UGC 101 - Build Your Content Creation Business

Nate Flake - UGC Creator & Coach
  • 5.0 (48)
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  • UPDATED DAILY

The podcast about all things User Generated Content! Whether you are a seasoned UGC pro or just starting UGC for the first time, this podcast is for you! You will learn from the best in the business as the guests are all UGC pros. 

  1. 3D AGO

    From $20 to $20K Per Month: Her Fiverr Strategy with Musician Turned Creator @TheUGCCreatorOlivia (Olivia Castriota) | EP 36

    What if the skills you already have are exactly what you need to build a UGC business, you just haven't connected the dots yet? Host Nate Flake sits down with Olivia Castriota to break down how she went from being new to UGC to consistently making $20,000 a month by leveraging skills she already had. She didn't start as a UGC creator. She was a musician writing songs for TV shows, stuck in an industry where getting paid took eight months or longer.  When she saw a TikTok about UGC, she realized her years of making music videos had already taught her everything she needed: how to be comfortable on camera, understand lighting, and tell a story visually.  Within two weeks, she bought a course, set up her Fiverr gigs, and started landing clients at $20 a video. Chapters: 00:04:45 - The Fiverr Switch That Skyrocketed Orders 00:05:32 - 100 Reviews in 2 Months   00:06:00 - The $20 to $125 Rate Jump Panic 00:06:31 - Ad Fees Changed Everything 00:09:19 - The “Pitch 10 Brands” Myth Gets Called Out 00:15:34 - Fiverr’s Biggest Problem: Zero Search, Too Much Chaos 00:18:18 - Scam Reality Check and Why New Sellers Get Targeted 00:24:38 - Camera Confidence 00:34:05 - Why X Became Her Best Lead Source 00:42:19 - Worst Gig vs Best Gig  She doesn't sugarcoat it. She talks about doing a hundred videos in two months to build reviews, raising her rates even when it felt terrifying, and why your first three months are basically paid training.  Olivia shares the production secrets most creators never think about like how matching your clothing to both the product and your skin tone can make or break a video, or why breaking a script into single-line takes with action beats makes everything easier.  Press play and learn how tiny shifts that separate okay content from work that brands want to pay for again and again. Course she took (Use code OLIVIA for $100 off):  https://freelancebigsis.com/ugcfiverracademy-1220?am_id=olivia2330 Olivia's music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5VdTraeHBTaJhW9OZPnrPm?si=yXo-BLoORYCqP5snb-qOxg Olivia's portfolio: https://oliviacastriota.my.canva.site/ Download FREE GUIDE: 10 Steps to Becoming a UGC Creator from Scratch Join UGC Creator Connect — March 14, Park City UT → https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com MORE FROM NATE FLAKE Nate’s UGC Fiverr Pro Course + Community — use code PODCAST for 15% off: . https://stan.store/nateflakeugc/p/master-ugc-on-fiverr Connect with Nate Instagram: @nateflakecreates YouTube: UGC 101 Podcast Catch Nate on Youtube Contact / Collabs For guest pitches, partnerships, or sponsorship inquiries. https://ugcbynate.com/

    50 min

  2. JAN 14

    UGC Sidehustle: How Triplet Mom Makes Over $3,000 a Month Working Full-Time with “House of jen UGC” - Jen Cochnauer | EP 36

