How to approach brands for a paid collaboration

Are you tired of being an unpaid influencer, tirelessly promoting brands without getting a dime for your efforts? Well, it’s time to put on your negotiation pants and master the art of approaching brands for a well-deserved paid collaboration. Gone are the days of simply sliding into their DMs with a generic pitch; we’re here to teach you how to charm them with wit, intelligence, and just the right amount of swagger. So buckle up, my savvy social media mavens, because we’re about to turn those collaborations from freebies into fabulous paydays!

In today’s dynamic digital landscape, influencer marketing stands as a formidable force, reshaping the way brands connect with their target audience. If you’re a business, somewhere, on some platform, your customers are spending time and possibly money. Makes sense to figure out how to get in front of them. 

At its core, influencer marketing leverages the influence of individuals who have amassed a significant and engaged following on social media platforms. These influencers, experts in their respective niches, possess the power to sway opinions, spark trends, and drive consumer behavior. These are people who have some expertise in something. You are not an influencer based on the number of followers you have on any given platform. 

This is important so let me make sure you get it:

PRO TIP : You are an Influencer because you have some expertise in something

That something could be making healthy dinners for a family of 4  in under 20 minutes. Or perhaps you’re great at luxury travel plans but on an affordable budget. Maybe your area of expertise is understanding the best technology for teens as a parent. 

Influencers deliver value on their platforms. There’s a reason their audience keeps coming back for more. From the brand side, a brand must be able to see how they can integrate with your content and on your feed. 

If you’re just doing seemingly random dances on Tiktok, look at your platform thru the lens of a business. What value do you provide and how would a brand best partner with you?

Influencer marketing transcends traditional advertising, offering brands an avenue to seamlessly integrate their products or services into the daily lives of consumers through trusted and admired personalities.

As influencers craft compelling narratives and share authentic experiences, they become powerful conduits for brand messages. As of late, influencers have become quite a well known commodity, even to the point when their travel plans go awry, it becomes news. This symbiotic relationship benefits both influencers and brands alike—brands gain access to highly targeted audiences, while influencers monetize their influence by collaborating with brands aligned with their values and audience preferences. 

The diversity within the influencer sphere, ranging from lifestyle and fashion influencers to niche experts in areas like tech or wellness, ensures that brands can find the perfect match for their unique identity and offerings. There’s something for everyone on the internet! 

Moreover, influencer marketing is not solely about transactional engagements; it’s a dynamic ecosystem fostering genuine connections between creators, brands, and audiences.

An influencer marketing campaign or brand collaboration for an influencer could be an Instagram reel, a Tiktok, a youtube video or a blog – just to name a few typical ways a brand partnership could unfold. 

A brand reaches out to express interest in working with that Influencer. They negotiate the scope of work (SOW) also known as the set of deliverables along with the pay, among other things. Once the agreement is signed, the Influencer gets the messaging brief, creates the content and sends it back to the brand for approval. Once everyone gives it a thumbs up, the post is live! And that my friends, is influencer marketing in a nutshell.

Here are a couple examples of brand collaborations with my roster of talent.

• A sponsored blog post from Jessica Serna when she partnered with Visit Scottsdale. 
• A sponsored IG reel from Yvette Marquez when she partnered with Sol Beer
• A sponsored IG photo from Laura Muller when she partnered with Food4Less.
  

Today we’re going to talk about the intricacies of approaching brands for paid collaborations. Unveiling the art of creating compelling pitches, understanding the significance of personal branding, and navigating the negotiations for fair compensation, this journey will empower you to harness the potential of influencer marketing effectively. 

I’m here to help teach you strategies that will  transform your online presence, elevate brand awareness, and establish meaningful partnerships. Before we move forward, I’m going to assume a few things for the sake of the article. 

I’m going to assume that you have a clearly identified value with your brand aka your platforms and your website, if you have one. This article is best for those who approach their social media and think about the content they share through a professional, business lens. This article will NOT be helpful if you have a social media platform where you post personal things such as pics of your baby, your cat and a random walk that you went on. 

