How to Work with Brands as an Influencer: Ultimate Cheatsheet

Influencer Brand Deals

July 26, 2021

content creator
monetization
influence
follow @11ststudio
We're an exclusive influencer agency providing influencer tips, influencer coaching, blogger coaching and one on one consultations to help you maximize your income, influence, growth & brand strategy. 
Influence
Content Creator
Monetization
more categories
we're 11 st studio

In this post we’re going to cover how to work with brands as an influencer plus the top 3 reasons why brands say they aren’t reaching out to bloggers or influencers for collaborations.

But, first… here’s a clue, none of them have to do with your follower count!

Keep reading, or learn how to work with brands as an influencer on our YouTube Channel.

How to Work with Brands as an Influencer

Reason #1: False Engagement

Now, Im sure you’re already aware that engagement is key to securing brand partnerships and campaigns.

But were you aware that too much engagement can be a red flag to brands. If you want to learn how to work with brands as an influencer, this is important to know.

Why? Because some influencers and bloggers use pods to boost their engagement. Which, if you think about it from a brand’s perspective, can lower an influencer’s conversion rate. Why would a brand want to sign a contract with an influencer with false engagement?  

Yes, high engagement is key to securing collaborations with brands you love, but please be very cautious how you earn that engagement! Now, more than ever before, brands are able to detect fraudulent followers and comments. 

SO…Always strive for authentic followers and engagement to increase your chances of working with brands!

If you’re using pods to boost your engagement I recommend stopping immediately. Many brands are watching for this type of activity and will choose another influencer to work with if they even suspect you are using pods. 

So my advice is, Don’t risk it!

Reason #2: Missing Email

This seems like it would be a no brainer, but sometimes brands tell us they come across influencers or bloggers without a “Contact” page or an Instagram (or other social profile) without an “Inquiry” email address!

Why? Because brands often use desktop tools and software to discover new influencers to reach out to! 

Since they’re on a desktop or laptop, having your contact email in your bio or easily linked to on your blog is so important! 

How can they email you otherwise?

how to work with brands as an influencer

Reason #3: Missing Location

Does your Instagram (or other social profile) bio or blog list your current city? Whether you’re a food blogger, beauty youtuber, fitness tiktoker or travel influencer please always keep your bio and or blog up to date by listing your current location. If you’re a travel blogger you may also want to list what city you’ll be in next!

Here’s why: Brands often use software to search for influencers by city. For example, maybe they have an upcoming event or are launching a new product and want to create a buzz in a specific geographic location. 

If you’re in that city they may want to collaborate with you to reach your audience!

So, if you haven’t already, now’s a good time to update your bio with your current city so they can find and reach out to you right away for potential partnerships.

How to Work with Brands as an Influencer

Once you’ve done that you’ll be much more prepared to land the brand deals you dream of! Hopefully you now feel a lot more comfortable and understand exactly how to work with brands as an influencer!

Next, read this blog post to learn exactly what brands want to see in your Media Kit, and why you need a One Sheet too!

Read More

How to Work with Brands as an Influencer

Let's be pen pals.

Let's be pen pals.

Weekly drop in's with inspo, strategies, and content created with YOU in mind, because no one likes getting junk mail, am I right?



It's time to take the next step — join our community today.

Discover little known influencer tips, exciting partnerships, paid brand deals and the best influencer campaigns. Request an invite to our influencer community to get on the list!

Request invite