Paid To Travel: The UGC Podcast

55: From $1K to $6K Months: How Jess Built a Full-Time UGC Creator Business

What happens when you stick with UGC long enough to let it actually work? Today's episode is a special one because Jess is back on the podcast for a one-year update, and honestly... so much has changed. When Jess first came on the podcast (Episode 13), she had made about $5,000 total from UGC and was averaging around $1,000/month. She was still working as a massage therapist, trying to balance two businesses, and figuring out if becoming a UGC creator could really turn into something sustainable. Fast forward a year later, and she's officially left her job, built a roster of returning clients, signed a $6,250 month, and created a business that gives her the freedom to travel, perform in a dance company, and actually enjoy her life. If you're in that phase where you're wondering if all the pitching, learning, and showing up is worth it, this episode is going to be the encouragement you need. In This Episode, We Talk About: ✨ How Jess went from "dabbling" in UGC to doing it full-time ✨ The mindset shifts that helped her push through imposter syndrome ✨ Why consistency matters more than trying to grow overnight ✨ How personalized pitching is helping her land more UGC brand deals ✨ The exact changes she made that helped her start signing higher-paying projects ✨ Her biggest brand deal to date ($2,250 for one package) ✨ The month she signed over $6,000 in new business ✨ Why returning clients completely changed her confidence and income ✨ How she's creating a business that supports the lifestyle she actually wants ✨ The reality of balancing UGC, creativity, travel, and life.  Resources mentioned: Bento: automated pitching for content creators  [https://www.onbento.com/] Connect with Jess Want to follow Jess's journey? Instagram: @bodyworkbae [https://www.instagram.com/bodyworkbae/?hl=en] UGC Portfolio [https://co-createwithjess.com/] Loved This Episode? If your goal is to become a UGC creator, learn how to get paid to travel, build a sustainable travel UGC business, and create more freedom in your life, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast so you never miss an episode. And if this episode inspired you, take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag us so we can see you're listening 💛 This podcast was produced by Your Girl Media. Follow: @yourgirlmedia [https://www.instagram.com/yourgirlmedia/?hl=en] Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com  [https://yourgirlmedia.com/] START HERE: For beginners looking for a clear roadmap to making your first $1,000+ with UGC. Learn all the fundamentals, build your portfolio, create great pitches, and land your first UGC deals. Join the 3-Month UGC Accelerator Course [https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator-course]. SCALE HERE: For the intermediate to expert creators ready to start hitting consistent 4-figure months, without the burnout. Sign Up For UGC Basecamp [https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE25#landing-page]—podcast listeners get 25% off for life (Code 'SAVE25'). Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach [https://www.instagram.com/maddyoutdoors.coach/] FREE 50+ UGC Ad Examples Library [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/8klpmy2o0wiktk2gtebhf/AOMz33eHpMAWAcPEQLJu2nQ?rlkey=01r6zraptwnxm623y8pys1ew9&st=oagvi9i7&dl=0]

54: Listen to This First Before You Quit Your UGC Business

Feeling like your UGC business isn't working? This episode is your sign to keep going. If you're in the first few months of building your UGC business and questioning whether you're cut out for this, I need you to hear this: Don't quit yet. I know it feels frustrating when you're putting in the work, sending pitches, building your portfolio, creating content, and not seeing the results you expected. But what if the only thing standing between you and success is time? In today's episode, I'm sharing the reminder every new UGC creator needs to hear when they're stuck in the messy middle—the phase where you're working hard, learning fast, and wondering if it's all worth it. In This Episode, We Cover: * Why the first 3–6 months of building a UGC business can feel so challenging * The truth about profitability and how most businesses take longer than you think to make money * Why almost every successful UGC creator experiences a slow start * The skills you're building right now (even if the money hasn't shown up yet) * How consistency and resilience separate successful creators from those who quit too soon * Why your UGC journey will look different from everyone else's * The mindset shift that can help you stay committed when things feel hard * My challenge for you: give yourself two more months before you decide it's not working This podcast was produced by Your Girl Media. Follow: @yourgirlmedia [https://www.instagram.com/yourgirlmedia/?hl=en] Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com  [https://yourgirlmedia.com/] START HERE: For beginners looking for a clear roadmap to making your first $1,000+ with UGC. Learn all the fundamentals, build your portfolio, create great pitches, and land your first UGC deals. Join the 3-Month UGC Accelerator Course [https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator-course]. SCALE HERE: For the intermediate to expert creators ready to start hitting consistent 4-figure months, without the burnout. Sign Up For UGC Basecamp [https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE25#landing-page]—podcast listeners get 25% off for life (Code 'SAVE25'). Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach [https://www.instagram.com/maddyoutdoors.coach/] FREE 50+ UGC Ad Examples Library [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/8klpmy2o0wiktk2gtebhf/AOMz33eHpMAWAcPEQLJu2nQ?rlkey=01r6zraptwnxm623y8pys1ew9&st=oagvi9i7&dl=0]

