, I actually went out, bought the product myself, filmed the video, and submitted it directly as part of my pitch. It was a lot of extra work upfront, but it completely set me apart and won me the deal. Go above and beyond to show them you already understand their brand vision.
2. Optimize for Inbound Inquiries
The real magic happens when brands start sliding into your DMs or inbox. I had a brand reach out to me directly simply because they saw me posting consistently online.
They thought my style was a good fit for their upcoming campaign. We aligned on the concept, I shot the content, and after a quick round of revisions, we were all done.
That’s how I locked in my first $1,000 in contracts.
Gif by solzilla on Giphy
Consistency is your best marketing tool. When you put your work out into the world consistently, the right brands will eventually find you.
3. Know What to Expect
Before you dive in headfirst, keep a few logistical things in mind:
The Payout Window: In the UGC world, payment terms can sometimes stretch to 30 or 45 days. However, my experience so far has been much faster—most brands have processed my payments within a couple of weeks.
The Barrier to Entry is Low: If you know how to pick up a camera, communicate a clear idea, and document your life through lifestyle vlog content, you already have what it takes to succeed.
If you’ve been on the fence asking yourself, "Should I finally start doing this?" — the answer is a resounding yes. You don't need a studio setup or a massive audience. You just need to start creating.
Hit reply with your questions, and I’ll be sure to answer them!