If your social media is mostly a way to keep your friends and family updated on what you’re up to, this article isn’t for you.  If you’d like to become a full time influencer, I wrote this article for you.

Now that you’re equipped with the motivation to embark on this journey, let’s delve into the foundational step that sets the stage for a successful collaboration: thorough preparation. 

Understanding the importance of preparation and knowing what to research can significantly enhance your chances of making a compelling pitch and securing a lucrative partnership. So, let’s dive into the first crucial aspect of approaching brands for a paid collaboration: the preparation checklist.

How to reach out and collab with brands

1. Research the Brand:

• Familiarize yourself with the brand’s products, services, and overall identity.
• Understand the brand’s values, mission, and target audience.
• Identify the brand’s current collaborations and partnerships.
  

2. Identify Key Contacts:

• Find the right person to contact within the brand for collaboration inquiries.
• Look for marketing managers, PR representatives, or individuals responsible for partnerships.
• Utilize professional social media platforms and company websites to gather contact information.
  

3. Understand Brand Alignment:

• Evaluate how well your brand and content align with the values and image of the potential collaborator.
• Identify shared interests, values, or themes that can be highlighted in your pitch.
  

4. Evaluate Your Brand:

• Clearly define your brand identity, values, and unique selling points.
• Showcase the strengths and qualities that make your brand stand out in the market.
• Assess the demographics and interests of your audience to highlight relevance to the brand.
  

5. Create a Target List:

• Compile a list of brands that align with your content and audience.
• Prioritize brands based on relevance, values, and potential for a mutually beneficial partnership.
• Consider a mix of well-established brands and emerging ones that resonate with your audience.
  

6. Set Collaboration Goals:

• Define your goals for collaboration, whether it’s increased brand visibility, audience growth, or financial compensation.
• Align your goals with the brand’s objectives to establish a mutually beneficial partnership.
  

7. Gather Metrics and Analytics:

• Collect and organize relevant data on your audience size, engagement rates, and reach.
• Showcase key performance indicators (KPIs) that demonstrate the effectiveness of your content and influence.
  

8. Curate a Portfolio:

• Compile a portfolio or media kit showcasing your best work, aesthetics, and past collaborations.
• Include high-quality images, engaging content samples, and any awards or recognitions.
  

9. Prepare an Elevator Pitch:

• Craft a concise and compelling introduction that highlights your brand and its potential value to the collaborator.
• Clearly articulate what makes your brand unique and why it’s an ideal fit for partnership.

Now that you’re got your checklist on next steps, I’m sure you’re thinking, “Okay Johanna but HOW do I do all these things?” Stay with me now. 

How to reach out to brands as an Influencer

Before you reach out to brands, you’ve got to have your ducks in a row. What I mean by that is have everything you need handy or complete to get ready to share with them and make your case. 

Step 1. Know your audience demographics.

Who is your audience? What do you know about them, their daily choices, buying habits and things that keep them up at night? When you’re super dialed into knowing that your audience is, for example, millennial unmarried women who have disposable income, work corporate jobs and enjoy traveling within a 4 hour radius of their home each week for adventure and have a cat is INCREDIBLY powerful. This is information you share with the brand. Why? Because when you partner with them, you’re offering them an opportunity to get in front of new eyeballs aka your audience. When your audience aligns with their audience, it’s a win win!

Step 2. Know your platform metrics and insight.

How well does your content perform? What sort of engagement rate do you have on your content? What’s your newsletter open and click thru rate? In step 1, you outlined your audience. In step 2, you’re showing what % of your audience sees and engages with your content. The more dialed in you know what type of content your audience loves and asks for more of, the stronger your case to the brand. 

Step 3. Know your personal brand’s values and strengths.

Whatever you do on the internet, I already know there’s a lot of other people who also do it. They don’t do it as well as you do, nor the same way but you’re not the only one doing what you do. So how are you different? What’s special about you?  Why you? Know how to make that case when reaching out to a brand. 

PRO TIP : Do NOT, under any circumstances, say that you are their #1 fan, no matter what you think. Because you’re not.

Step 4. Have your media kit handy. 

