In the age of social media, influencers have become a vital part of a brand’s marketing strategy. With the rise of Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, influencer marketing has become an essential way for brands to connect with their target audience. However, for small influencers, finding and securing brand deals can be challenging. In this post, we’ll break down how to find and secure brand deals for small influencers based on their follower count.
Under 1000 Followers
For creators just starting out, it can be difficult to secure brand deals as they don’t have a significant following. However, there are still a few ways to find brand deals.
Be Active on Social Media
To increase your chances of getting noticed by brands, you need to be active on social media. Post frequently, engage with your followers, and use relevant hashtags. You can also reach out to other small influencers and collaborate with them on projects. By building a community of like-minded creators, you can increase your visibility and reach.
Utilize Hashtags and Geo-Tags
Hashtags and geo-tags are crucial for increasing your visibility on social media. Use relevant hashtags to make your posts more discoverable, and geo-tags to target a specific audience. By using these tools, you can increase your chances of getting noticed by brands.
Reach Out to Small Brands
Small brands are always on the lookout for new and upcoming influencers to work with. Reach out to small brands in your niche and pitch yourself as an influencer who can help them reach their target audience. You can also offer to create content for them in exchange for free products or a small fee.
Some other tips for small influencers just starting out with under 1000 followers are:
Create Quality Content: One of the most important things to focus on as a small influencer is creating quality content. Brands want to work with influencers who have a unique style and can produce high-quality content. Experiment with different types of content and find what works best for your niche. By consistently producing great content, you’ll increase your chances of getting noticed by brands.
Engage with Your Followers: Engaging with your followers is essential for growing your audience and attracting brand deals. Respond to comments and messages, and take the time to build relationships with your followers. By showing your audience that you care about them, you’ll build a loyal following that brands will want to tap into.
Network with Other Influencers: Networking with other influencers can also help you land brand deals. Attend influencer events and connect with others in your niche. By building relationships with other influencers, you can collaborate on projects and increase your visibility. You can also cross-promote each other’s content to reach a wider audience.
Take Advantage of Influencer Marketplaces: There are also influencer marketplaces that can help you find brand deals as a small influencer. Platforms like Sponsora and others allow you to create a profile and connect with brands looking for influencers. These platforms are great for getting started and can help you build relationships with brands. Sponsora is one of the only few that accept creators of all sizes. Get started for free!
In terms of earning potential, small influencers may not make as much as larger influencers, but they can still earn money through brand deals. Some brands may be willing to work with smaller influencers for a lower fee or in exchange for free products. As you grow your following and increase your visibility, you can start to command higher rates.
1k-5k Followers
Once you’ve built a following of 1k-5k followers, you can start to secure brand deals. Here are a few ways to do so:
Create a Media Kit
A media kit is a great way to showcase your work and attract potential brand partners. It should include your bio, social media handles, statistics on your reach and engagement, and examples of your work. A media kit can make it easier for brands to evaluate your content and decide whether you’re a good fit for their brand.
Use Influencer Marketing Platforms
Influencer marketing platforms like Sponsora can connect you with brands looking for influencers in your niche. Our platform provide a marketplace where brands and influencers can find each other, negotiate rates, and collaborate on campaigns.
Attend Industry Events
Attending industry events, such as conferences and trade shows, can help you network with brands and other influencers. These events provide a great opportunity to learn more about the industry and to meet potential brand partners.
10k-100k Followers
For influencers with 10k-100k followers, brand deals become more common. Here are a few ways to secure brand deals at this stage:
Build Relationships with Brands
As you gain more followers, it’s essential to start building relationships with brands. Reach out to brands you love and create content for them in exchange for a fee or free products. By building relationships with brands, you can secure long-term partnerships and increase your earning potential.
Pitch Yourself to Brands
If you’re interested in working with a specific brand, pitch yourself to them. Send them an email or DM, and showcase your work and why you’d be a good fit for their brand. Make sure to personalize your pitch and show the brand that you’re genuinely interested in working with them.
Work with an Agency
Working with an agency can help you secure more significant brand deals and simplify the negotiation process. An agency can help you create a media kit, negotiate rates, and manage campaigns. However, keep in mind that agencies often take a significant cut of revenue from your brand deals, and the deals they bring you may not align with your values.
10k-100k followers:
Once you’ve reached the 10k-100k follower range, you can start to attract more significant brand deals. This is because you have a solid following that trusts you and your content. At this point, you may also have established yourself as an expert in your niche, which makes you more valuable to brands.
Here are some tips for securing brand deals as a mid-tier influencer:
Focus on your niche: At this point, you should have a clear idea of what your niche is and who your audience is. Focus on creating content that speaks directly to your audience and showcases your expertise in your niche. This will make you more attractive to brands that are looking for influencers with a specific audience.
Be active on social media: As you grow your following, make sure you’re engaging with your audience and staying active on social media. Brands want to work with influencers who have an engaged following, so make sure you’re regularly posting and responding to comments and messages.
Reach out to brands directly: Once you’ve identified brands that align with your niche and audience, don’t be afraid to reach out to them directly. Introduce yourself and your content and let them know why you think you would be a good fit for their brand. Make sure to highlight your engagement and any previous brand partnerships you may have had.
Join influencer networks: There are many influencer networks out there that can connect you with brands that are looking for influencers. Some of these networks require a certain number of followers, but others are open to influencers of all sizes. These networks can be a great way to find brand deals and partnerships.
Attend events and conferences: Attending events and conferences in your niche can be a great way to connect with brands and other influencers. This is a great opportunity to network and make connections that can lead to brand deals down the line.
In terms of earnings, mid-tier influencers can expect to earn anywhere from $100-$500 per sponsored post, depending on their niche and audience. However, it’s important to keep in mind that earnings can vary widely depending on factors such as engagement rate and the specific brand and campaign involved.
In conclusion, securing brand deals as a small or micro-influencer may seem daunting at first, but it’s important to remember that every influencer started somewhere. By focusing on your niche, building relationships with brands and other influencers, and staying active and engaged on social media, you can start to attract brand deals and earn money from your content. And with the help of platforms like Sponsora, finding brand deals and partnerships has never been easier.