    Ever wonder if your whole family could actually make money creating content together or if that's just internet hype? Nate sits down with Jen Cochnauer. She started UGC in July. She'd never even heard the term before. Five months later, she's pulling in $2-4k extra each month while working full-time in corporate healthcare and she's doing it with her husband and four kids, including triplets.  You'll hear how she navigated Fiverr gigs, convinced her skeptical husband, got her kids comfortable on camera, and started landing inbound work from brands who can't resist the triplet factor. Chapters: 04:02 - Family to a Fiverr   06:01 - Ditching the Teleprompter   08:30 - Landing the First Family Job with the Triplets 11:18 - Raising Rates  19:30 - How X Replies Turn Into Email Inbounds 20:50 - Working Full-Time While UGC Explodes 22:00 - When to Pause Outreach and Start Saying No 31:03 - The VA Problem: Follow-Ups Are Where Money Gets Lost 33:30 - The Dream Gig vs The Nightmare Client 41:30 - The 2026 UGC Family Expansion Plan Jen's approach is refreshingly honest, she prints scripts, overshoots B-roll, and still struggles with follow-up. She's figuring it out in real time, just like you. If you've ever hesitated to involve your partner or kids in UGC because it feels complicated, this episode breaks down the practicalities: how much to pay your kids, how to price family work, and why raw footage jobs beat full edits when you're juggling a day job.  You'll also get the uncomfortable truth about pricing, if brands aren't pushing back on your rates, you're leaving money on the table. Jen's story proves you don't need to be a content pro or quit your job to make this work. You just need to start, lean into what makes your family unique, and charge what you're actually worth.  Press play and learn exactly how to turn family time into paid work without sacrificing your sanity. Connect with guest: https://www.instagram.com/houseofjenugc/ Download FREE GUIDE: 10 Steps to Becoming a UGC Creator from Scratch Join UGC Creator Connect — March 14, Park City UT → https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com MORE FROM NATE FLAKE Nate’s UGC Fiverr Pro Course + Community — use code PODCAST for 15% off: . https://stan.store/nateflakeugc/p/master-ugc-on-fiverr Connect with Nate Instagram: @nateflakecreates YouTube: UGC 101 Podcast Catch Nate on Youtube Contact / Collabs For guest pitches, partnerships, or sponsorship inquiries. https://ugcbynate.com/

    48 min

  3. JAN 7

    Zero Followers, Zero Experience - How I Built a Six Figure UGC Business Starting on Fiverr | EP 35

    Ever sat at your desk wondering if there's more to life than climbing the corporate ladder?  Host Nate Flake gets it. He spent 11 years in tech, earned an MBA, and worked his way up to positions at companies like Intuit - only to realize the golden handcuffs weren't worth it. Nate pulls back the curtain on his entire UGC journey. From that awkward first video to crossing $140,000 on Fiverr alone, he walks you through the messy middle that most coaches skip over.  Chapters: 04:55 – Feeling Invisible in Big Tech 06:28 – Side Projects as Survival 08:35 – The Corporate Breaking Point 09:43 – The Bed That Changed Everything 11:30 – First Steps Into UGC 13:23 – Landing the First Brand Deal 15:12 – Getting Comfortable on Camera 17:21 – Why Fiverr Was the Entry Point 20:30 – Raising Rates and Scaling Fast 24:28 – Why Followers Don’t Matter 31:30 – Buying Back Time With a Course 34:56 – Choosing Freedom Over Stability He talks about the moment his friend Tammy convinced him to try UGC, the nine days of radio silence before his first client, and how he juggled a demanding corporate job while building a side hustle that eventually replaced his income. If you're stuck in a job that pays well but drains your soul, this episode gives you a practical roadmap. Nate breaks down how he validated UGC could work before quitting, why he started on Fiverr instead of pitching brands, and how he manages being a present dad while running a full-time creator business.  He also challenges the myth that you need to match your corporate salary dollar-for-dollar - because freedom, flexibility, and unlimited PTO have real value too. The biggest shift happens when Nate explains what finally pushed him to quit. It wasn't just about money. It was about looking around at other UGC creators and realizing they had something he didn't: time with their families, control over their schedules, and genuine happiness.  Press play if you've been waiting for a sign to start UGC or take it seriously, this is it.  Download FREE GUIDE: 10 Steps to Becoming a UGC Creator from Scratch Join UGC Creator Connect — March 14, Park City UT → https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com MORE FROM NATE FLAKE Nate’s UGC Fiverr Pro Course + Community — use code PODCAST for 15% off: . https://stan.store/nateflakeugc/p/master-ugc-on-fiverr Connect with Nate Instagram: @nateflakecreates YouTube: UGC 101 Podcast Catch Nate on Youtube Contact / Collabs For guest pitches, partnerships, or sponsorship inquiries. https://ugcbynate.com/

    57 min

  4. 12/31/2025

    How Stay-at-Home Parent with No Experience Built a Highly Successful UGC Business with Salha Aziz, UGC Creator & Coach | EP 34