53: UGC Taxes 101: Advice From A Tax Expert That Will Save You THOUSANDS

If taxes make you want to close your laptop and pretend your bank account doesn’t exist… this episode is for you .  In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Tommy from Prime [https://primecorporateservices.com/formation/?utm_source=maddyoutdoors&t=2] to break down all things taxes for UGC creators, freelancers, and content creators in a way that actually makes sense. We’re talking LLCs, write-offs, travel deductions, gifted collaborations, how much money you should actually be setting aside for taxes, and the biggest mistakes creators make that end up costing them thousands. Whether you’re a brand new UGC creator or already making consistent income online, this episode will help you feel way more confident going into tax season and managing your money as a self-employed creator. In this episode, we cover: *  The biggest tax mistakes UGC creators make  *  When to form an LLC as a content creator  *  How to track expenses as a freelancer  *  Tax tips for content creators and influencers  *  Common tax deductions for UGC creators  *  How travel write-offs actually work  *  What counts as a business expense  *  Taxes on gifted collaborations and PR packages  *  How to handle PayPal, Venmo, and multiple income streams  *  Why brands ask creators for W-9s  *  How much money to set aside for taxes as a freelancer  *  Business credit cards, points, and using credit strategically  *  Tax strategies creators can use to save money  Resources Mentioned: *  Keeper Tax  *  QuickBooks  *  Xero  *  Prime Corporate Services  Connect with Tommy + Prime [https://primecorporateservices.com/formation/?utm_source=maddyoutdoors&t=2]: Find them on Instagram at Prime Corporate Services [https://primecorporateservices.com/formation/?utm_source=maddyoutdoors&t=2] for more tax tips for freelancers, business setup help, and creator finance resources. Want more Travel Content Advice? Make sure to listen to the Travel Creator Podcast  [https://open.spotify.com/show/29k8CvPIzku8KBkbnwWzQB?si=2aaa898090e74bbc] This podcast was produced by Your Girl Media. Follow: @yourgirlmedia [https://www.instagram.com/yourgirlmedia/?hl=en] Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com  [https://yourgirlmedia.com/] START HERE: For beginners looking for a clear roadmap to making your first $1,000+ with UGC. Learn all the fundamentals, build your portfolio, create great pitches, and land your first UGC deals. Join the 3-Month UGC Accelerator Course [https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator-course]. SCALE HERE: For the intermediate to expert creators ready to start hitting consistent 4-figure months, without the burnout. Sign Up For UGC Basecamp [https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE25#landing-page]—podcast listeners get 25% off for life (Code 'SAVE25'). Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach [https://www.instagram.com/maddyoutdoors.coach/] FREE 50+ UGC Ad Examples Library [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/8klpmy2o0wiktk2gtebhf/AOMz33eHpMAWAcPEQLJu2nQ?rlkey=01r6zraptwnxm623y8pys1ew9&st=oagvi9i7&dl=0]

52: Stop Obsessing Over Your Hooks As a UGC Creator ( Do this Instead )