At the time of writing this, not a lot of brands are asking for media kits, nor does it seem a lot of content creators have them. But I’m a media kit believer! They will eventually come back into fashion. Life sure is cyclical right? Having a media kit definitely won’t hurt you to have and share. A media kit is like a digital resume or client portfolio – or both!

I wrote an article on “What is an Influencer Media kit?” here for more information.

Step 5. Know your rates. 

Ahead of any brand outreach, have a word document or note somewhere very visible with your rates written down. On that list, you’ll want to include rates for the below deliverables. Make sure to include how long of an exclusivity window that includes (the amount of time you won’t work with a competitor).

• a blog post (if you have a website)
• an IG reel
• (3) IG story frames 
• (1) TIktok (if you’re on that platform)
• up to a 5 minutes youtube video (if you’re on that platform) 
• Paid usage for 30 days

Step 6. Gather your portfolio of past collaboration examples

This is where you get to say “Look! Others have trusted me as a brand partner and I hope you do as well!” Showing examples of your past work gives the brand that you’re about to pitch an idea of what it’s like to work with you. Make sure to show a variety of work and deliverables. 

Step 7. Gather contact information

Best case scenario, you’re reaching out directly to the person who is in charge of, or on the influencer marketing campaign team. Stuck on where to find their information? Here’s what I recommend : 

• Google it. Person’s name + company + influencer marketing + email. If nothing else you may be able to figure out the email structure for people who work at that company ie [email protected]
• Search on linkedin. Find them, connect and send a message asking for their best email.
• Ask your network of fellow influencers or in FB groups. 
• Send an IG DM asking for the contact information of the person who runs their influencer marketing division. 

I wrote an article “how do Influencers find brands to work with” that will be helpful for more info.

How to message brands for collaboration on instagram sample

Sample #1

Hey [Brand’s Name] Team!

I’m [Your Name], a huge fan of your brand! 🌟 I’m reaching out because I’d love to connect with the genius behind your influencer magic. 🤩 (If you’re feeling so inclined and you have room, you could add in why.) Could you drop the name & contact info for the person who is running your influencer campaign department?

Excited for the possibility of creating some viral content together ✨

Cheers,

[Maybe include a link to more about you/your brand]

Sample #2

🌟 Hey [Brand’s Name] Superstars!

Hope this message finds you happy 🏄‍♀️ I’m [Your Name], the creative mind behind [Your Instagram Handle], and I’ve been following along with you for YEARS!  🚀

I’ve got this wild idea for a collaboration that’s been bouncing around my head, and I’m eager to chat with the genius behind your influencer magic! 🌈 Could you share with me the name or contact info of the maestro running your influencer campaigns? I’m ready to share my creative juices with you! 

Cheers to making waves together!

[Your Instagram Handle]

How to approach brands for collaboration 

When it comes to pitching brands for a collaboration, your email pitch serves as the first impression — the make-or-break moment that can open doors to exciting partnerships. Here are three essential tips to keep in mind when crafting your email pitch:

1. Personalization is Key:

Tailor each email to the specific brand you’re reaching out to. Mention something unique about the brand that resonates with you or share a personal experience. Personalization demonstrates your genuine interest and increases the likelihood of grabbing the brand’s attention. Show your connection to the brand right away. 

• I’ve been using your product since I was 10
• My grandma always used your lotion and she influenced all of the women in my family to prioritize our skin care so now I use your lotion.
• My kid eats your XYZ product every day for breakfast
• My wife and I just bought a new car and we bought another XYZ car brand because of XYZ reasons. 

2. Clearly Articulate Value:

In a concise and engaging manner, communicate the value you bring to the brand. Highlight your audience demographics, engagement rates, and any unique strengths or skills you possess. Brands want to know what sets you apart and how collaborating with you will benefit them.

Truthfully, I think this is the HARDEST part for anyone who hasn’t quite yet gotten their brand off the ground or done a lot of influencer brand collaborations yet. You have to give your brand, which is so personal, a long, hard look at what value you provide. Who and how do you serve? 

What this doesn’t mean is : I take pretty pictures or I’m a great dancer or I have 67389 followers. 