    Can you really build a UGC business from your couch while your kids are screaming in the next room? Nate sits down with Salha to talk about what it's really like to balance chaos, creativity, and client work.  She's been creating UGC content since 2022, back when most people thought it was a scam, and she did it all as a stay-at-home mom with young kids running around. No fancy equipment. No quiet house. Just her phone, a window for light, and the willingness to figure it out one messy video at a time. Chapters: 00:07:00 - When UGC Was Barely a Hashtag 00:10:00 - The Honest Video That Changed Everything 00:14:30 - Prep With Chaos, Film In Silence 00:18:00 - The Backwards Workflow That Works 00:25:00 - Avoiding Burnout With Real Numbers 00:29:00 - The One-Breath Voiceover Mistake 00:34:10 - UGC Is Mostly Admin 00:38:30 - Best and Worst Brand Experiences 00:42:00 - Finding Your Real Rhythm 00:46:00 - Why Community Changes Everything Salha shares how she built a portfolio without a tripod, landed her first deals while documenting the whole thing on TikTok, and eventually charged over $1,000 per video, all while keeping her sanity intact.  If you're a parent who thinks you don't have time, space, or energy to start UGC, this episode breaks down how to work within your constraints instead of fighting them.  Salha talks about setting boundaries, avoiding overwhelm, and building a business that fits your life, not the other way around. She didn't do it the "right" way. She did it her way. And it worked. Listen and learn how Salha realized she could stop chasing low paid gigs and start focusing on premium brands.   Join Salha’s Skool Community: HERE   Download FREE GUIDE: 10 Steps to Becoming a UGC Creator from Scratch Join UGC Creator Connect — March 14, Park City UT → https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com MORE FROM NATE FLAKE Nate’s UGC Fiverr Pro Course + Community — use code PODCAST for 15% off: . https://stan.store/nateflakeugc/p/master-ugc-on-fiverr Connect with Nate Instagram: @nateflakecreates YouTube: UGC 101 Podcast Catch Nate on Youtube Contact / Collabs For guest pitches, partnerships, or sponsorship inquiries. https://ugcbynate.com/

    51 min

  5. 12/25/2025

    First Month UGC: From Zero to $300 Deals in 7 Days with Jake Winters, Millennial Dad UGC Creator | EP 33

    What if you could go from losing your job to replacing your income with UGC in under 30 days?  Nate sits down with Jake Winters, a creator who went from zero UGC experience to booking consistent gigs in his first month. Jake lost his real estate job in January, binged Nate's course in 24 hours, made a scrappy 4-video portfolio in one day, and landed his first $300 deal within a week.  No prior video experience. No following. Just action. What makes Jake's story even better? He's a master negotiator who's not afraid to play hardball with brands even as a total beginner. Chapters: 04:30 - The First Real Doubt About UGC 06:10 - Losing a Job and Needing Cash Fast 07:29 - Why Being New Was an Advantage 08:16 - Building a Portfolio in One Afternoon 09:50 - Making Money With an “Ugly” Portfolio 12:25 - The Real Reason Creators Get Stuck 17:14 - Why UGC Is a Pure Numbers Game 19:37 - How Jake Learned to Negotiate Hard 23:12 - Discovering Creators Charging $1,000+ 31:00 - When to Walk Away From Low Budgets 40:03 - How TikTok Live Changed Everything If you've ever felt stuck because your portfolio isn't perfect, or you're too nervous to charge what you're worth, Jake’s story will shift how you think. Jake breaks down how he built confidence on camera fast, why TikTok Live became a secret weapon for landing deals, and how he consistently negotiates rates 2-3x higher than what brands initially offer.  Nate picks Jake's brain on how to walk away from low-ball offers, fake it till you make it, and treat UGC like a real business from day one. By the end, you'll understand that success in UGC doesn’t require perfection, but being bold, consistent, and willing to stand up for yourself. Jake proves that if you're willing to take messy action and negotiate like you mean it, you can turn UGC into real income faster than you think. Listen and learn how to make it work no matter where you're starting from. Connect with guest: Jake Winters Download FREE GUIDE: 10 Steps to Becoming a UGC Creator from Scratch Join UGC Creator Connect — March 14, Park City UT → https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com MORE FROM NATE FLAKE Nate’s UGC Fiverr Pro Course + Community — use code PODCAST for 15% off: . https://stan.store/nateflakeugc/p/master-ugc-on-fiverr Connect with Nate Instagram: @nateflakecreates YouTube: UGC 101 Podcast Catch Nate on Youtube Contact / Collabs For guest pitches, partnerships, or sponsorship inquiries. https://ugcbynate.com/

