So You Want to Secure Influencer Partnerships?
Creators of all industries are in demand and in search of securing influencer partnerships– and rightfully so! Being able to use your platform to share your personality and your favorite brands in exchange for partnerships is a gift– and a job! So if you find yourself contemplating if you should go after these opportunities, this is your sign. Go for it! Creators should maximize their opportunities to build brand relationships and new sources of income. It is a process, which is why I’m here to serve as your go-to resource! This guide will aid you in building your portfolio, finding influencer platforms/agencies, and direct pitching. Take a deep dive into the endless possibilities of being an “influencer” and don’t look back!
Build Your Portfolio
Whatever your niche, your past and present work must be on display. It doesn’t matter if you’re a photographer trying to work with Canon, a DJ aspiring to work with Beats by Dre, or a fashion blogger wanting to partner with Zara. You have to have a portfolio. Brands want to see where their products, services, and money is going. For those just getting started, just start. Start posting the things you want to get paid to post. If you’ve already gotten started, get more intentional and more specific with your posts. The more consistent and aligned you are with your niche the better chances you have of securing partnerships.
Fierce Tip: Have different versions of your portfolio, Instagram shouldn’t be the only place brands can see your work. Try building an online portfolio through squarespace, canva, or simply having it on a drive. You never know what brands may ask for before moving forward working with you.
Influencer Platforms & Agencies
The quickest way to secure brand partnerships is to work directly with an influencer platform or agency. The way it works is, influencer platforms and agencies take your portfolio and pitch your brand to the brands you’d most likely match with. So, basically it’s a matchmaker for influencers/creators. I highly recommend this if you’re just getting started, or if you simply don’t have the time to dedicate to sourcing and pitching to brands individually.
Fierce Tip: Sign up to join Kmonae & Kompany Influencer roster. You’ll have the luxury of getting placed on paid/gifted influencer partnerships based on your location and audience.
Pitch Directly to the Brand
Another easy, yet time consuming way to get influencer partnerships is to reach out directly to the brand. Pitching yourself to brands can be achieved via email, direct message (DM), or face to face. A pitch is a proposal of what you can do/create for the brand using their product or service. Sending an email is usually the preference for most brands. Even if you send a DM or speak to a brand manager in person, they will instruct you to send an email in order to move forward.
Fierce Tip: Get a FREE Influencer Partnership Pitch email template here.
Let’s Collab
This Influencer partnerships guide was brought to you by Kmonae & Kompany, an Influencer Marketing agency based in Newark, New Jersey. Kmonae & Kompany prioritizes black and brown influencers/ creators in their journey of sharing brands and their authentic self. Please sign up to join the influencer roster to gain access to potential brand partnerships and influencer campaigns.
As always, stay fierce!
Xoxo– Kmo