4.5.7.2 - Sourcing Creative: Using UGC vs. Branded Content (Difficulty: Beginner | Path: Launch)

Lesson Summary

Sourcing Creative: Using UGC vs. Branded Content (Beginner)

What is it?

You need images and videos for your ads. They will fall into two main styles:

• Branded Content: This is 'glossy', professional content. Think high-quality studio photos, polished model videos, and slick graphics with your logo. It's great for building brand trust and showcasing product quality.
• UGC (User-Generated Content): This is (or *looks like*) content made by a real customer. Think a 'lo-fi' iPhone video of someone unboxing your product, a selfie of them wearing your t-shirt, or a simple text-on-screen video. It's raw, authentic, and builds social proof.

Why is it important?

You need *both*. Branded content works great for retargeting and on platforms like Google Shopping. UGC, however, is the *undisputed king* of social ads (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok). Why? Because it looks *native*. It blends into the feed and doesn't immediately look like an ad, so people actually watch it.

How to Source Creative:

• Branded: Order samples of your products (this is non-negotiable!) and take your own photos and videos. Even a modern smartphone can take amazing shots with good lighting.
• UGC:
• Ask Customers: Run a post-purchase email flow offering a 15% discount on their next order if they send you a photo or video of them using your product.
• Hire Creators: Use platforms like Billo, Upwork, or directly on social media to pay a 'UGC creator' a small fee ($50-$150) to make a 30-second video for you.

⚠️ Beginner's Pitfall

Only using your POD provider's default mockups in your ads. They look generic, untrustworthy, and scream 'dropshipping'. They will *not* convert well on social media. You *must* have photos/videos of the *real, physical product* to build trust and get sales.