Today  I’m talking about why obsessing over viral hooks, viral hooks for Instagram, and how to go viral is actually hurting so many creators. Because honestly? A crazy good hook means nothing if the rest of your content falls flat. And I see this all the time — especially in the UGC creator space. I’m breaking down why focusing only on hooks is basically the same thing as love bombing in dating, how this mindset shows up in your UGC creator business, and why your pitch is NOT the thing you should be obsessing over most. In this episode, I talk about: *  Why focusing too much on viral hooks can backfire  *  The problem with “hook-first” content strategies  *  Why going viral means nothing without good content behind it  *  How viral hooks for Instagram relate to dating (lol)  *  Why your pitch is just the “hook” of your UGC creator business  *  What brands actually look for when hiring a UGC creator  *  Why your portfolio matters more than your pitch  *  The hard truth about building a long-term UGC creator career  *  How to become the kind of creator brands genuinely want to work with  I also share why I think so many creators are focusing on the wrong things right now — and what I’d focus on instead if I wanted a successful, sustainable business as a UGC creator. If you’ve been stressing over how to go viral, trying to write the perfect pitch, or searching for the best UGC creator hooks… this episode is your reminder that becoming really good at what you do will always outperform gimmicks. Make sure you’re subscribed to the Paid to Travel podcast for new episodes every Monday, and if this episode resonated with you, share it with another creator who needs this reminder too 💌 This podcast was produced by Your Girl Media. Follow: @yourgirlmedia [https://www.instagram.com/yourgirlmedia/?hl=en] Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com  [https://yourgirlmedia.com/] START HERE: For beginners looking for a clear roadmap to making your first $1,000+ with UGC. Learn all the fundamentals, build your portfolio, create great pitches, and land your first UGC deals. Join the 3-Month UGC Accelerator Course [https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator-course]. SCALE HERE: For the intermediate to expert creators ready to start hitting consistent 4-figure months, without the burnout. Sign Up For UGC Basecamp [https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE25#landing-page]—podcast listeners get 25% off for life (Code 'SAVE25'). Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach [https://www.instagram.com/maddyoutdoors.coach/] FREE 50+ UGC Ad Examples Library [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/8klpmy2o0wiktk2gtebhf/AOMz33eHpMAWAcPEQLJu2nQ?rlkey=01r6zraptwnxm623y8pys1ew9&st=oagvi9i7&dl=0]

51: You Can’t Build a Dream UGC Business If You’re Afraid of THIS

I just got back from hosting my first-ever travel UGC retreat in Mexico, and it shifted a lot for me not just in my business, but in how I see myself and what I want next. Being in a room with women who get it who are building their UGC businesses, chasing freedom, and thinking differently was such a powerful reminder of how important it is to surround yourself with people on the same path. We created so much content, built out travel UGC portfolios, and had real, in-the-moment coaching that you just can’t replicate online. But beyond the retreat itself, this experience brought up something deeper for me… I’ve been feeling this pull to expand—beyond just UGC, into helping creators with creator monetization, coaching, and building businesses that actually align with their lives. And if I’m being honest? That’s felt scary. Because when people know you for one thing, it’s easy to feel like you have to stay in that box. In this episode, I’m talking about what it looks like to move through that fear, stop worrying about what people think, and actually go after the things you want—even if it feels uncomfortable, cringe, or uncertain. What I Talk About in This Episode: *  What it was like hosting my first travel UGC retreat *  Why in-person experiences can completely change your growth as a content creator *  How we built out travel UGC portfolios in just a few days  *  The internal fears that come up when you want to evolve your brand  *  Why you can’t build a successful business while trying to please everyone  *  Expanding into creator monetization beyond just brand deals  *  Following what actually lights you up (even when it’s scary)   If this episode resonated with you, I would love to hear from you. Send me a DM and tell me what hit for you! And if you’re a UGC creator who’s been thinking about adding coaching, launching a digital product, or expanding your income streams, you can apply for a 1:1 intensive with me here: 👉 Book an Intensive with Me  [https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/offers/ZKFPn4V6/checkout] We’ll map out your offers, your positioning, and how to build a business that actually aligns with your life. This podcast was produced by Your Girl Media. Follow: @yourgirlmedia [https://www.instagram.com/yourgirlmedia/?hl=en] Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com  [https://yourgirlmedia.com/] START HERE: For beginners looking for a clear roadmap to making your first $1,000+ with UGC. Learn all the fundamentals, build your portfolio, create great pitches, and land your first UGC deals. Join the 3-Month UGC Accelerator Course [https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator-course]. SCALE HERE: For the intermediate to expert creators ready to start hitting consistent 4-figure months, without the burnout. Sign Up For UGC Basecamp [https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE25#landing-page]—podcast listeners get 25% off for life (Code 'SAVE25'). Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach [https://www.instagram.com/maddyoutdoors.coach/] FREE 50+ UGC Ad Examples Library [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/8klpmy2o0wiktk2gtebhf/AOMz33eHpMAWAcPEQLJu2nQ?rlkey=01r6zraptwnxm623y8pys1ew9&st=oagvi9i7&dl=0]