Brand Partnerships— 8 Important Things You Need To Know to Get Started
So here we are—the holy grail. If you’ve been with me for a while, then you know we’ve beat a dead horse on topics like —
And so much more! I am here to continue dishing all the info that will help you level up. For Free! Let’s dive right in!
What does it mean to collaborate with brands?
Brand collaborations (or partnerships— my preferred term) is when you come to an agreement with a company that allows you to recieve, test and share you experience with their product or services. This can include free products, cash compensation, or a combination of both.
Finding the brands
The million dollar question I get is “Pam, where do you find all these brands you work with?” and the answer is pretty simple. A little research and a lot of hard work. I love to follow hashtags of related products I’m looking for. If I’m in need of some new headphones or feeding supplies for my little one—my first step is using relatable hashtags to find companies that sell these products. I narrow down from there who I want to pitch. Another way to find brands is a little old fashion stalking. Who are you seeing others work with? Yeah, I said it. Check out some of your favorite accounts and take a look at who they are working with and decide if those brands also align with your platform.
Choosing Who to Work With
Choosing which brands fit your platform is a delicate process that deserves all the attention possible. Before deciding to pitch a brand, or accept an offer—it’s always important that you have thoroughly done your research. Are they a legitimate company? Do they have a bad reputation for paying on time or slow shipping times? Do their products align with your overall message and brand?
Among others, these important questions can mean the difference between a great long term partnership or a sunk ship. Ask around, Google, find the answers. Bad partnership deals can go as far as questioning your integrity for your audience.
Take the time to be sure this brand represents you, just as you will be asked to represent them.
Contacting Brands
Email. DM. Either WILL Work. Everyone always stresses that email is the most professional route. There is definitely some clout to that mindset. However— I say— get the info however you can! Some smaller companies even prefer to handle all their business through Instagram. If the company prefers to communicate through email—they will gladly share a contact email to you. Now you know for sure that your pitch and media kit are going the right person! I love establishing relationships with whoever manages the company social media. I’ve worked full collaborations with large companies like Nubby directly through DM. Nothing sketch about it. Worried about scams? The spammers will hit you anyway they can— that means emails that may seem legit. An email does not automatically mean the company/collaboration is real. Use common sense and discretion. Know the red flags to a scam!
If you prefer to communicate through email but the initial pitch or conversation happens on Instagram— don’t hesitate to move the conversation elsewhere. Companies do it all the time!
Free Products are Still Dollar Signs
Think about it this way—if you are curating partnerships with brands and products that you actually need— that’s money your family isn’t spending. Examples— diaper partnerships, meal delivery services, medicines, clothing. When basic needs become partnerships that matter to your family—Believe it or not, you’re bringing in the dough, mama. Don’t discount your hard work just because they don’t all come with cash compensation.
Feeling like all those free products aren’t making much a difference?
It’s ok to realign your standards and start working for products you actually WANT and NEED.
Rate Sheets are Jail. Here is your Get Out of Jail Free Card
I know, I know. You wanna make money. One of the most asked questions I get is “How do I create a rate sheet?” or “How much am I suppose to be charging?”
A company asked for your “rate sheet” so— what now?
You dig deeper. You ask the tough questions.
My honest and real opinion on Rate Sheets? They keep you in jail. A nice little box that tells a brand “this is all I think I am worth and thats that!” — When you could be saying “Tell me a bit more about how you typically compensate for accounts like mine” and let them give you an idea.
Brands love to ask for rate sheets so they can make a judgment based decision on whether or not your are worth it—sometimes before even getting to know you. Every company has different guidelines and budgets. So what’s the trick? Finding out how their budget works and then learning how to negotiate; keeping the lines of communication as open as possible.
Don’t sell yourself short— what we do isn’t easy, and your value doesn’t belong in a box. I’m here to tell you, you can make the money, and its got little to do with your follower count.
Do I need a Media Kit?
A perfectly curated media kit is the very first impression of who you are, what your platforms stand for and a design to express your brand. You want to ensure it’s beautifully crafted specifically for you. With love and a lot of creative experience— I craft your media kit completely from scratch with you and your preferences in mind. Media Kits are the perfect for anyone looking to have a clean and cohesive way to promote and represent their brand, business, blog or platform. Media Kits are most typically used as a way to share with brands a snap shot of who you are, your platform analytics and in some cases, past collaborations and work.
Not in your budget to get one made? You make it yourself? Platforms like Canva are a great way to start. My only advice—stay away from templates (especially Canva templates)—their commonality is widely spread with brands. Be creative or invest in getting one made! This matters for your business. Curious to see some examples? Let me know!
Content + Engagament matters more than follower count
Sounds like a no brainer, but you’ll be surprised how many times I have to remind my clients this little golden rule. Focus on the quality content your audience enjoys and put in the work it takes to EARN the engagement you desire (and deserve). Brands see great quality content from a mile away— and vice versa. Stay focused on what matters and less on follower count. Growth is slow is steady.
Don’t forget the follow up
Wanna know my follow up secret? The one I give all my clients? It’s my 3-3-30 Rule. Once you send a pitch, it’s perfectly acceptable to follow up in three days if you haven’t heard back. No response? Try again three days later again. Professional persistence is what I call it and 9/10 you will get an answer. Didn’t get the answer you wanted but interested in working with them in the future? Make yourself a calendar reminder to follow up again in 30 days. Follow up messages and emails should be short and sweet. If necessary, reattached your media kit with the follow up as an extra little “hey! Its me!” — Now’s not the time to be shy, ladies—but always, always, keep it classy. You can be persistent without being pushy.
Wooof. I could go on forever! The vast word of brand collaborations is an exciting one and trust me, you are ready!
Looking for more information on leveling up your negation game? Let’s have a private chat!