UGC Pro Podcast

What would happen if your paycheck stopped tomorrow?In this episode, I break down why your 9–5 job is no longer a safety net — it’s a single point of failure — and how to build a side hustle strategically without quitting your job or reinventing your career. In 2023, I was a $160K Creative Director with benefits at a company I genuinely liked. I wasn’t burned out. I wasn’t job hunting. I built a side hustle for leverage, flexibility, and proof that I could earn outside of one employer. A few months later, the entire company was laid off — no notice, no severance.The difference between panic and stability wasn’t talent.It was diversification.This episode covers:✅ Why traditional career stability is outdated in 2026✅ How to build multiple income streams without sabotaging your full-time job✅ How to monetize your existing skills instead of starting from scratch✅ How to build a financial runway before you need it✅ Why a side hustle is insurance — not rebellion✅ The mindset shift from job security to income diversificationIf you’ve been recently laid off, thinking about starting a side business, or questioning how secure your corporate job really is, this episode will give you a practical framework to reduce risk and increase leverage.This is Part 1 of a 4-part series on building a side hustle the smart way — focusing on monetizing what you already know, validating demand, and creating predictable income.Download the free Side Hustle Workbook to follow along and turn your skills into a service offering: https://info.entrepreneur.com/how-to-start-your-side-hustle-workbookBecause the goal isn’t to quit dramatically.It’s to remove fragility.Thanks so much for watching! As a little gift, I’ve added discounts to all of our resources (linked below)—just for you. Use code “YOUTUBE25” for 25% off!🦄 Learn more about UGC Pro & see what our students are saying: www.ugc.proVideo courses:🎓 UGC University: https://go.ugc.pro/offers/6UKA46zT/checkout🤓 Creative Strategy: https://go.ugc.pro/offers/oAbc82jW/checkout📈 Creative Strategy x Paid Media Master Class: https://go.ugc.pro/offers/B9awpTFf/checkout🗞️ Pitch Yourself—The PR Power Hour: https://go.ugc.pro/offers/2oS9cthQDid you know that we're on other social platforms? Follow us on...✨ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ugc.pro/✨ Twitter: https://x.com/UGCpro_✨ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellyandshane?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcside hustle 2026, how to start a side hustle, build income outside your job, monetize your skills, income diversification, multiple income streams, financial independence, corporate layoffs, laid off what to do, job security 2026, recession proof income, how to build a financial runway, side business ideas, entrepreneurship for beginners, career leverage strategy, 9-5 job alternative, build wealth outside corporate, passive income vs active income, creative strategy career, UGC side hustle, performance marketing side hustle, freelance income, consulting income, portfolio career, predictable income streams, side hustle framework, build income before quitting, entrepreneur mindset, personal finance strategy

I’m beyond excited for today’s episode, because I’m joined by Mia Mirzayan: a powerhouse UGC Creator, Creative Strategist, and the CEO + Founder of Creator Vault.After working with over 150+ brands and coaching 250+ creators, Mia saw firsthand how confusing, isolating, and unfair the creator economy can be—from scams and ghosted payments to lowball offers and lack of transparency. Instead of accepting that as the norm, she decided to build a solution. Enter Creator Vault: the first platform designed to protect creators, promote transparency, and help us all get paid what we deserve.In this conversation, we dive into:🚨 The biggest pain points in the UGC industry and how to avoid common creator scams💸 How to use Creator Vault to negotiate higher rates and vet brands before working with them⚖️ Why transparency and advocacy are crucial for the next era of the creator economy💡 The future of Creator Vault and how it’s helping creators thrive, not just survive🧠 Our shared experiences as neurodivergent entrepreneurs trying to build, create, and balance it allIf you’re a UGC creator, influencer, or freelance creative strategist, this episode is packed with insights to help you protect your time, your energy, and your worth—while learning how to navigate brand deals with confidence.