[FAQ]

I’ve been growing my account for a while now (~4k followers) and have a really engaged community in the sustainable living niche, but I’m completely lost on how to take the next step and start working with brands.

Do I just wait for them to notice me, or should I be the one reaching out? I’ve heard people mention needing a “media kit,” but I have no idea what that is or what to include in it. I’m also really confused about the difference between “gifted” and “paid” collaborations and what I should be asking for at my size.

I just want to make sure I approach this professionally without selling myself short or looking clueless. Any advice on the first steps would be amazing.

[Jeff Bullas]

Taking the step from creator to business partner is a smart move.

Short Answer: You need to start by creating a professional media kit, then proactively pitch brands you love with specific collaboration ideas for their image and video content.

Brands aren’t just looking for exposure from your various text and visual content; they’re looking for professional, reliable partners who can create quality assets for them.

First, professionalise your approach by creating a one-page media kit. This is a simple document that acts as your account’s resume. It must include your key stats, especially your engagement rate which is more important than follower count for a small creator, along with your audience demographics and a few examples of your best photo work.

Don’t wait for brands to find you. Make a list of brands you genuinely use and pitch them directly via email. Your pitch needs to be short and specific. Don’t just ask for free product; propose a clear content idea, like ‘a Reel showcasing three ways I use your product in my daily routine’.

To begin with, you should expect to do ‘gifted’ collaborations, which means you receive the product in exchange for the post. Treat these as your portfolio builders. By delivering high-quality, professional content on these gifted campaigns, you build a track record that you can use to start charging a fee for your work down the line.

Cheers,
Jeff

• This reply was modified 5 months, 4 weeks ago by Neil Anthony.

[Author]

Posts