UGC 101 - Build Your Content Creation Business

Nate Flake - UGC Creator & Coach
  • 5.0 (43)
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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. 5D AGO

    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 Contact / Collabs For guest pitches, partnerships, or sponsorship inquiries. https://ugcbynate.com/

    54 min

  2. DEC 17

    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 Contact / Collabs For guest pitches, partnerships, or sponsorship inquiries. https://ugcbynate.com/

    55 min

  3. DEC 10

    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 Contact / Collabs For guest pitches, partnerships, or sponsorship inquiries. https://ugcbynate.com/

    1h 5m

  4. DEC 3

    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 Contact / Collabs For guest pitches, partnerships, or sponsorship inquiries. https://ugcbynate.com/

    48 min

  5. NOV 26

    Creative Strategist Explains How to Get Brands to Hire You for UGC with Olivia Larsen | EP 29

    Ever send a pitch or apply for a gig and wonder what actually happens on the other side? Nate sits down with Olivia Larsen to pull back the curtain on what brands and agencies really want from creators.  Olivia went from working 12-hour overnight shifts at a veterinary ER to building a full-time UGC career and then landed on the other side of the table as a creative strategist at a marketing agency. Now she's the one hiring creators, reviewing portfolios, and deciding who gets the gig.  Chapter: 05:28 – Adding creative strategy to increase income 07:23 – The test project brands require before hiring 10:49 – The biggest misconception about creative strategy 11:58 – What happens when an ad underperforms 17:30 – The moment she realized talent presence makes or breaks ads 22:14 – Why UGC creators must learn for the camera 28:12 – What brands actually look for in your portfolio 36:32 – The entitlement problem agencies deal with daily If you've ever wondered why some creators land consistent work while others struggle to book their first paid gig, this conversation delivers. Olivia breaks down the real expectations around on-camera presence, usage rights, portfolio quality, and communication.  She also gets honest about the entitlement she's seeing from newer creators and why understanding your leverage matters more than copying someone else's rates. They tackle the stuff nobody wants to say out loud: why being "authentic" isn't enough, what makes a creative strategist want to work with you again, and how to stop pricing yourself out of opportunities before you've even built a reputation.  By the end, you'll understand exactly what separates creators who get hired once from creators who become go-to talent for agencies and brands. Whether you're just starting out or trying to scale, Olivia's brand-side perspective will help you see your work through a different lens.  Listen and learn how to position yourself as someone brands actually want to work with and NOT just another creator in the inbox. Connect with Olivia: http://instagram.com/larsen.creatives/?hl=en 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 Contact / Collabs For guest pitches, partnerships, or sponsorship inquiries. https://ugcbynate.com/

    57 min

  6. NOV 19

    How This Couple Built a UGC and TikTok Shop Business Together After Influencer Burnout with Ari and Abdul | EP 28

    Wondering if doing UGC with your partner would be amazing... or a recipe for disaster? Nate sits down with Ari and Abdul, a creator couple who went from burned-out micro-influencers to thriving UGC entrepreneurs.  Ari shares how she discovered UGC three years ago when she was desperate to step away from constantly sharing her life online, and how she eventually convinced Abdul to join her.  Their story is honest, funny, and refreshingly real. From bribing their kids to be in videos to figuring out how to read the same brief completely differently. Nate even shares how his 14-year-old daughter started her own Fiverr gig and is already booking paid work. If you've ever felt stuck between wanting creative freedom and needing consistent income, this conversation is for you. Chapters: 05:30 - When We Realized We’re the Niche 06:05 - Life Assets That Brands Pay For 07:17 - Camera Presence Without Cringe 10:40 - Kids, Bribes, and Brand-Building 13:58 - Quitting the Influencer Hamster Wheel 16:20 - Freedom in Scripts, Not Self 22:05 - The $0.50 for 2M Views Wake-Up 31:00 - Cracking TikTok Shop  40:55 - Couple Workflow That Works Ari and Abdul break down how UGC gave them the financial breathing room that influencing never did without the pressure of always being "on" or performing for an audience.  They also dive into their recent TikTok Shop success after months of testing and almost giving up, and why the skills you build as a UGC creator are the exact ones that unlock other income streams. By the end, you'll understand how to turn your partnership into a competitive advantage, how to avoid the drama when filming together, and why starting "messy" beats waiting for perfection every single time. Listen and learn why brands love hiring creator pairs who bring different perspectives, natural chemistry, and flexibility.  https://www.instagram.com/dulla.and.ari/?hl=en 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 Contact / Collabs For guest pitches, partnerships, or sponsorship inquiries. https://ugcbynate.com/