🎧 Tune in to hear how Mia is changing the creator economy from the inside out, and why Creator Vault might just be the tool we’ve all been waiting for.Looking to connect with Mia and Creator Vault? Be sure to follow her below:Mia Mirzayan🤍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itskormenia/🤍 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itskormenia?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcCreator Vault💋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatorvaultapp/💋 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creatorvaultapp?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc💋 Download Creator Vault for iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/creator-vault/id6670768966Thanks so much for watching! As a little gift, I’ve added discounts to all of our resources—just for you. Use code “PODCAST25” for 25% off our 4 video courses:🎓 UGC University: https://go.ugc.pro/offers/6UKA46zT/checkout🤓 Creative Strategy: https://go.ugc.pro/offers/oAbc82jW/checkout📈 Creative Strategy x Paid Media Master Class: https://go.ugc.pro/offers/B9awpTFf/checkout🗞️ Pitch Yourself: the PR Power Hour: https://go.ugc.pro/offers/2oS9cthQDid you know that we're on other social platforms? Follow us on...✨ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ugc.pro/✨ Twitter: https://x.com/UGCpro_✨ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellyandshane?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcUGC Creator, Creator Vault, UGC Pro Podcast, Creator App, Creator Economy, Creative Strategy, Brand Deals, UGC Scams, Influencer Marketing, Content Creators, UGC Negotiation, UGC Tips, Freelance Creators, Creator Pay Transparency, Women in Tech, Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs, ADHD Creators, UGC Business Growth, App Founder, Kelly Rocklein

Join me and Terri as we go through a series of questions having to do with UGC and creative strategy. In this episode, I share my story of how I got started in user-generated content (UGC) back in 2014—before the industry even had a name—and how I turned that passion into a decade-long creative career helping brands generate over $500 million in revenue.We talk about everything from building a UGC portfolio that closes high paying deals and pricing your work confidently, to navigating commission and equity deals, and learning how to think like a creative strategist (not just a creator). You’ll also hear what I look for when hiring creators—the red flags, the portfolio must-haves, and what makes a creator stand out in a crowded space.Whether you’re new to UGC or ready to go full-time, this episode breaks down the strategies that actually work—no fluff, no false promises, just real talk about building a sustainable, well-paid creative business.🔑 What You’ll LearnHow I started in UGC before it was “a thing”What makes a portfolio stand out to brandsHow to price with confidence and avoid the race to the bottomWhen commission or equity deals are worth itThe skills that keep creators competitive in 2026 and beyondWhy creative strategy = higher-paying brand deals📩 Join the CommunityTerri is the founder of The UGC Authority. You can join her private community here: https://theugcauthority.com/I'm launching a second podcast! Recovering Sad Girl, is dedicated to late-diagnosed women with ADHD and autism, like Kelly. This podcast has been and will continue to be a labor of love. It’s time to normalize mental health conversations in the creator and business space.You can hear the trailer for season 1 on all major streaming platforms!💜 Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/introducing-recovering-sad-girl-with-kelly-rocklein/id1837481973?i=1000724801385⁠💚 Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/0WQ6ueF7QZsTYnxV7zjnD9?si=1d51584dc1744bdb⁠❤️ YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/shorts/H5VOxLmbwnQ?feature=share⁠Thanks so much for watching! As a little gift, I’ve added discounts to all of our resources—just for you. Use code “FLASH35” for 35% off our three video courses:· UGC University 🎓 https://go.ugc.pro/offers/6UKA46zT/checkout· Creative Strategy 🤓 https://go.ugc.pro/offers/oAbc82jW/checkout· Creative Strategy x Paid Media Master Class ✨ https://go.ugc.pro/offers/B9awpTFf/checkoutAnd join the UGC Pro Community and receive 35% off for life 🫶 https://go.ugc.pro/offers/doPLyYei/checkout?coupon_code=MEMBER35Did you know that we're on other social platforms? Follow us on...✨ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ugc.pro/✨ Twitter: https://x.com/UGCpro_✨ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellyandshane?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc✨ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gougcproUGC, user generated content, Kelly Rocklein, UGC Pro, UGC course, creative strategy, UGC portfolio, UGC pricing, UGC rates, brand deals, paid media, performance creative, content creator, how to start UGC, negotiate brand deals, freelance pricing, usage rights, attract high-paying clients, UGC training, social media strategy

