How to Reach Out to Brands as an Influencer: Tips and Strategies

Want to level up your career as an influencer? Learning how to reach out to brands as an influencer can make all the difference. This guide covers everything you need to know, from choosing the right brands to writing the perfect email template and maintaining long-term partnerships. Let’s get started!

What are Brand Deals and Collaborations?

First, let’s break down what “brand deals” and “brand collaborations” really mean. Brand deals involve partnerships where brands compensate influencers to promote their products or services. These can be sponsored posts, product reviews, or in-depth content features. Brand collaborations, on the other hand, are partnerships where the brand and influencer work together, often creating shared content or co-hosted campaigns.

Working with brands offers influencers more than just financial gain—it provides credibility and can significantly boost your reach. It’s especially important to note that many brands work with small influencers because they appreciate the authentic and loyal engagement nano- and micro-influencers bring to the table.

Preparing Yourself for Brand Partnerships

Preparation is key to securing brand deals. Start by building a strong online presence. Ensure you’re posting consistent, high-quality content within your chosen niche, whether that’s fashion, fitness, beauty, or tech. Engage regularly with your audience by responding to comments and hosting live sessions. Brands love seeing that an influencer’s audience is active and engaged.

Create a professional media kit, which acts as your influencer resume. Your media kit should include the following:

• A short bio about you and your niche.
• Key statistics (followers, average engagement rate).
• Previous brand partnerships or successful campaigns.
• Your rate sheet for different services.

Stand out With a Powerful Influencer Media Kit.

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To further prepare, make sure your social media profiles are optimized. Use a clear profile photo and an informative bio that highlights your niche, contact details, and perhaps a call to action.

Pro tip: Check out examples of other influencers who’ve successfully partnered with brands to inspire your own approach.

Researching and Choosing the Right Brands

Not every brand will be the right match for you, so it’s important to be smart about who you reach out to. Here are some practical, simple tips to help you find the best brands to work with:

• Look on Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn to spot brands that are already working with influencers like you. Check out the type of content they share and the kinds of influencers they partner with.
• Try searching branded hashtags like #BrandNameBeauty or #BrandNamePartner on social media. This can help you find out which brands are already doing influencer collaborations and what those partnerships look like.
• Sign up for online influencer groups or forums. Members often share PR lists and talk about brands that are looking to partner with small influencers.
• If a brand you love isn’t currently collaborating, don’t give up! Check out their competitors who might be open to working with someone like you. They’re likely interested in similar content and audiences.
• Don’t just start with an email. Engage with the brand by liking and commenting on their posts. Share their content in your stories if it feels genuine to you. Brands notice when influencers are active in their online community.
• Get to know the brand’s values. Visit their website and read their ‘About Us’ page or mission statement. When you know what the brand stands for, it’s easier to write a pitch that shows why you’re a great match.
• Make sure you’re partnering with brands that your followers can trust. Look for reviews and discussions about the brand online to see what people are saying.
• If you’re new to working with brands, look at local businesses first. They’re often more willing to collaborate with smaller influencers for community-focused marketing.
• Use influencer platforms to find brands. If you’re on platforms like Aspire or Upfluence, use filters to search for brands in your niche or ones that specifically work with influencers. 
• See what campaigns a brand has run with other influencers. It’ll help you understand what kind of content they like and give you ideas for your own pitch.

Following these tips will help you find brands that align with your style and values, making your outreach more successful and authentic.

How to Reach Out to Brands as an Influencer

Now comes the big question: How do you reach out to brands as an influencer? It starts with a thoughtful, well-crafted email. But first, you should do your homework:

• Research the brand’s values, recent campaigns, and products. Tailor your outreach to show you understand them.
• Personalize your message. Generic emails rarely work. Mention why you love the brand and how your collaboration can be beneficial.
• Brands get tons of emails. Be upfront about what you’re proposing (e.g., a sponsored post or product review). Be clear and concise.

Writing a compelling brand pitch email template involves:

• Subject Line: Make it catchy but informative. Example: “Collaboration Opportunity with [Your Name]: Let’s Grow Together!”
• Opening Line: Start with a warm greeting and a compliment or personal note about the brand.
• Body: Share a quick introduction about who you are, your niche, and why you’re reaching out. Don’t forget to add your media kit link.
• Proposal Details: Be clear about what you’re offering, whether it’s a product review, an Instagram takeover, or a sponsored blog post.
• Call to Action: End with a friendly, open-ended question like, “Would you be interested in discussing this collaboration further?”

Securing sponsorships often requires consistent outreach and patience. To get sponsored by brands, start by identifying your unique value. Brands are drawn to influencers who align with their image and can authentically promote their products. Highlight your strengths in your media kit and emails—whether that’s your storytelling skills, creative content, or engagement rates.

Customize the brand pitch email template below and start reaching out to brands.

Influencer Email Template to Brands

Subject: Let’s Collaborate: [Your Name] x [Brand Name]

Hi [Brand Contact Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I’m a [Your Niche] influencer with [Number of Followers] followers on [Platform]. I’ve followed [Brand Name] for a while and really admire [mention something specific, like their commitment to sustainability].

I’d love to collaborate on [mention your idea, e.g., a product review or giveaway]. My audience aligns well with your brand, and I believe we could create engaging content that would benefit us both.

Would you be open to exploring this further?

Best regards,  

[Your Name]  

[Your Contact Information]

Following Up and Maintaining Relationships with Brands

If you don’t hear back after your initial outreach, don’t get discouraged. Follow up politely after about five to seven days. Your follow-up can be as simple as, “Just wanted to touch base regarding my previous message. I’d love to hear your thoughts!”

Be persistent, but not pushy. If you don’t get a response after two follow-ups, move on but stay on their radar through subtle interactions on social media.

Once you secure a deal, make sure to meet deadlines and provide high-quality content. After a successful partnership, thank the brand and offer to work together again. Maintaining relationships is just as important as starting them. Stay connected by engaging with the brand on social media. Long-term partnerships often start with consistent, positive interactions.

Best Practices for Brand Collaboration

Effective brand collaborations require clear communication and meeting expectations. Discuss deliverables in detail before starting the partnership to avoid any misunderstandings. Outline what you’ll provide (e.g., number of posts, stories, or videos). Keep all agreements in writing to avoid misunderstandings.

Don’t shy away from negotiating compensation if you believe your work deserves it. Remember, brands often expect negotiation, so advocating for fair payment is part of the process.

Be transparent. Keep brands updated on the progress of your content creation, and if you encounter any issues or delays, communicate them early. Over-deliver whenever possible. Adding an extra story or an additional shout-out can help you stand out.

Start with brands you already love and use, as your genuine enthusiasm will show in your pitches. Explore local and up-and-coming brands in your niche that may not have the budget for major influencers but are eager to partner with smaller creators.

To Sum Up

Securing brand deals as an influencer requires patience, persistence, and a strategic approach. From understanding how to reach out to brands as an influencer to maintaining long-term partnerships, the process can be rewarding if done right. Start by crafting your own brand pitch using the provided template, research brands that align with your content, and reach out confidently.

Take action today by drafting your first outreach email using the template provided, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Remember, even the biggest influencers started with that first collaboration.