What this does mean is : I teach working parents how to put a healthy dinner on the table in under 15 minutes. Or, I build out 3 day trip itineraries showcasing great destinations, amazing restaurants and quirky off the beaten track speakeasies for girlfriend getaways that are affordable and accessible.

Pro tip : Ask someone else how they see your brand. NOT YOU, but your brand, what your online platform is. 

If you’re struggling to figure this out, know that you’re not alone. As I said, I do truly think this is the hardest transition for people to make who want to become influencers. The transition from seeing your platforms and online content as something fun and personal to seeing it as a business, a company. 

3. Be Clear on Collaboration Details:

Clearly outline the collaboration details in your pitch. Specify the type of content you’re proposing, the platforms you’ll leverage, and any key deliverables. Transparency about your expectations and what the brand can expect from the collaboration helps build trust. Link to your platforms and media kit. Show examples, when you can, of past brand collaborations. 

Sample Email Pitch:

Subject: Collaboration Proposal from [Your Instagram Handle]

Hi [Brand’s Name] Team,

I hope this message finds you well! I’m [Your Name], the creator behind [Your Instagram Handle], and I’ve been an avid admirer of [Brand’s Name] for [mention how long you’ve been following the brand or any personal connection].

I believe our collaboration could be a fantastic opportunity. With [number of followers] on [your primary platform] who are [mention key demographics or interests], I have successfully [mention any relevant achievements or past collaborations].

Here’s a brief idea for our collaboration:

[Provide a concise overview of your collaboration idea, emphasizing how it aligns with the brand’s values and resonates with your audience.]

I’d love to discuss this further and explore how we can create content that authentically represents [Brand’s Name]. Could we arrange a quick call or exchange emails to discuss this opportunity in more detail?

Looking forward to the possibility of working together!

Best,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Instagram Handle]

[Your Contact Information]

Sample email pitch 

Subject: Collaboration Proposal: Elevating [Brand’s Name] with [Your Instagram Handle]

Dear [Brand’s Name] Team,

Happy Monday!  My name is [Your Name], and I am the creator behind the [Your brand] platform. I’ve been an enthusiastic follower of [Brand’s Name] and have consistently admired your commitment to [mention a specific aspect of the brand, e.g., innovation, sustainability]. **Give a personal note here.

I am reaching out to express my interest in a potential collaboration with XYZ brand because XYZ reasons.  I have cultivated a community that shares a deep appreciation for [mention relevant interests or themes].

Here’s a glimpse of what I bring to the table:

Engaged Audience: [Highlight any remarkable metrics about your audience engagement.]
Visual Aesthetics: [Briefly describe your aesthetic style.]
Past Collaborations: [If applicable, mention successful collaborations with other brands.]

I have a creative collaboration idea that I believe aligns seamlessly with [Brand’s Name]’s vision and values. [Provide a concise overview of your collaboration idea, emphasizing its uniqueness and how it benefits the brand.]

I know that you are inundated with requests for collaborations so I appreciate you reading mine. I’d love a chance to discuss it further and am open for a conversation. If nothing else, please keep me in mind for any future upcoming campaigns. 

Thank you for considering [Your Instagram Handle] for a collaboration. I am eager to contribute to the success of [Brand’s Name].

Best Regards,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Instagram Handle]

[Your Contact Information]

These sample pitches balance personalization, clarity, and a clear call to action, providing a solid template for your outreach emails.

Pro tip : Keep in mind that most brands receive hundreds, if not thousands of pitches via email and DM, daily, if not hourly.  If you don’t hear back, do NOT take it personally. Keep on following up and do your best to stay top of mind. Comment on their content, share it, post them organically in your content. 

I wrote an article “How do you ask for brand deals” which shares more insight and tips for you.

How do I get brands to collab with me?

You get brands to collab with you via a few things. Honestly, some of it is magic and being in the right place at the right time, which is why it’s important to follow up and be pleasantly persistent. 

1. You have a platform that appeals to them.
   1. If your audience is the audience and eyeballs they want to get in front of, that’s a huge bonus for you. 
   2. You stand out among the crowd. Sometimes you may never know how or where your caught their eye!

