How to Approach Brand Collabs: A Guide for Newbies

ilhan jama

A month ago, I completed my first brand collaboration and I got paid the same day I posted the video, at a price I chose. In this piece, I'll share the simple steps you can follow to approach brand collaborations effectively, along with actionable tips for each step. For more in-depth tips, be sure to sign up for my newsletter.

Create, Create, Create

It may sound obvious, but the first step to attracting brand collaborations is to create content. Embrace your unique perspective, because what you have to offer is special, and not everyone has the same insights as you. It’s easy to downplay what you already know and embody, but others can benefit from hearing your perspective. Perhaps schedule regular content creation sessions and stick to a consistent posting schedule to build your online presence.

Learn to Say “No”

Sometimes, brands will approach you with lowball offers. While it's tempting to accept them, it's important to know your worth. It's okay to say "no" to offers that don't align with your values or desired compensation. This is especially important for women because you might be able to negotiate for more without taking that first offer. To combat this in the long term, I recommend creating a list of non-negotiables and sticking to them when evaluating brand offers.

Negotiate and Set Rates

When a brand reaches out, either ask for their budget or present them with your rate card (I used Canva to make this in an hour). Don't be afraid to negotiate – after all, you deserve to be fairly compensated for your work. This can be done best by researching industry standards and comparable creators' rates to ensure you set fair prices for your services.

Vet the Brands

Before agreeing to a collaboration, take the time to research the brand's mission, product, history, and previous partnerships. Ensure their values align with yours and ask yourself if it's a product you'd genuinely use. It’s also okay to decline a brand or product if you like it and don’t feel comfortable recommending it to others. You can compile a list of questions to ask brands during the vetting process to ensure they align with your values.

Seek Feedback from Your Audience

Not sure how your community will react to a collaboration? Ask them! Their input can help you make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls. I can’t tell you the number of people I have seen completely ignore their audience but listens to everyone else on what to do. Use polls or surveys on your social media platforms to gauge your audience's opinions on potential brand collaborations.

Keep Creating

Regardless of brand interest, whether you receive countless collaboration offers or none at all, keep posting content. Stay true to your passions and continue to hone your skills. Human connection and communication will always be valuable, despite advances in technology (AI and more). Develop a content calendar to maintain consistency and track your progress over time.

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Approaching brand collaborations doesn't have to be complicated. By following these simple steps, and applying my actionable tips - you can streamline the process, make informed decisions, and focus on what truly matters: building your audience and staying true to your values.

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