This is the follow-up episode to part 1 of 2 (listen to part 1 if you haven't already).In this episode, we dig into UGC creative strategy end-to-end—how ideas become briefs, scripts, and launch-ready ads, plus the metrics that actually matter (ROAS, CTR, hook rate). We cover testing frameworks, balancing performance vs. experimentation, and why “failed” tests still create winning insights. We also talk pricing for UGC creators, the shift from creator → creative strategist, and a grounded take on AI (useful workflows vs. gimmicks).You’ll hear us talk about:— The real creative strategy workflow (ideas → brief/script → sourcing → launch → analyze → iterate).— What “success” means in practice (e.g., ROAS ≥ 2.0) and how to learn from losing ads.— Balancing testing vs. scale: budgets, stakeholder buy-in, and protecting KPIs.— Messaging by audience (Gen Z vs. Gen X) and what that means for LTV.— Pricing & positioning: charging for concepts, strategy, and conversions (not just deliverables).— Building portfolios & case studies from performance data (metrics you can actually show).— AI for efficiency (research, briefs, analysis) vs. avatars and authenticity/disclosure.— Tools & workflows we rely on: Motion, MagicBrief, Foreplay, Notion, Slack, ChatGPT, Meta Ads Manager (+ Prompt Cowboy for prompts).This episode is for you if:You’re a UGC creator who wants to charge more, a freelancer moving into strategy retainers, or a brand/agency partner doubling down on creator-led performance creative.Connect with today’s guest, Sam Stroheker:— LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-stroheker-2b75942b9/— Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sam.stroheker/Thanks for listening! Enjoy 35% off our video courses with code FLASH35:— UGC University 🎓 https://go.ugc.pro/offers/6UKA46zT/checkout— Creative Strategy 🤓 https://go.ugc.pro/offers/oAbc82jW/checkout— Creative Strategy x Paid Media Master Class ✨ https://go.ugc.pro/offers/B9awpTFf/checkoutJoin the UGC Pro Community and get 35% off for life 🫶https://go.ugc.pro/offers/doPLyYei/checkout?coupon_code=MEMBER35Follow us:✨ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ugc.pro/✨ X (Twitter): https://x.com/UGCpro_✨ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellyandshaneWe post every Monday on YouTube—subscribe + turn on notifications! I read and reply to all comments:Channel 👉 https://youtu.be/1g2I5DwL-EETags/Keywords:ugc, ugc creator, user generated content, creative strategy, creative strategist, fractional creative strategist, performance creative, paid social, meta ads, facebook ads, instagram ads, tiktok ads, ad creative, creative testing, a/b testing, direct response, roas, ctr, hook rate, vtr, scripting, briefs, iterations, raw footage, portfolio, about me video, case studies, motion app, magicbrief, foreplay, notion, chatgpt, prompt cowboy, slack, meta ads manager, freelancer rates, hourly rate, retainers, consulting, burnout, boundaries, creator economy, ugc pro, podcast for creators

🎙️ What is Creative Strategy & How UGC Creators Can Get Paid MoreJoin Arbel's private community (Creator5) here: https://whop.com/creator5?a=kellyb4If you’ve been wondering how to break out of low-paying UGC deals and start charging premium rates as a creator, this episode is for you. Kelly Rocklein—Head of Performance Creative and founder of UGC Pro—unpacks the fundamentals of creative strategy: what it is, why brands desperately need it, and how you’re probably already using it without realizing it.💡 In this episode, you’ll discover:The difference between a UGC creator and a creative strategistWhy brands value creators who understand data, paid media, and ad performanceHow to upsell your UGC work with creative strategy, scripting, and iterationKey campaign metrics like CTR, thumb-stop rate, and view-through rateHow to position yourself as a true creative partner—not just a freelancerPortfolio tips, About Me video strategies, and how to stand out to agencies and brands🔥 Whether you’re brand new to UGC or already booking deals, this conversation will help you transform simple content creation into a profitable, sustainable business.