So, you’re ready to secure the bag with brand deals? You see your faves posting sponsored content, getting free trips, and securing five figure contracts, but what’s really going on behind the scenes? You post content, get paid, and maybe even receive free products or trips along the way.
But there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes that nobody warns you about. The money, the fine print, the ghosting (yes, brands will ghost you) it’s a whole rollercoaster.
So, before you start chasing every collaboration email in your inbox, let’s get into the good, the bad, and the ugly of brand deals because, there’s more to it than cute PR packages and a “link in bio.”
The Good: When the Bag is Secured, and the Brand is Aligned
1. Consistent Money = Financial Freedom
The right brand partnerships can take you from “hustling for content” to making full-time income. When brands pay good and on time, you can stack your coins, reinvest in your business, and even take that dream vacation (that isn’t “sponsored”).
Negotiate your rate! Brands often have way bigger budgets than they let on. Don’t be afraid to counter-offer or ask for more.
2. Building Credibility & Bigger Opportunities
Working with high-quality brands makes you look more legit. It tells your audience, “Yes, I’m a professional, and yes, my content is worth paying for.” Once you prove you can execute a successful campaign, other brands (and bigger checks) follow.
3. Free Products
Yes, free PR is fun, but the real win is getting paid AND receiving products you actually need. Luxury vacations, free products, VIP event invites sometimes, it really pays to be a content creator. If you’re strategic, you can even turn these perks into additional income (like reselling PR products you don’t use).
4. Passive Income Potential
Many brand deals come with affiliate links or commission-based partnerships. If done right, this can lead to long-term, passive income where you continue making money from a brand partnership long after the campaign ends.
But before you get caught up in the excitement… let’s talk about the not-so-glamorous side.
The Bad: The Reality of Working With Brands
1. Lowball Offers & Exposure Payments
Some companies love to hit you with, “We don’t have a budget, but we’d love to gift you our product in exchange for a post.” While free stuff can be fun, your content is work, and work deserves payment. Rent is not paid in free skincare.
Newer influencers often accept these lowball deals because they think it’ll lead to paid work later. Spoiler alert: Most of the time, it won’t. Brands will keep offering you “gifts” instead of real money.
Negotiate your rate! Brands often have way bigger budgets than they let on. Don’t be afraid to counter offer or ask for more, instead of just accepting “freebies.”
How to Handle It: Respond with, “I’d love to collaborate! My sponsored content rates start at [$X]. Let me know if that aligns with your budget.”
2. Negotiation Nightmares
Some brands will try to:
- Pay you late (or not at all).
- Ask for extra content without increasing the budget.
- Change the contract last minute.
Some companies will send a single $30 product and expect a YouTube video, Instagram post, TikTok, AND a blog feature like you work for free.
Net 30? Try Net 60. Some brands pay 30+ days after deliverables, and if you’re not organized, you might forget they even owe you. And unless you follow up like clockwork, you might not get paid at all.
Always have a contract. Always include late fee clauses.
3. Creative Control? Sometimes, It’s Nonexistent
One day, you’re excited about a campaign. The next, the brand will request multiple rounds of edits, push back on your creative ideas, or ask you to reshoot content after it’s already live. If you’re not careful, what should be a one-day job turns into a two-week nightmare.
Some companies want to micromanage every detail, leaving you feeling like an unpaid intern instead of a creative partner. This is why choosing brands that respect your creativity is key.
The Ugly: What They Don’t Put in the Fine Print
1. Payment Delays & Non-Payment Scam
If a brand says, “We pay 90 days after the campaign ends,” just know you might be waiting forever. Some influencers have had brands disappear without ever paying them.
Always request at least 50% upfront or have a clear contract outlining the payment terms.
2. Shady Contracts & Exclusivity Clauses
Some brands sneak in exclusivity clauses, meaning you can’t work with competing brands for months.
Example: You take a hair brand deal, but in the fine print, they say you can’t work with any other hair brands for six months. That’s six months of missed money.
Always read your contracts or have a lawyer review them. If the exclusivity terms are wild, ask for more money or decline.
3. The Pressure to “Fake It”
Some brands want you to lie. They’ll send you a product today and expect you to post a “life-changing” review tomorrow.
Your audience trusts you, so don’t risk your credibility for a quick check. Be honest, and work with brands that give you time to test their products.
Brand deals can be a game changer, but only if you approach them wisely. The key to long-term success?
- Charge your worth.
- Read every contract.
- Work with brands that respect your creativity.
- Never let a brand compromise your authenticity.
I get into much more details of this blog post in the Securing Brand Deals ebook, and if you want a COMPLETE breakdown of negotiating contracts, pitching templates, and pay rates, then check out the ebook bundle deal, Marketing Mogul, or just browse around the site for the other series!
When done right, brand deals can give you financial freedom, credibility, and long-term income. But if you’re not careful, they can also drain your energy and waste your time.
So before you sign that next contract, ask yourself: Is this worth it?
Disclaimer: I wanted to be transparent with you - some of the links I share may be affiliate links, meaning I could earn a commission if you choose to buy a product or service after clicking the link. There is no additional charge to you! Your support means the world to me and helps me keep creating valuable content, so thank you for being a part of this journey!