    54 min

  6. 12/17/2025

    Zero to Fully Booked in 3 Months: How This Married Couple Cracked UGC at 44 and 55 with the Cordovas | EP 32

    What if you could turn content creation into something you and your partner build together? Ray and Haley Cordova went from brainstorming side hustles to booking 18 UGC gigs in a single week, and they did it all in their first three months as creators.  Nate Flake sits down with this power couple to talk through their rapid ascension: how they found UGC, why they decided to do it together, and what it's really like to work alongside your spouse.  Ray's 55, Haley's 44, and they're proof that age, follower count, and fancy equipment don't determine success in this space. What matters is showing up, spreading yourself across platforms, and treating UGC like the real business it is. Download FREE GUIDE: 10 Steps to Becoming a UGC Creator from Scratch Chapters: 04:20 - Discovering UGC as a Couple and Deciding to Go All In 07:15 - Using Age, Life Experience, and Identity as a Market Advantage 10:00 - Getting Comfortable on Camera Without Acting Skills 14:30 - Why Having a Second Person Speeds Up Production 18:45 - Organization Systems That Prevent Creator Burnout 23:20 - Why Posting Is About Being Found, Not Gaining Followers 29:10 - Staying Visible So Brands Keep Finding You 34:40 - Landing a World Series UGC Deal From a Simple Inbound 40:00 - Turning One Brand Deal Into a Long-Term Relationship 43:10 - Getting Paid to Travel and Shoot In Person 47:15 - Raising Rates Once Demand Increases 49:20 - Why UGC Is a Long-Term Lifestyle, Not a Side Hustle Ray brings the on-camera energy while Haley handles the editing and admin, and together they've landed everything from Fiverr gigs to a once-in-a-lifetime shoot at the World Series. They break down which platforms actually work, how to get comfortable on camera, and what to do when brands lowball you.  Plus, they share the systems that help them avoid burnout when gigs start flooding in. You’ll hear the exact steps Ray and Haley took to go from zero to fully booked faster than most creators think is possible. And why building this business as a team gave them something money can't buy: time together and control over their lives. Listen and learn how to make UGC work, whether you're flying solo or bringing your partner along for the ride. Connect with Ray Connect with Haley  Download FREE GUIDE: 10 Steps to Becoming a UGC Creator from Scratch Join UGC Creator Connect — March 14, Park City UT → https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com MORE FROM NATE FLAKE Nate’s UGC Fiverr Pro Course + Community — use code PODCAST for 15% off: . https://stan.store/nateflakeugc/p/master-ugc-on-fiverr Connect with Nate Instagram: @nateflakecreates YouTube: UGC 101 Podcast Catch Nate on Youtube Contact / Collabs For guest pitches, partnerships, or sponsorship inquiries. https://ugcbynate.com/

    55 min

  7. 12/10/2025

    Scaling From $5 Fiverr Gigs to Five-Figure Months with Freelance Big Sis Arbel Kimmick | EP 31