👉 Perfect for:UGC creators ready to raise their ratesFreelancers interested in creative strategy consultingMarketers curious about where paid ads and UGC intersectMost importantly: Anyone building a profitable creator business in 2025Thanks so much for watching! As a little gift, I’ve added discounts to all of our resources—just for you. Use code “FLASH35” for 35% off our three video courses:UGC University 🎓 https://go.ugc.pro/offers/6UKA46zT/checkoutCreative Strategy 🤓 https://go.ugc.pro/offers/oAbc82jW/checkoutCreative Strategy x Paid Media Master Class ✨ https://go.ugc.pro/offers/B9awpTFf/checkoutAnd join the UGC Pro Community and receive 35% off for life 🫶 https://go.ugc.pro/offers/doPLyYei/checkout?coupon_code=MEMBER35Did you know that we're on other social platforms? Follow us on...✨ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ugc.pro/✨ Twitter: https://x.com/UGCpro_✨ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellyandshane?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcWe also post EVERY MONDAY on our YouTube channel! Be sure to subscribe and turn on post notifications. I read all the comments + respond to them, so ask any and all Q's. Channel here 👉 https://youtu.be/1g2I5DwL-EEugc, user generated content, ugc creator, creative strategist, creative strategy, creative strategy course, performance marketing, performance creative, paid media, paid social, media buying, meta ads, facebook ads, instagram ads, tiktok ads, youtube shorts ads, ad creative, direct response, direct response video editing, ad performance, kpis, key performance indicators, thumb stop rate, view through rate, vtr, click through rate, ctr, cpc, cpa, cac, roas, creative testing, a/b testing, iterative testing, hooks, angles, scripts, scriptwriting, shot list, b-roll, raw footage, captions, cta, call to action, landing page conversion, funnel, portfolio tips, about me video, case studies, performance feedback, motion app, data driven marketing, audience insights, trend research, market research, creator economy, brand deals, brand partnerships, creator sourcing, influencer marketing, outreach, pitching brands, inbound leads, linkedin optimization, seo for linkedin, pricing strategy, negotiate rates, day rate, retainers, fractional creative strategist, consulting, freelance marketing, ugc rates, usage rights, licensing, whitelisting, dark posting, content rights, content strategy, campaign strategy, campaign optimization, post-production, editing workflow, meta ads manager, creative brief, concept ideation, high converting creatives, portfolio building, testimonials, social proof, ugc pro, courses for creators, video course, community for creators, 2025 marketing trends, offer positioning, value ladder, upsell, renewals, agency vs brand, working with agencies, referrals, real world examples, beginner to advanced ugc

Back & Bigger Than Ever: Creator Confidential Recap, High-Ticket UGC Deals, What to Post for Inbounds, & What Future Episodes to Expect on the UGC Pro Podcast...After a short break, the UGC Pro Podcast is back! 🎙️ In this episode, Kelly recaps Creator Confidential 2025—the biggest UGC creator event to date with over 200 attendees in Toronto—and shares behind-the-scenes insights on how the event came together, why community is so powerful for creators, and what’s next for 2026 (hint: Los Angeles 👀).You’ll also hear Kelly’s unfiltered take on high-ticket UGC deals (and why so many “new coaches” are repackaging old advice), plus practical tips on what to post as a UGC creator to attract inbound brand deals without falling into the “posting UGC tips” trap.Whether you’re looking to grow your UGC business, land retainer clients, or connect with other creators IRL, this episode is packed with strategy, tough love, and inspiration to level up in 2025.What you’ll learn in this episode:The impact of Creator Confidential 2025 & why in-person creator events matterHow to think about high-ticket UGC deals without the hypeContent strategies that actually attract inbound clientsA sneak peek at upcoming podcast episodes & guests👉 CC 2026 waitlist: https://creatorconfidential.myflodesk.com/hvnv54sw4t👉 CC recording (use code CC10 for $10 off): https://stan.store/CreatorConfidential/p/cc-2025-panel-replay👉 Youtube video about what to post as a UGC creator wanting to attract more inbounds: https://youtu.be/RjpNHbGBAg8?si=m20x6D1xCCKfkRBe👉 UGC creators posting content that shows their personality, along with storytelling, filming, and editing skills:— Shylynne: https://www.instagram.com/shylynnesocial/— Julia: https://www.instagram.com/juliademolaugc/— Taylor: https://www.instagram.com/ugcwtaylor/Thanks so much for watching! As a little gift, I’ve added discounts to all of our resources—just for you. Use code “FLASH35” for 35% off our three video courses:UGC University 🎓 https://go.ugc.pro/offers/6UKA46zT/checkoutCreative Strategy 🤓 https://go.ugc.pro/offers/oAbc82jW/checkoutCreative Strategy x Paid Media Master Class ✨ https://go.ugc.pro/offers/B9awpTFf/checkoutAnd join the UGC Pro Community and receive 35% off for life 🫶 https://go.ugc.pro/offers/doPLyYei/checkout?coupon_code=MEMBER35Did you know that we're on other social platforms? Follow us on...