Hi everyone! Diving into the world of brand partnerships can feel like a maze, right? If you’re racking your brain over how to work with brands as an influencer, take a deep breath. It’s easy to get caught up in the ‘I want to get paid’ mindset and overlook the most important part: the first step. But here’s a little secret: The first step is actually the easiest! We often overcomplicate things, turning simple steps into big hurdles. Let’s change that together. I’m here to guide you through, making each step clear and manageable. Let’s make things simple and fun!
How Do Influencers Find Brands To Work With?
So, how do influencers find those cool brands to team up with? It’s like a fun scavenger hunt, but instead of looking for hidden treasures, you’re searching for the perfect brand match. Influencers often start by scouting brands that resonate with their style and what they stand for. It’s all about connecting with brands that feel like a natural fit. Think about it like making new friends—you gravitate towards people who share your interests, right? It’s the same with brands. Influencers look for companies that get them and their audience. Whether it’s through social media, events, or just keeping an eye on what’s trending, they’re always on the lookout for brands that align with their personal brand and values. It’s not just about finding any brand; it’s about finding the right brand. And when that match happens, it’s magic—for the influencer, the brand, and the audience!
How To Work With Brands As An Influencer
Identify The Brands You Want To Work With
Now, let’s make it a little more personal. Finding the right brands to partner with is a crucial step for any influencer looking to forge successful collaborations. The key? Start with what you know! Look around your home; the brands you already use and love are your goldmine. Whether it’s the makeup palette you can’t live without, the lipstick that’s always in your bag, or that go-to gloss, these are the brands to pitch. It’s about authenticity. When you pitch a brand you genuinely use and enjoy, your passion shines through, making your proposal more compelling.
Create A Master Brand List
The process is simple. Start with a brain dump. If you’re a food blogger, list every brand in your pantry and fridge. Fashion influencers can review past online orders and shopping habits. This audit creates a master brand list tailored to your niche and genuine interests. Already showcasing a brand in your content? Even better! Use that to strengthen your pitch. Remember, the most effective partnerships stem from a real connection to the product; it’s all about being genuine in your approach.
Next, assess the potential for partnerships with these brands. Research their history of working with influencers and their market reputation. Some brands might be more open to collaboration than others. It’s also crucial to think about the feasibility and potential impact of these partnerships. Can you provide unique and valuable content for these brands? Will working with them help you grow your audience and enhance your credibility? Prioritize brands where there’s a mutual benefit and real potential for a successful partnership. This thoughtful approach ensures you invest your time and effort in the most promising opportunities.
Find The Right Contact
Alright, you’ve got your dream brands in mind, but how do you find the right person to pitch to? A good starting point is to slide into the brand’s DMs on social media. Just drop a friendly message asking for their influencer partnership contact. You’d be surprised at how often you can snag a name and email this way. If that doesn’t work, there are other ways to find the information you’re looking for. Dive into their ‘Contact Us’ page or do a quick LinkedIn search. Sometimes a little research on Google does the trick too. Once you’ve got that contact email, you’re all set to make your pitch. It’s all about taking that first step and reaching out.
Email Is Where The Contracts Are Signed
Got the contact email? Awesome! Now, let’s talk about reaching out. When it’s time to get down to business, swap those DMs for emails. Why? Because emails are where the real magic happens—contracts get signed, deals are made, and yes, that’s where the money talks. When you send an email, it shows you mean business. It’s professional, and it tells the brand that you’re serious about your craft and, of course, about making that coin. Think of your email as your virtual handshake—it’s your first step into a partnership that could be amazing for both you and the brand. Keep it real, keep it you, and let them know you’re ready to bring your A-game!
If you need help crafting your pitch, I’ve created the Pitch To Profit Playbook specifically to help you create successful pitches. This 20-page download includes 10 customizable done-for-you influencer pitch templates and examples that will put you well on your way to creating the brand partnerships of your dreams!
Make It Personal
When you’re crafting your pitch, be sure to personalize it for the brand you’re contacting. Say you’re reaching out to a company that makes delicious biscuits. Kick off your email with a friendly touch, like ‘Hey Cindy, at the Bread Company’, and dive into how much you adore their Honey Baked Wheat Bread. This kind of specific shout-out shows you’re not just any fan—you really know and love their products. If you’ve got a post or reel where you’ve featured their bread, include that link. It’s solid proof that you’re already a genuine advocate for their brand. And don’t forget the cherry on top: pitch a unique content idea that aligns with their product. For instance, propose a series on crafting easy, tasty sandwiches with their bread, showcasing how it’s perfect for busy parents. This personalized, thoughtful approach is what transforms a good pitch into a great one that really resonates with the brand.
Do The Heavy lifting
In your pitch, it’s all about showing brands why they need you. Let’s say you’re proposing a series on ‘Five Easy Lunches’ using their bread. This shows you’re ready to bring fresh, engaging content to the table. But here’s the clincher: do the heavy lifting for them. Spell out your stats: how many followers you have, what platforms you use, and the kind of content you create. For example, if 90% of your audience are food-loving moms and you’ve got a solid 50,000 followers, highlight that. It saves brands the hassle of digging for that information. Better yet, attach a media kit (a 1-2 pager; don’t overthink it) with all those juicy details. That way, brands get a clear picture of your influence and reach, making your pitch not just a proposal but a ready-to-go package. Remember, the easier you make it for them to see your value, the closer you are to sealing the deal.
