Brand-deal type: UGC license vs affiliate-only vs ambassador retainer

Brand-deal type: UGC license vs affiliate-only vs ambassador retainer

Three models, three different things you're selling.

— UGC license: you sell content, brand runs it as their ad. Paid flat, no audience required — but you don't earn from performance and you hand over usage rights. Best when your content is strong but reach is small.
— Affiliate-only: you sell reach + conversion. No flat fee, uncapped commission. Best when you've proven this audience buys.
— Ambassador retainer: you sell ongoing presence — monthly fee for set deliverables + commission. Best for predictable income and brands you'd post about anyway.

Decision rule:
— If your content quality outpaces your follower count then UGC.
— If your audience converts and you trust the offer then affiliate or retainer.
— If the brand wants exclusivity then only inside a retainer — never give it away free in a one-off.

Checklist: what you're selling (content / reach / presence), usage rights priced separately, exclusivity capped.

Definition of done: the model matches your actual leverage, not the brand's first offer.