    47 min

  7. NOV 12

    You're NOT Too Old to Start UGC with Over 50-Year-Old Top Rated Fiverr Seller Dave Johnson | EP 27

    Think you're too old to start a new career or learn a digital skill? Nate sits down with Dave Johnson to talk about what it's really like to start from zero when you're not in your twenties anymore.  Dave is a grandfather of six, and just six months ago he was working a physically demanding roadside assistance job he knew he couldn't keep doing.  Today, he's a top-rated UGC creator on Fiverr, working full-time from home, charging $300+ per video, and landing deals worth over a thousand bucks. No fancy camera. No big following. Just a willingness to figure it out one step at a time. Chapters: 06:58 – When It Finally Clicked 07:57 – Editing Fear to Simple System 12:45 – First Gig Revisions, First Lesson 29:06 – Overdeliver, Organize, Raise Rates 34:25 – The Notion Leak Pricing Hack 39:49 – Never Late, Top Rated Happens 41:58 – Why UGC Works After 50 55:38 – Land a $1,100 Gig Dave's story doesn’t include going viral or some overnight success, but just showing up, learning the basics, and proving your value even when the tech feels intimidating and the camera makes you nervous.  He’s real, his advice is practical, and his wins happened faster than most people think is possible. If you've ever worried that you're too old to pivot, that technology isn't "for you," or that brands only want young creators, this episode will challenge every one of those beliefs.  Dave breaks down how he got comfortable on camera, how he learned editing, and how he went from undercharging to confidently negotiating $1,100 deals all while competing with creators half his age. Listen and learn the moment Dave realized his age wasn't a disadvantage, it was his edge.  Connect with Dave: https://www.instagram.com/ugcbydave/ 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 Contact / Collabs For guest pitches, partnerships, or sponsorship inquiries. https://ugcbynate.com/

    1h 4m

  8. NOV 10

    Influencing is Out - UGC is In! | EP 26

    In this episode of the UGC 101 podcast, I had an amazing conversation with Marzia Prince, an experienced UGC creator who transitioned from a 20-year career as a fitness coach to a thriving content creator.  We explored her journey, including the pivotal moment when a major brand like Kroger recognized her potential, which led her to embrace UGC full-time. Marzia shared candid advice on navigating the challenges of content creation, emphasizing the importance of showing up consistently, even when content feels 'cringe-worthy.'  Her story of leveraging personal experiences, like her health journey and local business collaborations, to create authentic and engaging content was truly inspiring.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to understand the nuances of building a successful UGC career. Learn more about Marzia's UGC Fast Track program here: https://ugcfasttrack.com/ Follow Marzia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marziaprince Nate's UGC Fiverr Pro Course + Community (use the code PODCAST for 15% off): ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stan.store/nateflakeugc/p/master-ugc-on-fiverr⁠⁠⁠ Follow me on socials @nateflakecreates UGC Creator Connect Event! To get updates and find out when presale tickets go on sale for UGC Creator Connect (March 14th in Park City, Utah) you can register here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.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 Contact / Collabs For guest pitches, partnerships, or sponsorship inquiries. https://ugcbynate.com/

    55 min
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5
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43 Ratings

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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