UGC Pricing, Retainer Clients & Why You Don't Need Followers to Make Money as a Creator ft. Leslie Cole

We brought on Leslie of Evolushein — UGC creator, creative director, and creator coach — because she has figured out something most creators never do: how to turn content creation into a predictable, scalable business with retainer clients, UGC income, and $130K+ in recurring revenue every year. If you've been wondering how to become a UGC creator, how to land your first client, or how to stop trading one-off brand deals for actual consistent income — this is the episode. What We Cover: What UGC actually is in 2025 and why brands are paying more for it than ever How Leslie was doing UGC before it had a name — and what she learned from it Why you don't need a big following to make money as a content creator The exact signs that tell you you're ready to start pitching brands How to use the Facebook Ads Library to find your first UGC clients (this tip alone is worth the listen) How to build a UGC portfolio from scratch using products you already own The pricing difference between brand partnership content on your page vs. UGC content — and why both belong in your business Why perpetual usage rights make sense for UGC but not for brand partnerships How Leslie turned one 8-video-a-month UGC retainer into a $130K+ per year creative director role Why retainer clients are the only way to build predictable income as a creator How to position yourself as a creative strategist — not just a creator — to command higher rates and longer partnerships The mental health case for UGC (this one hits different) Your Action Step: Go to the Facebook Ads Library right now. Search a brand you want to work with, set the filter to "All Ads," and look at what's been running for 30+ days. That's your UGC brief. Build your portfolio around what's already working. Where to Find Leslie: → INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/evolushenfreelancing/ → PAID CONTENT CREATOR ACADEMY: https://evolushencreatives.clickfunnels.com/order-form3   Referenced: Tailor Brands: the EASIEST way to legitimize your creator business, form your LLC, and build a business hub to make that side of earning an income SIMPLE. Episode 13: Why Retainers Are the Secret to Scalable Creator Income Episode 8: Affiliate Income the Right Way — on using affiliates strategically to get on a brand's radar More From Us: Join the Creator Club Waitlist  — coaching, templates, rate calculators, and direct help pitching brands Follow us on IG & TikTok: @notaninfluencerco Want More Episodes Like This? → Episode 14:: How Honest Content Builds Loyal Fans ft. Ryan from Side Hustle Review  Episode 15: Instagram Content Brands Actually Want ft. Mya Nichol Episode 22: What Brands Are Actually Looking For ft. Noam Giras of Tailor Brands