✨ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ugc.pro/✨ Twitter: https://x.com/UGCpro_✨ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellyandshane?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcWe also post EVERY MONDAY on our YouTube channel! Be sure to subscribe and turn on post notifications. I read all the comments + respond to them, so ask any and all Q's. Channel here 👉 https://youtu.be/1g2I5DwL-EE

In this Part 1 or 2 episode of the UGC Pro Podcast, Kelly and Shane unpack how AI is transforming UGC, creative strategy, and infinite message testing—without replacing the human spark.🎯 You’ll learn:How AI is best used to support, not replace, UGC creatorsWhat’s working now in performance marketing with hybrid content strategiesWhy authenticity still sells—even in the age of AIReal-world examples of tools and workflows that actually increase output and ROIWhat brands are getting wrong (and right) with AI-powered ad strategiesHow to test infinite messages while protecting your brand’s voiceThis episode is the uncut breakdown of Kelly’s keynote from Motion’s Make Ads That Convert conference, where 12,000+ marketers tuned in to explore the intersection of AI and performance creative.🔁 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll dive into legal and ethical considerations of AI use—and break down the best tools for performance teams.🚨 Subscribe now, and make sure you’re following UGC Pro across platforms for more expert insights.Thanks so much for watching! As a little gift, I’ve added discounts to all of our resources—just for you. Use code “FLASH35” for 35% off our three video courses:UGC University 🎓 https://go.ugc.pro/offers/6UKA46zT/checkoutCreative Strategy 🤓 https://go.ugc.pro/offers/oAbc82jW/checkoutCreative Strategy x Paid Media Master Class ✨ https://go.ugc.pro/offers/B9awpTFf/checkoutAnd join the UGC Pro Community and receive 35% off for life 🫶 https://go.ugc.pro/offers/doPLyYei/checkout?coupon_code=MEMBER35Did you know that we're on other social platforms? Follow us on...✨ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ugc.pro/✨ Twitter: https://x.com/UGCpro_✨ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellyandshane?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcWe also post EVERY MONDAY on our YouTube channel! Be sure to subscribe and turn on post notifications. I read all the comments + respond to them, so ask any and all Q's. Channel here 👉 https://youtu.be/1g2I5DwL-EE

Welcome to UGC Pro, the podcast where creative strategy, UGC innovation, and freelancing success collide. Hosted by Kelly Rocklein—a self-taught creative marketer with over a decade of experience on both the brand and creator side—this show is here to help you unlock your full potential. Whether you’re here to sharpen your ad game or gain fresh insights to elevate your creative freelance business, you’re in the right place.Thanks so much for watching! As a little gift, I’ve added discounts to all of our resources—just for you. Use code “FLASH35” for 35% off our three video courses:UGC University 🎓 https://go.ugc.pro/offers/6UKA46zT/checkoutCreative Strategy 🤓 https://go.ugc.pro/offers/oAbc82jW/checkoutCreative Strategy x Paid Media Master Class ✨ https://go.ugc.pro/offers/B9awpTFf/checkoutAnd join the UGC Pro Community and receive 35% off for life 🫶 https://go.ugc.pro/offers/doPLyYei/checkout?coupon_code=MEMBER35Did you know that we're on other social platforms? Follow us on...✨ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ugc.pro/✨ Twitter: https://x.com/UGCpro_✨ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellyandshane?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcWe also post EVERY MONDAY on our YouTube channel! Be sure to subscribe and turn on post notifications. I read all the comments + respond to them, so ask any and all Q's. Channel here 👉 https://youtu.be/1g2I5DwL-EE