2. Your content is high quality & engaging.
   1. High quality means that your photos are top notch. Nothing blurry or just weird. The images are sharp and clear. 
   2. Engaging means that it’s captivating and people keep coming back to your platforms
      
3. You have an audience size & demographic that they’re looking for.
   1. Not all brands are looking for partners with loads and loads of followers. Some brands want to partner with profiles that have under 10k following while others want to partner with one celebrity for a Super Bowl commercial and there goes their whole annual budget. 
   2. Your audience demographics about male/female + age split must align with what they want. Sometimes even your location or the location of your followers also matters to the brand.
      
4. You’re doing “this” aka content creation as a business.
   1. You take it seriously. 
   2. You consistently and regularly create content
   3. You’re committed to the idea of being a professional and it shows.
      
5. You’re persistent and patient.
   1. Growing your business as an influencer is one of the hardest things you will ever do. Entrepreneurship is NOT for the faint hearted!
   2. You have to have amazing amounts of patience and resilience.
   3. You have to be okay with hearing no over and over again, while also being ghosted all too often by brands. 
   4. You must be committed and married to doing this for a long time before it will be successful. 

How to ask a brand for collaboration 

The thing to remember here is that 99/100 times the brand that you want to partner with, has already planned out their marketing strategy & campaigns for the next 12 months. You can always offer up your idea but the reality is by presenting yourself as a brand partner, you’re getting on their radar to plug into a campaign they’ve already organized. 

Either way you become a brand partner so win-win for everyone!

It’s not like brands  & the creative agencies they work with are at a loss for creative ideas, how to spend money and work with influencers. I often view pitching a loose creative idea as a way to help position my talent as a great brand partner for their upcoming campaign. 

Best practices & extra tips for reaching out to brands

1. Always double and triple check your spelling, grammar and contact information. 
2. Infuse your pitch with some personality, an emoji in the subject line or something that will snag in their memory so they don’t forget you next time they’re casting. 
3. Don’t be too pushy,  needy or desperate. Those vibes will come across in your outreach and are a huge turn off.  Brands and their creative agency teams want to work with people who make their job fun and easy, all focused on getting the job done well. Be that person. 
4. Follow up. Be persistent but again, make it fun. I always follow up 3x over the span of 4-6 weeks before I bless and release my attachment to that pitch. That being said, sometimes the person I emailed will email me MONTHS later. It never hurts to bump those emails to the top of an inbox. 
5. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and confirm that the person received your email. 
6. Flirt with the brand on social. Comment on their content, repost and share it. Post organically about them in your own content. Engage in other current campaigns they’re doing.

How to collaborate with fashion brands

The great news is that all the advice, sample pitches and tips I’ve shared so far apply to all verticals – fashion, food, travel, parenting, body positivity, lifestyle, health, wellness. You name it and it works for all types of content, platforms and topics!

Why should Influencers pitch brands?

It’s as simple as this. Do you want to sit there and wait for opportunities to drop into your lap? OR do you want to get after it and go out there for what you want?

Is pitching one of the hardest parts of being an influencer? Absolutely. But in order to grow your portfolio, do more brand collaborations, get onto more brand’s radars and grow your audience, it’s a must do. 

Don’t hate me for saying this but you will learn a lot about yourself AND it will help you to refine your brand along the way.

And if you’ve got your eye on a manager to bring onto your team, you have to pitch brands to build up your experience. Pitching brands will also get you to the financial level where working with a manager makes sense.

I’ve written these two articles for you which will come in handy for you down the road. “How to find an influencer agent”  and “What does an Influencer Talent Manager do?”

How many followers do you need to pitch brands?

If you’ve gotten this far, you’ve heard me say multiple times that not all brands want to work with influencers who have a huge following. 

At the time of writing this, a majority of my clients have under 100k and honestly, I like it like that.  I think it’s a great sweet spot for brands and influencers. 

If you were just starting out, I would say build to 5k and then start pitching. But of course, do I know people who pitch with less than 5k? Yes. And have success with it? Yup. 

