I get a lot of questions about how I, as a micro-influencer with less than 10,000 followers, am able to secure brand collaborations and grow my social media channels. So I thought I'd share some of my best tips for leveraging your small but mighty following into exciting partnerships and opportunities.
The answer to the question is just create authentically. I know you’re like “ughh” or smacking your teeth but I’m being honest. Before diving into brand collaborations, it's crucial to establish yourself as a creator who consistently delivers high-quality content. Even if you don't have a huge audience, you can still provide immense value to brands through thoughtful, engaging content that truly connects with your niche.
Focus on creating an authentic connection with your community around shared interests and values. Brands are looking for influencers who can organically weave their products into content that feels true to their personal brand.
As a micro influencer, you possess a unique power to connect with your audience on a personal level. This makes you an attractive collaborator for brands looking to tap into niche markets and engage with a highly targeted audience. This is because of the engagement and connection a micro- influencer is able to build with their community compared to a larger influencer.
Crazy thing is, a few of the people who bought the e-book on Securing Brand Deals said the same exact thing (eye-roll and all) until they started applying what’s in the e-book, landing them consistent brand deal contracts!
With less than 10,000 followers, it can feel discouraging to get your foot in the door with brands. But with some strategic relationship building and smart negotiating, you can absolutely start working with companies you love. When it comes to brand collaborations, there are several avenues you can explore. From sponsored social media posts to brand ambassadorships, product reviews, and guest blogging opportunities, the possibilities are endless. Consider the types of collaborations that best suit your content style and your audience's interests.
Building Relationships with Other Influencers
Networking with fellow influencers can open doors to new opportunities. Collaborate on joint projects, share each other's content, and provide support. By building genuine relationships, you can amplify your reach and create a community that supports one another.
Media Kit
A warm, personalized email goes a long way! Tailor your pitches to each brand, highlighting the unique value you bring and how their products or services align with your audience's interests.
A well-crafted media kit is essential for showcasing your influence and professionalism. Include your statistics, testimonials, previous collaborations, and examples of your best work. Your media kit will serve as a powerful tool when pitching to brands and agencies. Make sure to include your rates for different types of packages - sponsored posts, giveaways, affiliate links, etc.
Networking with PR Agencies
Establishing relationships with PR agencies can be beneficial for securing brand partnerships. Attend industry events, engage with them on social media, and reach out with personalized pitches. By nurturing these connections, you increase your chances of being considered for future collaborations.
Expanding Your Network
Don't limit yourself to collaborations within your niche. Explore opportunities to work with brands in complementary industries. This not only diversifies your content but also exposes you to new audiences and potential collaborations. Same goes for your social media platforms! Don't limit yourself to just one social media platform. Consider expanding your reach by exploring other channels such as YouTube, TikTok, or podcasts. Diversifying your content offerings can attract new followers and brands that are looking for influencers with a multi-platform presence.
Growing an Evergreen Channel
While social media platforms are great for short-term exposure, building an evergreen channel, such as a blog or YouTube channel, can provide long-term value. Create informative and evergreen content that continues to generate traffic and attract brands even after the initial partnership ends.
Joining Influencer Marketing Platforms
If you’re just starting your journey as a content creator, consider partnering with an influencer marketing platform like Socialbook.
Socialbook will blow you away by their capabilities. The wealth of data and information on potential influencers is truly unmatched. This software lets you implement all your influencer marketing campaigns with ease. It helps with not only the discovery and contacting influencers, but also with tracking campaign performance. Other third-party platforms you can choose are AspireIQ, Obvious.ly and Fohr.
Influencer marketing platforms are a great place to get started with paid brand collaborations, even though the pay tends to be lower on these platforms.
Knowing Your Worth
I know you've got big dreams of partnering with brands and growing your platform. But don't let the shiny opportunities make you lose sight of your worth. It’s so important not to undervalue yourself just because you don’t have hundreds of thousands of followers.
You bring immense value to any collaboration with your authentic voice and loyal following. Don't underestimate that power. And don't let any brand try to take advantage of your talents without proper compensation.
The negotiation process can be intimidating. But you've just gotta start somewhere. Send that email, make that call, state your case. The worst they can say is no. And then you move on to the next. Stay positive and keep putting yourself out there. The right partnerships will come when you stand confidently in your worth.