Great — here’s a practical, Australia‑focused playbook to become a UGC (user‑generated content) creator and start working with brands.

Quick overview

• UGC creators make short, authentic assets (TikToks, Reels, photos, product demos, testimonials, unboxings, short how‑tos) that brands use in ads, social and ecommerce listings.
• You’ll need creative skills (storytelling, short‑form video), basic kit, a small portfolio of UGC-style assets, and the right business/legal setup for Australia.

Step‑by‑step plan

1. Pick a niche & audience

• Choose 1–2 categories you genuinely use and can post about consistently (e.g., skincare, outdoor gear, kitchen gadgets, pets, parenting, finance tools).
• Study the formats that land in that niche (30s review, 15s demo, before/after, POV).

2. Build a UGC portfolio (fast)

• Create 8–12 short, brand‑style assets you own the rights to (30–60s vertical videos + a few photo assets). Make them look like what brands buy: clear product shots, 1–2 benefit lines, call to action.
• Host them in a simple portfolio: Linktree, a one‑page site, or a Google Drive folder with filenames and specs (length, resolution, aspect ratio).

3. Platform & formats to focus on

• TikTok and Instagram Reels are highest demand for short UGC; YouTube Shorts and product listing images/videos are useful too.
• Learn repurposing: one vertical video → multiple cuts, thumbnails, stills.

4. Kit & tools (starter)

• Smartphone with good camera, tripod, clip mic, basic ring light or softbox, free editing apps (CapCut, InShot, VN), a simple background or styled setup.
• Prioritise clear audio and steady framing — they make small creators look professional.

5. Business & tax basics in Australia (required steps)

• Get an ABN (Australian Business Number) when you start trading so you can invoice brands and avoid payee withholding. You can apply online through the Australian Business Register/ATO process. (abr.gov.au)
• Consider your structure: sole trader is common to start; companies require ASIC registration and an ACN.
• GST: if your business’s GST turnover reaches A$75,000 or more in any 12‑month period you must register for GST (and include GST in invoices). If you expect to reach that threshold in your first year, register from Day 1. (business.gov.au)
• Keep records, use a spreadsheet or accounting app, and consider an accountant for BAS and tax lodgements.

6. Legal & disclosure rules (must follow)

• Under Australian consumer law and the relevant industry codes, paid, gifted or incentivised content must be clearly and prominently disclosed — don’t hide sponsorships. The ACCC and industry codes emphasise clarity so consumers aren’t misled. Use clear labels (e.g., “Paid partnership”, “Ad”, “#ad”) and platform paid‑partnership tools where available. (accc.gov.au)
• Put agreement terms in writing: deliverables, usage rights, exclusivity period, payment schedule, usage duration and territories, and who owns the raw files.

7. How to find work (first clients)

• Outreach: DM or email brands/marketing managers with a short pitch + 2–3 tailored sample clips (show what you’d create for them). Target small brands and DTC companies first — they often buy UGC.
• Marketplaces & platforms: consider UGC marketplaces and creator platforms (TRIBE, Tribe, other local marketplaces) and local agencies that book UGC creators.
• Network with marketing agencies and freelance communities; join creator Facebook/Telegram groups.

8. Pricing & deliverables (framework)

• Price by deliverable + usage. Typical models:
  • Per asset: fixed fee per 15–60s video or per photo.
  • Bundle: X videos + Y photos for a flat fee.
  • Licence add‑ons: charge extra for paid ads usage, longer durations, exclusivity, or worldwide rights.
  • Retainers: monthly package with a set number of assets and revisions.
• Create a simple rate card showing deliverables, usage (social organic vs paid ads), and license duration. (Rates vary widely by experience and audience; treat early pricing as flexible and increase as you get case studies.)

9. Contracts & IP checklist

• Confirm: what the brand can do with the asset (social, paid ads, ecommerce), length of licence (e.g., 6 months, 1 year, perpetual), territory, crediting, payment due date, and kill fee for cancelation.
• Retain a right to show examples in your portfolio unless client requires exclusivity.

10. Grow & scale

• Measure results: ask brands for performance data (CTR, conversions) when possible — this becomes your proof to charge more.
• Reuse assets for multiple clients when licensed appropriately.
• Offer simple analytics/insights with each deliverable to add value (e.g., best performing 15s cut).

Practical outreach template (short)

• Subject: Short UGC idea for [Brand] — 2 quick examples
• Body: Hi [Name], I make short, high‑converting UGC for [niche]. I made 2 sample videos showing [quick benefit]. I can deliver 3 x 30s Reels + 5 stills for [price], licenced for [usage]. Would you like the samples and a mock script? Thanks, [Your name + ABN if invoicing]

30/90 day starter checklist

• Day 1–7: Choose niche, make 8–12 sample assets, set up portfolio and ABN application.
• Day 8–30: Reach out to 30 small brands/DMs, list on 1–2 marketplaces, do paid practice edits, post consistently on your platform.
• Day 31–90: Close first paid work, collect results/feedback, refine rate card, and build testimonials/case studies.

Useful Australian resources (important)

• How to register a business / get an ABN (ATO/ABR). (ato.gov.au)
• When to register for GST (GST threshold A$75,000). (business.gov.au)
• ACCC guidance and sweeps on influencer/testimonial disclosures and misleading advertising — make disclosures clear and avoid misleading claims. (accc.gov.au)
• AANA Code of Ethics (Section 2.7) — advertising must be clearly distinguishable. (aana.com.au)

Final tips

• Start by selling the outcome brands want (conversions, clicks, store views), not just “content”.
• Small brands and DTC companies are easiest for first paid deals.
• Keep learning: watch high‑performing ad creatives, reverse engineer what makes them convert, and replicate the style for clients.

If you want, I can:

• Draft a personalised 30‑day outreach sequence for your niche;
• Create a sample rate card and a short contract checklist you can copy.

Which would you like next?