I wrote this article “How to work with brands as a microinfluencer” which you might find helpful. 

Ways to ask for a paid brand collaboration 

When seeking a paid brand collaboration, the manner in which you initiate the conversation can significantly impact the outcome. Here are strategic approaches to delicately broach the subject and increase your chances of securing a paid partnership.

1. Express Genuine Interest:

Initiate the conversation by expressing genuine interest in the brand. Share specific aspects that resonate with you, whether it’s their values, products, or recent campaigns. Demonstrating your authentic connection lays the groundwork for a collaborative relationship.

2. Showcase Past Successes:

Highlight your previous successful collaborations or projects to showcase your expertise and the value you bring to brand partnerships. Share key metrics, such as engagement rates or audience growth, to underline the impact your content can have.

3. Propose a Win-Win Scenario:

Craft your request by emphasizing the mutual benefits of collaboration. Clearly articulate how a partnership would enhance the brand’s visibility, drive engagement, or align with their marketing objectives. Demonstrating a strategic understanding of the brand’s goals strengthens your pitch.

4. Introduce Your Collaboration Vision:

Paint a vivid picture of the collaboration by introducing your creative vision. Discuss potential content ideas, innovative approaches, or unique angles that align with both your style and the brand’s image. A well-thought-out vision sparks interest and sets the stage for a collaborative discussion.

Remember, the key is to be confident, respectful, and articulate in your approach. Clearly convey your passion for the brand and your enthusiasm for a collaborative journey. By combining authenticity with a strategic pitch, you position yourself for meaningful and compensated brand collaborations.

How do you negotiate paid collaboration

Negotiating compensation is a crucial phase in the journey of approaching brands for a paid collaboration. As influencers, content creators, or entrepreneurs, it’s imperative to recognize the value you bring to the table and advocate for fair compensation that aligns with your expertise and reach.

Before I give you some key points to remember when negotiating a paid collaboration, here’s my best and most underrated piece of advice.

Pro tip : A negotiation is a conversation. 

Far too many people when starting to negotiate a brand collab, think they have one chance and one chance only to get it right, say the right thing, secure the deal. And that’s just not true. 

The best negotiators, and yes I consider myself on that list, know that a negotiation is a conversation, a back and forth between myself as a manager, or in your case you, & the brand partner. 

We volley just like in tennis. There’s so many factors that influence a project and whether or not you’re going to say yes and/or the brand will want to work with you. Elements such as the Scope of Work (SOW), usage, exclusivity, timing and so on. You will NOT know all the answers to those questions with the first inquiry. So you must ask questions, which leads to the back and forth. 

Since I negotiate all the time, I’ve written some articles to share my insights and advice.  “How to negotiate with a brand” & “4 negotiation mistakes to avoid” are two that I recommend you start with. 

1. Know Your Worth:

Before entering negotiations, have a clear understanding of your value. Evaluate your audience size, engagement rates, and the unique qualities that distinguish your brand. Consider the time, effort, and creativity invested in your content creation process. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently articulate your worth to potential collaborators.

Pro tip : Be really careful that this value isn’t inflated. Know the market (ie check in with other influencers), get a manager’s feedback on your rates or even ask past brand partners what they are seeing.  You will get laughed out the water if you’re asking for a five figure rate when you have crappy engagement, not a clearly defined brand, poor quality pictures nor a lot of projects under your belt. This business will humble you. Be persistent. It’s okay to start small. Do this right and well and you’ll grow quickly.

2. Be Open to Collaboration:

While it’s important to know your baseline worth, be open to collaboration and negotiation. Brands may have budget constraints or alternative means of compensating, such as providing products or services. Consider the holistic value of the collaboration, including the brand’s reputation, potential exposure, and the long-term benefits it might bring.

3. Clearly Define Terms:

In negotiation conversations, transparency is key. Clearly define compensation terms, including payment structures, timelines, and deliverables. Address potential bonuses or incentives based on performance metrics. A well-defined agreement mitigates misunderstandings and sets the stage for a positive and professional collaboration.

