Nice — here’s a practical, Australia‑specific guide to becoming a UGC (user‑generated content) creator, with the legal/tax steps you must know plus a ready action plan you can use.

Quick summary

• As a UGC creator you make short, on‑brand content (video, photos, captions) that brands pay to use on social media and ads.
• Practically you’ll need a portfolio, outreach strategy, basic gear & editing skills, and simple contracts/invoicing.
• If you’re earning money in Australia you’ll normally need an ABN and must follow ATO rules about GST, tax and recordkeeping. (abr.gov.au)

Step‑by‑step roadmap

1. Learn what clients want (first week)

• Study recent, high‑performing branded Reels/TikToks: note hooks (0–3s), 15–30s story arcs, captions, and CTA placement.
• Pick a niche (e.g., beauty, food, lifestyle, B2B software) — being consistent makes outreach easier.

2. Build a small portfolio (weeks 1–2)

• Make 5–10 spec pieces (mock ads) showing different styles: product demo, lifestyle usage, testimonial, and a short cutdown for Stories.
• Host reels on your Instagram/TikTok and keep a private folder (Google Drive / Dropbox) with high‑res files and usage examples to share with brands.

3. Gear & skills (ongoing)

• Phone with good camera, natural light or LED ring light, basic lavalier mic, tripod.
• Learn 1–2 mobile editing apps (CapCut, InShot) and basic colour/auto‑levels.
• Learn to write quick deliverables: captions, hashtags, suggested CTAs, and short briefs.

4. Get business basics in place (important legal/tax steps)

• Get an ABN (you’ll usually need one to invoice and avoid PAYG withholding). You can apply online through the Australian Business Register. (abr.gov.au)
• If you trade under a business name (not your personal name) register that name with ASIC. Most creators who use a brand name register it. (asic.gov.au)
• Register for GST only if your business’s GST turnover meets the ATO threshold (businesses: $75,000; different threshold if you’re a not‑for‑profit). If you expect to reach that turnover you must register and lodge BAS. (business.gov.au)
• As a sole trader you report business income on your personal tax return, keep good records and may need to make PAYG instalments; see the ATO guidance for sole traders. (ato.gov.au)

(If any of the above is critical for you, consult an accountant or registered tax agent for personalised advice.)

5. Pricing, contracts & rights

• Price by deliverable + usage. Separate the creation fee (shoot/edit) from the licence to use the content (where, how long, exclusive/non‑exclusive). Common models: per asset, per month licence, or bundled packages.
• Always use a short written agreement that covers: deliverables, due dates, usage rights (platforms, territories, duration), payment terms, number of revisions, and liability/credits.
• If you’re unsure about licence language or moral‑rights/copyright clauses, seek a short contract review from a lawyer (it’s worth it before big deals).

6. Find clients

• Start local: DM or email brands you use with a one‑page pitch and 2–3 samples (or link to a highlight reel).
• Use freelance platforms (Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer) and influencer marketplaces; join creator communities and tag brands in organic posts.
• Offer a low‑risk starter: one free/discounted asset in exchange for permission to use the case study and a testimonial.

7. Create repeatable systems

• Media kit: 1‑page with your niche, audience (if any), sample work and pricing ranges.
• Pitch template (short): who you are, what you’ll deliver, one line on results, two sample links, clear CTA (e.g., “I can do 3 x 15s Reels for $X; available next week”).
• Invoicing: set Net 7–30 payment terms, invoice promptly, follow up.

8. Grow & scale

• Reuse content: turn long video into clips; convert Reels to Shorts or TikTok.
• Track metrics (views, engagement, click‑throughs if possible) and present results to brands to win repeat work.
• As demand grows, consider subcontracting editors or photographers and formalising as a small business/company.

Simple 30/60/90 day plan

• Day 1–7: choose niche, make 3 spec pieces, set up Instagram/TikTok and Link page.
• Day 8–30: apply for ABN (if you plan to invoice), create media kit, send 20 personalised pitches to brands/local businesses.
• Day 31–60: deliver first paid jobs, collect 2 testimonials, refine pricing and contract template.
• Day 61–90: pitch to 3 agencies, document 3 case studies, consider whether to register for GST (if approaching threshold).

Templates (short examples)

Pitch DM/email (short) Hi [Name], I’m [Your name], a UGC creator who makes short, high‑impact Reels for [niche]. I’d love to create 3 x 15s Reels showing [product benefit]. Examples: [link]. Price: $XXX for content + $XXX 6‑month licence. Interested?

Contract checklist (must include)

• Deliverables (format, aspect ratios, file delivery)
• Usage (platforms, geographies, time period)
• Fee, payment schedule, late fees
• Revisions allowed
• Credits & tagging
• Cancellation & reshoot terms
• Privacy/confidentiality if required

Practical tips that help you win

• Lead with results: give a short sentence about the value you create (e.g., “15s product demo that drives DM inquiries”).
• Keep edits fast and raw — brands often want authentic, native content rather than polished ads.
• Always ask for permission to reuse work as part of your own promo—case studies sell.

Where to learn & improve

• Study top performing Reels/TikToks and reverse engineer.
• Take short courses for editing/lighting if you need structure.
• Join creator groups for briefs, collaborations and referrals.

Final notes on tax/regulatory items (short)

• ABN: necessary to invoice and interact with many businesses and govt services; apply via the ABR. (abr.gov.au)
• Business name: register with ASIC if you trade under a name other than your own. (asic.gov.au)
• GST: mandatory registration when turnover ≥ $75,000 (businesses) — otherwise optional. It affects invoicing and BAS lodgement. (business.gov.au)
• Sole trader tax obligations: report business income on your personal tax return, keep records, and follow PAYG rules where applicable. (ato.gov.au)

If you want, I can:

• Draft a 1‑page UGC media kit for you (give me your niche + 3 sample links).
• Create a short pitch email and a basic contract checklist tailored to the types of brands you want to work with.

Which of those would you like next?