The Case For UGC Content

Shoot Your Shot is my personal series where I ideate in public for brand partnerships that I would love to make happen or see come to life...You miss 100 % of the shots you don't take

It's important for athletes and influencers to realize where they sit on the pecking order as it relates to brand partnership opportunities. This isn't meant to be a diss or knock to you as an athlete. It's meant to be helpful information that you can use to leverage opportunities a different way. There are many ways to the top of the mountain.

As an athlete, you are someone that's reached the highest level but still it's important to understand that there's levels to the game. For me to come in and expect the same type of treatment or compensation package as a star influencer or athlete, would be naive. Obviously the easiest path; is to continue to become the best athlete in your sport and perform at a high level and deals will find you. Easier said than done. It's hard for me to compete for a brand deal with someone that has millions of followers and the star player for a major market franchise.

Here's another way to compete and find deals...

This is where UGC or User Generated Content comes to play. UGC evens the playing field for athletes at any level to build opportunity for partnerships because you are proactive in your process. You are building authentic relationships and not just for endorsements. By becoming a UGC content creator, you can put yourself in the driver's seat and be proactive about potentially getting brand partnerships. UGC is great for a number of reasons.

1. You have complete control of the content you create. You're your own creative director
2. You have free reign to work with any company you choose to based on category
3. You build your own community to create more leverage when you eventually work with brands

UGC content will continue to grow because of the authenticity factor. The same reason why micro influencers are gaining more respect because of their high impact and strong retention. If you are an athlete that is eager to get brand deals, I would highly recommend creating UGC content.

Here's an example of creating UGC content that could potentially lead to a travel partnership. In fact, this will be my goal for this specific video series to create a travel partnership preferably with a hotel or travel fitness brand.

Rooms + Reps : my travel fitness series where I rank hotels/ travel stays and their gyms

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ4f_Z8KMFQ

While I might not get a deal right away, I'm sure if I build this over time, I not only will build a community of engaged followers but I'll be able to create leverage and proof of work when eventually pitching to brands that could support this series.

Marriott Hotels would be a great partner for this series whether with me and other other influencers, don't you think :) .

If you're an athlete or brand that needs help with content strategy for UGC type partnerships don't hesitate to reach out