Oh, I feel for you, because I know just how frustrating this can be. It feels like you’re putting in all of the work but reaping none of the rewards. And ghosting, well let’s face it, is worse than just being shot down in the first place. But here’s what I need you to remember.
This isn’t a sign that you’re not good enough. But it is a sign that something in your approach is off.
Here’s a handy flowchart to work out exactly what that is:
🚨Are you pitching to the right brands?
If you’re pitching brands that don’t use UGC in their marketing, you’re potentially wasting your own time. Use tools like the TikTok Creative Center or Meta Ads Library to find brands that already invest in UGC. Then, find their marketing team on LinkedIn and email the right person directly.
🚨 Are you personalizing your pitches?
If you’re copy-pasting the same email to every brand, that might be why you’re hearing nothing back. A little research (like referencing their latest campaign) goes a long way. My favorite emails from creators were the ones that clearly had done their research.
🚨 Are you making it about them?
Harsh truth: brands don’t care about you or your content. They care about the results you’ll get them. Instead of “I’d love to work with you,” try “I noticed [problem], and I have an idea that could help.”
🚨 Are you giving them a reason to reply?
If your pitch is vague, they won’t engage. Drop an idea—like a hook suggestion for their next ad—to get their attention and tell them exactly what they need to do to reply.
🚨 Are you following up?
People are busy. Take it from me, an agency owner who starts more emails with ‘Sorry it’s taken me so long to get back to you!’ than not. A polite nudge after 5–7 days can put you back on their radar. Just don’t spam — there’s a fine line between persistence and desperation.
If any of this sounds familiar, don’t stress — adjust your strategy, give you UGC pitch a once over and try again. I promise you’re closer than you think.
If you want to dive deeper…
Persistence is one of the most important attributes in a UGC creator. It took 80% of UK UGC creators more than 6 months to land their first paid project, and it’s safe to say thousands give up before they even get the chance. Before you throw in the towel and join them, let’s take a hard look at why brands might be passing you over.
The truth? It’s rarely personal. But it does mean something in your approach isn’t working.
Luckily, that means there is something to fix.
Here’s why you might be getting ghosted —and exactly what to do about it.
1. WRONG BRANDS
If you’re pitching brands that don’t use UGC in their marketing mix, you’re giving yourself an uphill battle.
You are a creator, not a debater and you don’t need to spend your time convincing a brand to take a shot on a marketing tactic they are not already sold on.
Fix: Do Your Research
Use the TikTok Creative Center and Meta Ads Library to find brands already running UGC ads. Then, find their marketing team on LinkedIn and email the right person directly.
2. YOUR CONTENT MIGHT NOT BE GOOD ENOUGH YET
You could have the best UGC pitch in the world for a brand that desperately needs UGC, but if you’re content is subpar, then your pitch will never land.
Brands do have a lot of UGC creators to choose from and if your content isn’t standing out, it’s blending in. Blending in won’t get you paid.
Fix: Improve your content
Before you start pitching, take an objective look at your portfolio. Study high-performing ads in the TikTok Creative Center. Analyze what makes them work — strong UGC hooks, clear messaging, natural delivery. Then, recreate them in your own style. UGC is a business, and businesses require expertise. Develop yours.
If you already know that your content is at or above industry standard then we keep on moving down our flow chart…
3. YOUR PITCH IS FALLING SHORT
If your emails look like every other “I’d love to work with you!” message in a brand’s inbox, you’re making it easy for them to ignore you.
Fix: Try making it about them
Instead of focusing on why you want to work with them, show them why they need you.
Make it short, specific, and valuable. Brands don’t have time for fluff.
4. YOU HAVE NO PROOF OF RESULTS
Brands want content that performs. If you can’t prove your content converts, why would they risk paying you?
Fix: Build portfolio out with data-driven case studies
Showcase your best work and back it up with results. No brand data? Run your own tests. Post your content on TikTok and track engagement metrics. A portfolio with real numbers (“This video had a 50% hook rate!”) makes you stand out as an expert.
5. YOU’RE NOT FOLLOWING UP
People are busy. Your first email probably got buried. No response doesn’t mean “no”—it means “not yet.”
Fix: Follow Up (Without Being Annoying)
Wait 5-7 days, then send a polite nudge.
5. YOU HAVEN’T GIVEN IT ENOUGH TIME
UGC is not a get-rich-quick scheme. If you’re expecting to land high-paying gigs within a few weeks, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
Fix: Stay consistent
💭 Final thoughts
If you’re improving your content, refining your pitch, and targeting the right brands, opportunities will come. It’s just a matter of time. Be patient and keep going.
If you’re getting ghosted, don’t take it as a sign to quit — take it as a sign to adjust.
Refine your content, pitch smarter, and be persistent.
The creators who land paid work aren’t always the best — they’re the ones who didn’t give up.
