A first message needs an idea that belongs to that brand.
To pitch your first UGC brand, choose a business relevant to the content you can create. Confirm its contact details through an official source and make a short proposal: who you are, what you noticed and a video worth producing.
Start by opening its website and social channels. Is there a feature that is difficult to explain? A repeated question? An experience that could be shown more clearly? This gives you a reason to write beyond replacing the name in a long generic email.
Prepare the context
Save the link that prompted your idea. Check whether you can use the product or access the platform. If you need a test account or a product shipped to Portugal, discuss that before filming.
Use an address you have seen on the official website or social bio. Do not guess an email from the company name. Record where you found it so you can check the source again.
An example to adapt
This fictional example is for a task app. It has not been sent to a brand.
Hi [Brand] team, I’m [Name], a UGC creator working in English and Portuguese.
I saw your page about shared reminders. I had an idea for a video that starts with a forgotten task, then shows how to create and share a reminder on screen.
I can write, film and edit it for your channels as a paid content project. Here are examples of my work: [portfolio].
Would it be useful if I sent a proposal covering the format and usage rights?
Thank you, [Name]
Why this is a useful proposal
The observation is specific, the idea can be filmed and the final question is easy to answer. It does not promise sales, invent a relationship with the brand or offer free work. Your portfolio lets the recipient assess your skills.
Keep every statement true. If you do not use the app, do not claim it is part of your routine. You can say you noticed a feature and would like to propose a demonstration.
What if there is no reply?
You can prepare a short follow-up after a few days, referring to the original idea and asking who handles creator content. Do not invent urgency. Respect a refusal or a request to stop.
Record messages actually sent and replies actually received. Review the conversations to identify what needs adjusting. If you need examples first, start with your UGC portfolio. The guide includes templates for later stages of the conversation.