Remember, negotiation is a two-way street. Strive for a mutually beneficial arrangement where both parties feel valued and satisfied. As you navigate compensation discussions, approach them with confidence, backed by a solid understanding of your worth and a willingness to explore creative and collaborative solutions. In doing so, you’ll not only secure fair compensation but also foster long-lasting and successful partnerships with the brands you collaborate with.

I wrote these two articles which have much more negotiation tips and insight for you. As a talent manager, I absolutely love negotiation! I could talk about it (or write about it!) for days. 

“How to negotiate with a brand” and “5 tips for negotiating better as an influencer” that are really helpful. 

How do you track influencer performance

As an influencer navigating the world of brand collaborations, the ability to measure and showcase the impact of your efforts is integral to building trust and securing future partnerships. Implementing an effective strategy for tracking and highlighting results not only demonstrates accountability but also reinforces the value you bring to the table.

1. Utilize Analytics Tools:

Leverage the power of analytics tools to quantitatively measure the success of your collaborations. Track key social media analytics and metrics such as engagement rates, reach, impressions, and click-through rates. Platforms like Instagram Insights, Google Analytics, or third-party influencer marketing platforms can provide valuable insights into the performance of your content.

2. Craft Compelling Case Studies:

Transform your collaboration results into compelling case studies. Share the story of your collaboration journey, detailing the initial goals, the implemented strategy, and the achieved outcomes. Include concrete data, testimonials, and any tangible impact on the brand’s visibility or audience engagement. A well-crafted case study not only serves as proof of your capabilities but also provides potential collaborators with a roadmap for success.

3. Showcase Authentic Testimonials:

Request and showcase authentic testimonials from the brands you’ve collaborated with. Brands’ positive feedback on your professionalism, creativity, and impact can be a persuasive tool in attracting new partnerships. Consider incorporating these testimonials into your media kit or collaboration pitches.

4. Demonstrate Audience Engagement:

Highlight the real-time engagement your content generates. Showcase comments, shares, and any user-generated content inspired by your collaborations. Brands are not just interested in numbers; they seek influencers who can authentically connect and engage with their audience.

By consistently measuring and showcasing your results, you not only demonstrate transparency but also establish yourself as a reliable and effective collaborator. This commitment to accountability and excellence positions you as an influencer brands can trust, laying the foundation for enduring and fruitful partnerships in the dynamic world of influencer marketing.

Embarking on the journey of approaching brands for paid collaborations is an exciting endeavor that demands a strategic and thoughtful approach. As you navigate this dynamic landscape, consider the following key takeaways:

What is key to influencer marketing?

Preparation is Paramount:

Meticulous preparation lays the foundation for successful collaborations. From understanding the brand’s ethos to evaluating your own brand alignment, thorough groundwork is the key to crafting compelling pitches.

Personalization Creates Impact:

Infuse your outreach with authenticity by personalizing your communications. Whether through a personalized email pitch or a thoughtfully crafted DM, demonstrating a genuine connection with the brand can significantly increase your chances of standing out.

Value Proposition Matters:

Clearly communicate the unique value you bring to the table. From audience demographics to engagement metrics, showcasing your strengths and aligning them with the brand’s goals highlights the mutual benefits of collaboration.

Persistence and Professionalism Pay Off:

Follow up with brands after your initial outreach, maintaining a balance between persistence and professionalism. Building and nurturing relationships takes time, and a courteous and persistent approach can lead to fruitful collaborations.

Remember, each interaction is an opportunity to showcase your creativity, professionalism, and passion. Approach brands with respect for their values, an understanding of their audience, and a genuine desire to contribute meaningfully. As you embark on your collaborative journey, may your pitches be persuasive, your partnerships fruitful, and your influence impactful. Here’s to a future filled with exciting brand collaborations and the continued growth of your creative endeavors. Best of luck!

Pro tip : If you’ve loved this article, sign up for my weekly newsletter HERE. It’s full of industry insights, brand negotiation tips and scripts, events I’m attending, perspective on how to grow your Influencer business and more. I keep it pretty scrappy and real – would love you to join us over there! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP.