As fun as it looks, becoming a successful influencer is hard work. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes to create a successful brand campaign, and it can be tough to decide which collaborations to say yes to and which ones are best to pass.
Some brand campaigns can have the power to catapult influencers to success, while others can show slow growth. Still others may have the exact opposite effect.
Are you interested in joining the world of social media influencing or trying to figure out what’s holding you back as you try to climb the ranks? Take a look at these top tips on how to land (and choose) the right brand deals that will elevate your influencer status, grow your following, and help you work with bigger, better brands every time.
1. Choose Professional Photography for Collaborations
When in doubt, always hire a professional product photographer for all of your brand collaborations to ensure you capture the brand in the best way possible. After all, the goal of your contribution is to make the brand (and their product) look good. You don’t want to minimize the impact you have with shoddy photography that looks unprofessional.
While it might be tempting to shoot the campaign yourself to pocket more of the money earned for the collaboration, it’s much more valuable to spend the money on professional product photos that you can send back to the brand with confidence.
2. Only Work with Brands You Use
It can be tempting to maximize your income by saying yes to every collaboration request that comes through your email inbox. However, it’s essential to only work with brands that you would use outside of payment.
You shouldn’t sell it to your followers if it’s not something you would spend your money on after the deal. They can see through this, and it will cost you.
3. Consider the Other Influencers in the Campaign
Before you say yes, consider asking the influencer manager what other influencers they are excited about having onboard for the social media campaign. This will tell you a lot about the rank of people that work with them. Also, it will give you the chance to see if there are people that will hold you back or help you grow your following.
It might not be the right move for you if you have the largest following out of the entire group. But if the group consists of some of your idols or influencers you admire, you’ll know you’re in good company.
4. Learn When It’s Smarter to Say “No”
Similar to tip number two, it’s important to recognize when you’re better off saying no. Sure, you might be turning down the opportunity to make some additional money. But you may also be freeing up your schedule to be able to say “yes” to a better opportunity that’s coming.
So, stick with whatever aligns with your goals and values.
5. Let the Brand Promote You
If you’re looking to expand your reach and gain new followers, talk to the brand about how they plan to use the content you produce. Will they be sharing it on their page as well? This can be a great opportunity that presents excellent value to any influencer who is serious about their growth.
6. Keep a “Goal List” of Your Ideal Brand Partners
Jot down a list of 5-10 brands that would be your ideal brand partners, and start sending out pitch emails to those brands with your great ideas. Create your content with that goal in mind, and make yourself open to receiving opportunities from them. You may be able to manifest your dream project!
Influencing Your Way to the Top
To become a successful influencer, you have to keep growth always on the horizon, which means selecting the brand deals that will take you on that path to success. It can be hard to sort through all the possibilities, but the tips shared above can help discern the good from the great deals that will take you to the top.