    Wonder how creators actually scale from $5 gigs to five-figure months and what it really takes to get there? Nate sits down with Arbel Kimmick, the voice behind Freelance Big Sis and the UGC Fiverr Academy that's helped creators land brand deals.  Arbel's been in the trenches since 2013, working on everything from web design to voiceovers before discovering UGC in 2022. She walks us through her entire journey; the wins, the pivots, and the lessons she learned by doing it messy first. Get a $100 discount on Arbel's UGC course and community using the code UGC101 - Join Here: UGC Fiverr Academy  Chapters: 00:07:57 – Losing Every Client After Moving States 00:09:08 – Twenty Voiceover Orders Overnight 00:10:09 – Both Fiverr Accounts Shutdown 00:16:34 – Burnout From $5 Pricing 00:21:00 – The Price Change That Destroyed Her Gig 00:23:17 – Trying UGC for the First Time 00:25:36 – First Five-Figure Month   00:27:17 – First Viral TikTok   00:31:15 – Launching Her First Guide and Course 00:33:54 – Turning Social Media Into Multiple Income Streams 00:41:19 – The Reason Fiverr Gigs Get Deranked If you're building your Fiverr gig or wondering how to actually grow beyond your first few orders, this one's packed with practical advice. Arbel breaks down the three things that make or break a Fiverr gig, why editing at the wrong time can tank your impressions, and how to price yourself without scaring off clients.  Arbel and Nate also dig into why diversifying your income streams matters, not just for money, but for momentum. It's a real honest conversation about the stuff that trips up most creators before they figure it out. By the end, you'll walk away with a clear plan for setting up multiple gigs, strategies for scaling without burning out, and the confidence to know that even when things slow down, you're building something that lasts.  Arbel's story proves that consistency beats perfection every time, and that your next breakthrough might be one small tweak away. Listen now to discover the tactics behind $2 million in brand deals across Arbel's creator community  Get a $100 discount on Arbel's UGC course and community using the code UGC101 - Join Here: UGC Fiverr Academy Download FREE GUIDE: 10 Steps to Becoming a UGC Creator from Scratch Join UGC Creator Connect — March 14, Park City UT → https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com MORE FROM NATE FLAKE Nate’s UGC Fiverr Pro Course + Community — use code PODCAST for 15% off: . https://stan.store/nateflakeugc/p/master-ugc-on-fiverr Connect with Nate Instagram: @nateflakecreates YouTube: UGC 101 Podcast Catch Nate on Youtube Contact / Collabs For guest pitches, partnerships, or sponsorship inquiries. https://ugcbynate.com/

    1h 5m

  8. 12/03/2025

    Anti-Influencer Method: She Made $60K on TikTok Shop Without Going Viral with Meg the Creator | EP 30

    Ever wonder if you need a huge following or perfect video skills to actually make money as a creator?  Nate sits down with Megan (aka Meg the Creator), a working mom who went from small-town job hopper to full-time content creator without chasing viral fame or pretending to be an influencer. Megan breaks down what she calls the "anti-influencer method," a practical approach to making real money through UGC, Amazon reviews, and TikTok Shop. She started with zero followers, zero portfolio, and zero fancy gear. Chapters: 00:08:20 - Beginners Quick Wins 00:12:45 - Finding Products That Actually Make Money 00:16:58 - Building Confidence as a Creator 00:25:40 - How to Stand Out When Pitching 00:29:55 - The Power of Retainers 00:33:18 - Data Brands Actually Care About 00:36:42 - The Reality of TikTok Shop 00:39:58 - Evergreen Products That Never Stop Selling 00:43:10 - Turning UGC Into Long-Term Freelancing What she did have was curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to figure it out as she went. Now she's built a thriving community where she helps everyday creators land their first paid gigs fast. If you've ever felt stuck wondering where to start, how to get confident on camera, or what brands actually want from creators, this conversation clears it all up. Megan walks through the exact platforms she used to land quick wins, the tools that helped her scale, and why agencies aren't as intimidating as you think. By the end, you'll see how getting started is simpler than you thought.  Listen and learn how everyday products, simple setups, and consistent reps can build real momentum in the creator space. Connect with guest: https://megthecreator.com/ Download FREE GUIDE: 10 Steps to Becoming a UGC Creator from Scratch Join UGC Creator Connect — March 14, Park City UT → https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com MORE FROM NATE FLAKE Nate’s UGC Fiverr Pro Course + Community — use code PODCAST for 15% off: . https://stan.store/nateflakeugc/p/master-ugc-on-fiverr Connect with Nate Instagram: @nateflakecreates YouTube: UGC 101 Podcast Catch Nate on Youtube Contact / Collabs For guest pitches, partnerships, or sponsorship inquiries. https://ugcbynate.com/

    48 min
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5
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About

The podcast about all things User Generated Content! Whether you are a seasoned UGC pro or just starting UGC for the first time, this podcast is for you! You will learn from the best in the business as the guests are all UGC pros. 

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