A case for treating content like a core business function and thinking of yourself as a creator. A deep dive into creator-style versus polished ads and why authentic, unpolished posts win. Practical strategies for using UGC, brand shoutouts, POV formats, and niche-tailored concepts to get noticed. Tips on identity-driven hooks, specificity, and collaboration tactics that boost engagement.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Pay For Social Skills, Don't Assume Age Equals Skill
Do pay or properly staff social media roles instead of handing it to someone just because they're young or cheap.
Shannon warns against assuming Gen Z relatives can manage social simply because of age; it requires marketing skills and fair pay.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Unpolish Your Content To Look Like Real UGC
Do unpolish your content so it reads like creator-style UGC rather than glossy ads.
Shannon contrasts Taco Bell's Snapchat-style Baja Blast post and the tinned fish lunch-break reel as examples that drive comments and shares.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Shannon's Paid UGC Example
Anecdote: Shannon has created paid UGC and content packages for brands, including a healthcare company.
She mentions charging a one-time fee (about $2,000) for videos and carousels she produced for a client.
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I don’t want you to think of yourself as just a business owner or a service provider, instead start thinking of yourself as a creator, because that's the type of content that drives engagement (likes, follows, shares, comments) in today’s social media. Brands big and small are embracing unpolished, creator style content to connect and engage with their audiences. Whether you’re a social media manager, a solo entrepreneur, or aspiring UGC creator, I’m sharing actionable strategies to help you think like a marketer, stand out online, and create content that resonates. I'm also sharing a few ideas for getting noticed by your favorite brands and explain how UGC can open up revenue streams and life-changing opportunities.
In this episode we’ll be covering:
From polished to unpolished content, what really works best for creators right now on social media because the type of content you post matters most.
Advice for getting started with user generated content (UGC) no matter what type of business or profession you are in.
Tailoring a post concept to your niche (without copying or plagiarizing content) to stand out among other creators.
Tips for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and solo creators to create lifestyle brand content.
How to get noticed by your favorite brands with UGC, with brand shoutouts and relatable reels.
The importance of content specificity, using identity-driven hooks, and clear messaging for engagement.
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Good Content with Shannon McKinstrie