So you just got an email or DM from a brand saying they’d love to work with you. It sounds exciting, right? But before you jump into creating content, stop and ask yourself:
Is this collaboration truly worth your time, energy, and audience trust?
Knowing when to say “no” is just as important as saying “yes.” Let’s break down what you must consider before signing off on that next deal.
Does the Brand Align With Your Values?
First and foremost: do you even use or believe in this product? Your audience can spot inauthenticity from a mile away, and one misaligned partnership can hurt your brand.
Ask yourself:
- Have I tried this product or service before?
- Would I still promote this if I wasn’t getting paid?
- Is this something my audience would actually benefit from?
If the answer is no, keep it moving. Protect your brand integrity.
What Are the Deliverables & Deadlines?
Some brands will hit you with:
- 2 Reels
- 1 TikTok
- 3 Instagram stories
- 1 blog post
- Rights to repurpose it forever…
…for $100. I don’t think so! Before agreeing, ask:
- How many deliverables are required?
- What is the turnaround time?
- Is there room for creative freedom?
- Are revisions included — and how many?
The more work they want, the higher your rate should be.
What’s the Budget (and Payment Terms)?
Always ask: What’s the budget? If they say they don’t have one, that’s code for “we’re trying to underpay you.”
Also review:
- Are they offering paid or product-only?
- When will you be paid? (Net 30? Net 60?)
- Is there a contract outlining terms?
Oh and add late fee clauses into your contracts to protect yourself from delayed payments.
Do You Have Creative Control?
Your content = your voice. Some brands want to micromanage your tone, script, and delivery. If they won’t let you speak in a way that feels authentic, run. Collabs should feel like a partnership, not a performance.
Ask:
- Can I speak in my natural tone?
- Will I have final approval over what’s posted?
- Are they trying to script your caption word-for-word?
You’re not an ad agency. You’re a creator.
What Rights Are They Requesting?
Let’s talk usage rights and whitelisting. If a brand asks to use your video for paid ads or put it on billboards, that’s not included in your base rate.
Understand the difference:
- Organic use = reposting on their IG (okay with credit)
- Paid usage = running your face in ads (charge for this)
- Whitelisting = they run ads from your account (major fee here)
- Exclusive deals = you can’t work with competitors (you better be paid well)
Always include licensing terms in your contracts.
Are You Clear on Your Deliverables for Tax Time?
All income from brand deals is taxable — yes, even gifted products if you’re required to post. Read the fine print on the offer:
- Will this require a 1099 form?
- Are you being paid cash, product, or both?
- Do you need to report this income (the answer is almost always yes)?
If you need a full breakdown, check out my recent post 👉🏽 Behind the Brand Deal: What Happens After You Get Paid (What Creators Don’t Talk About)
Will This Move You Forward or Hold You Back?
Every “yes” takes up space. So ask: Will this help me grow, connect, or make money?
It’s okay to:
- Decline lowball offers
- Ask for better terms
- Request more time
- Negotiate the rate
- Say no without explanation
Not all brand deals are blessings. You’re running a business, treat it like one.
Long-Term Potential
Consider the potential for long-term partnerships and collaborations. Building strong relationships with brands can lead to ongoing opportunities and increased brand loyalty.
By carefully vetting brand collaboration opportunities and prioritizing authenticity, relevance, and mutual benefit, you'll not only elevate your content but also cultivate meaningful partnerships that resonate with your audience and drive success.
Spotting Red Flags: Signs to Watch Out for in Brand Collaborations
Lack of Transparency
One of the most significant red flags to watch out for is a lack of transparency from the brand's end. If the brand is vague or evasive about their expectations, compensation, or terms of the collaboration, it may indicate potential issues down the line. Transparency is essential for building trust and ensuring a successful partnership.
Unrealistic Demands
Be wary of brands that make unrealistic demands or expect you to compromise your values or integrity. Your authenticity and credibility should never be compromised for a collaboration. If a brand's demands seem unreasonable or conflict with your principles, it may be a sign to reconsider the collaboration.
Poor Communication
Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful collaboration. If the brand exhibits poor communication practices or fails to respond in a timely manner to your inquiries or concerns, it can lead to misunderstandings and frustrations down the line. Clear and open communication is essential for building trust and ensuring that both parties are on the same page.
One-Sided Benefits
A red flag to watch out for is when a collaboration offers little to no benefit for you as the content creator. If the brand expects you to provide extensive promotional support or create high-quality content without offering fair compensation or adequate exposure in return, it may indicate that the collaboration is not mutually beneficial. Seek partnerships that offer a balance of benefits for both parties involved.
Carefully review any contracts or agreements provided by the brand. Be wary of contracts that are vague, ambiguous, or heavily favor the brand's interests over your own. Look out for clauses that limit your creative freedom, ownership rights, or ability to work with other brands in the future. It's essential to ensure that the terms and conditions are fair, transparent, and mutually beneficial for both parties.
While brand collaborations can be a valuable opportunity for content creators to grow their audience and monetize their platforms, it's essential to approach them with caution and discernment.
If you found this post helpful, you’ll love: What No One Tells You About Brand Deals (The Goood, The Bad, and The Ugly)