# UGC Pitch Template: How to Email Brands as a Nigerian Creator > Copy-paste UGC pitch email templates for Nigerian creators — cold outreach, warm follow-up, and brief application messages that get responses. Most UGC creator pitches fail for the same reason: they focus on the creator instead of the brand. A brand receiving a cold pitch doesn't care about your passion for content creation — they care about whether you can solve their specific content problem. These templates are structured around the brand's needs, not your story. Use them for cold outreach, marketplace applications, and follow-up messages. --- ## Before You Pitch: What to Prepare You need two things before pitching any brand: **1. A portfolio link.** A Google Drive folder, Notion page, or personal website with 3–5 relevant video samples. Without this, your pitch is just a claim. **2. Niche alignment.** Don't pitch a skincare brand with a portfolio of fintech demos. Only pitch brands whose category is represented in your samples. --- ## Template 1: Cold Email to a Nigerian Brand Use this when reaching out directly to a brand you've found on Instagram or LinkedIn. --- **Subject:** UGC content for [Brand Name] — quick question Hi [Name / "Hi there" if unknown], I'm a UGC creator based in Nigeria specialising in [skincare / fintech / food / etc.]. I've been following [Brand Name] for a while and noticed your content is [primarily polished brand creative / mostly static photos / not yet running UGC-style ads]. I create authentic short-form video content for Nigerian brands — the kind that performs in paid ads and organic feed without looking like an ad. My recent work for similar products is here: [Portfolio Link] A few things I can create for [Brand Name]: - [Specific deliverable 1 — e.g., "30-second unboxing video for your Instagram ads"] - [Specific deliverable 2 — e.g., "60-second testimonial-style review for your product page"] Rates start at ₦[X] per video. Happy to send a full rate card if helpful. Would you be open to a quick message exchange this week? [Your Name] [WhatsApp Number — optional] [Portfolio Link again] --- **What makes this work:** - Specific observation about their current content (shows you've looked at their account) - Clear deliverable ideas (not generic "I can make content for you") - Soft call to action (no pressure, easy to reply) --- ## Template 2: Brief Application on a Marketplace Use this when applying to a brief posted on ugc.ng or similar platforms. --- **Hi,** I've read your brief in full and I'm confident I can deliver [the 2 × 30-second testimonial videos] you need. My relevant experience: I've created [skincare / fintech / food] UGC for Nigerian brands. The sample most relevant to your brief is [direct link or mention which sample in your portfolio applies]. One thing I want to flag before you decide: your brief mentions [specific requirement from the brief — e.g., "showing product texture in close-up"]. My setup handles this well — I shoot with [natural window light / a ring light] specifically for product texture work. I can deliver within your [5-day] timeline. Rate: ₦[Your rate] as listed. Happy to answer any questions before you decide. [Your Name] --- **What makes this work:** - Opens by confirming you read the brief (filters you from 80% of applicants who don't) - References a specific brief requirement (impossible without actually reading it) - States relevant experience without overselling - Confirms the rate without negotiating yourself down --- ## Template 3: Warm Follow-Up (After No Response) Send this 5–7 days after an initial cold email with no reply. --- **Subject:** Re: UGC content for [Brand Name] Hi [Name], Following up on my message last week. I know inboxes get busy — just wanted to make sure this landed. If now isn't the right time for UGC content, no problem at all. If you'd like to revisit in future, my portfolio is at [link]. [Your Name] --- One follow-up only. Two ignored emails means they're not interested right now. Move on. --- ## Template 4: Responding to an Inbound Enquiry When a brand DMs you on Instagram or emails asking about your rates. --- Hi [Name], Thanks for reaching out — glad you found my work. I've looked at [Brand Name]'s content and I think I can produce something that works well for your [paid ads / organic social / product page]. To give you an accurate quote, a few quick questions: 1. What deliverable are you looking for? (video length, quantity) 2. Is this for organic use, paid ads, or both? 3. Do you have a brief already, or would you like me to propose a simple scope? My full rate card is attached — but a quote based on your specific brief will be more accurate. [Your Name] --- **Why ask questions first:** It gives you information to quote accurately, and it signals you're professional — not just reciting rates without understanding the brief. --- ## Template 5: Negotiation Response When a brand comes back and says your rate is too high. --- Hi [Name], I appreciate you being direct about the budget. My rate for that scope is ₦[X] because it includes [2 revision rounds / paid ads usage for 30 days / etc.]. If the budget is closer to ₦[lower number], here's what I can adjust: - Reduce from 2 videos to 1 video - Limit usage to organic only (no paid ads) - Remove one revision round Let me know which of those works for your brief and I'll revise the proposal. [Your Name] --- **Key principle:** When negotiating down, remove deliverables or usage rights — don't just lower the rate for the same scope. This protects your rate integrity and helps the brand understand what they're paying for. --- ## Common Pitch Mistakes **Attaching a video file instead of a link.** Large attachments go to spam. Always share a link — Google Drive, Notion, or a website. **Generic subject lines.** "UGC Creator Available" is ignored. "[Brand Name] + specific content type" gets opened. **Pitching on the wrong channel.** LinkedIn works better for B2B and corporate brands. Instagram DMs work better for DTC consumer brands. Email is best for larger brands with a marketing team. **Too long.** If your cold email is more than 150 words, cut it. Brands decide whether to respond in the first 3 sentences. For the full guide to getting brand deals in Nigeria, read [how to find brand deals as a Nigerian creator](/blog/brand-deals-nigeria). For information on what brands look for when reviewing creator applications, read [brands looking for UGC creators: how to get found](/blog/brands-looking-for-ugc-creators).