- Nobody talks about this part of growing online… - I wish someone told me this sooner. - If I had to start over from zero, this is exactly what I’d do. - The reason your content isn’t converting has nothing to do with the algorithm. - Most people are doing this completely backwards. - This one mindset shift changed everything for me. - Be honest… are you still doing this in 2026? - Here’s the truth nobody wants to hear: - I’m going to save you months of frustration with this tip. - Stop scrolling if you’re trying to grow online. - This is your sign to finally start taking yourself seriously. Happy Creating! Let me know if you'll be using these? xo, Hols

Here are the top platforms that are great for getting your first jobs. After a few months, you can start pitching and will now have a nice little portfolio to showcase. Collabstr What it is: A UGC marketplace where creators list services (Reels, TikToks, photos). Brands browse profiles and send offers. You set your own rates and maintain autonomy. Pros: No follower requirements; large brand base; built‑in payments, analytics and tax support. Cons: Popularity means stiff competition and some low‑budget offers. Insense What it is: A platform with curated campaign briefs for UGC creators, especially in beauty, fashion and wellness. Pros: Detailed briefs, licensing and payments handled, product perks, and insights into your content’s performance. Cons: You must apply to campaigns and pitch; may feel advanced for new creators. Influee What it is: A global marketplace where vetted creators (top 3 %) make product reviews, unboxings and ad‑style videos; creators keep 100 % of earnings. Pros: Quick payments (5–10 days); ability to set your own prices; free Creator Academy training. Cons: Selective acceptance; you still need to pitch and win campaigns. Trend.io What it is: App‑only (iOS) platform connecting vetted creators with premium brands. Offers curated UGC gigs with free products plus guaranteed pay. Pros: Organized briefs, automatic licensing, no negotiation hassle; high content quality and professional brands. Cons: Requires an application and is open only to U.S. iPhone users; limited gig volume due to exclusivity. Twirl What it is: A streamlined platform that provides structured briefs and direct communication with brands. Pros: Predictable income—payouts within ~14 days, free products, access to a supportive Slack community and upcoming Creator University. Cons: Competitive application; you must handle basic editing and deliverables; revisions may be requested. JoinBrands What it is: One of the largest UGC marketplaces (250 k creators, 20 k brands) offering a variety of gigs from unboxings to TikTok Shop affiliate campaigns.

Friends who want to start diving into UGC work or brand partnerships. One agency I've worked with for years, and they pay well, especially for UGC work, is SoapBox Retail. UGC work is perfect for people who don't have anything they'd like to teach others (some sort of expertise) through digital products (my fave, mostly passive way to earn). You don't need a following. Allows you to be creative. 1000s and 1000s of brands are looking for this type of content creation. Trust me, I work with tons every month. You can sign up to get posted job emails to apply to be a creator with them below: SOAPBOX Hope this helps!

If you don't want to pay for automation yet (ex: manychat), Instagram just launched the update to their AI assistant. You can actually create an avatar and have it send links for you to DMs. It's a free way to start automating if you're just getting started or don't want to pay yet for a service like ManyChat. I talk more about it here and also show a tutorial on how to use it after my last META strategy call. RECAP Tutorial Hope this helps!

A birdie told me there may be a shop like the TikTok shop on IG in the near future. Would you jump on this if so?