Always follow up
You’ve sent off an amazing pitch and are eagerly waiting for a response. A few business days roll by, and… crickets. Now what? Here’s where you shine—follow up! Shoot over a friendly email like, ‘Hey there, Cindy, just checking in on my pitch. Are you ready to collaborate, or do you need more information? I’m all ears!’ This little nudge can make a world of difference. It’s easy for emails to get buried under a mountain of others, so your follow-up can pop your pitch back to the top of their minds. It shows you’re proactive, genuinely interested, and ready to engage. Sometimes, it’s that little reminder that swings open doors and sets you apart from the crowd. So, don’t hesitate to give that gentle follow-up push—it could be the key to unlocking your next big opportunity.
Negotiate for what you want
Once you’ve got the brand’s attention, it’s time to talk business, and that means negotiating. This is where you discuss everything, from the budget to deliverables. You’ve got the floor to outline what you can offer, and they’ll pitch what they’re willing to give. Now, here’s where you take control. If their offer lands on your table, think it over. Does it match your value? Is it a good fit for what you bring to the table? Remember, you have the power to accept, decline, or ask for more. Negotiation is your playground. You know your worth, your skills, and what you’re ready to deliver. Don’t shy away from asking for what you deserve. Whether it’s tweaking the budget or adjusting the scope of work, make sure it aligns with your goals and capabilities. This part of the conversation is all about finding that sweet spot where both you and the brand come out winners.
have a contract in place
Alright, you’ve hashed out the details and found that sweet spot where both you and the brand are happy. What’s next? One word: contracts. This is where you make it official. No matter how good the chat goes or how promising things sound, never rely just on someone’s word. In the professional world, a contract is your safety net. It spells out everything you’ve agreed on—the work you’ll do, the compensation you’ll receive, deadlines, rights—you name it. This isn’t just paperwork; it’s your peace of mind. It ensures everyone’s on the same page and holds both sides accountable. So, when you get to this stage, make sure you get that agreement in writing. Trust me, it’s the smart way to seal the deal and protect yourself. Remember, a handshake is nice, but a signed contract is solid.
How Many Followers Do You Need To Reach Out To Brands?
Wondering how many followers you need to start pitching to brands? Here’s the truth: You don’t need a massive following. I’m living proof of that. Juggling a full-time job, being a mom and wife, and trying to stay social, I still manage to land four- to five-figure brand deals every month. And guess what? I don’t have an army of followers; I’m currently hovering around 43,000 on Instagram. It’s not about having hundreds of thousands of followers or endless hours in your day.
Nowadays, there’s a growing trend of brands partnering with micro-influencers. Why? Because authenticity, a dedicated audience, and your unique perspective often outweigh sheer numbers. So, don’t wait until you hit some magic number. Start pitching now, even with a smaller but engaged following. Set a goal; maybe pitch to a few brands each week. Give it a try; you might be surprised at how much you can achieve with the audience you have. Just start—that’s the real game-changer.
What’s A Micro-Influencer?
Micro-influencers are a game-changer in the world of brand partnerships. But what exactly are they? Think of them as the rising stars in the influencer universe. Typically, they have a smaller following—anywhere from a few thousand to around 50,000 followers—but don’t let that number fool you. What makes them stand out is their high engagement rate and close-knit community of followers. These influencers often have a specific niche, like vegan cooking or sustainable fashion, and their audience is super engaged, trusting their recommendations like they would a friend’s. Brands are catching on to the power of micro-influencers. They’re realizing that it’s not always about the biggest audience, but the right audience. With micro-influencers, brands can tap into a dedicated, engaged group of people who are more likely to be influenced by someone they trust and relate to. This shift is opening up a whole new world of opportunities for influencers with smaller, but really engaged, followers.
How Much Do Influencers Get Paid For A Collab?
The biggest hurdle isn’t just how to work with brands and get paid; it’s also understanding how much they pay. Here’s the deal: It really varies. If you’re just starting out or have a smaller audience, you might get free stuff in exchange for your posts. But as your followers and engagement grow, so does your paycheck. I’m talking anywhere from a few bucks to thousands per collaboration. It’s not just about how many followers you have, though. It’s about your presence, the trust you’ve built with your audience, and the effort you put into your content. Some influencers charge per post; others have a package deal for several posts or videos. Remember, know your worth. Don’t be shy about negotiating for a price that matches the value you bring to the table.
That’s my advice on the ins and outs of partnering with brands! Remember, whether you’re just starting or you’re a seasoned influencer, the key is to stay true to yourself and your audience. Keep those pitches genuine, negotiate like a pro, and always, always put your best foot forward. If you’re looking for a little extra help, check out my Pitch To Profit Playbook. It’s packed with influencer pitch to brands templates that are ready to go.
For a deeper dive into creating successful pitches, my Pitch To Profit Masterclass is a game-changer for anyone serious about making it big in the influencer world. Both of these resources are designed to give you a head start in crafting pitches that get noticed and land deals. So go ahead, take that first step, and start making those dream collaborations a reality. You’ve got the tools; now make them work for you!
