Okay, so you’re ready to start making money as an influencer! The next step is to start attracting the right sponsors and partnerships.
One of the easiest ways is to start looking for partnerships or clients on your own just by searching for hashtags (#ad, #partnership, etc.) that are used by other influencers. This is an easy way to quickly identify who is hiring influencers as well as what kind of posts they’re interested in.
The key is to learn as much as possible about your average sponsor and their audience. Make sure their following aligns with yours so you can create a mutually beneficial partnership that boosts both brands.
When it comes to pricing, you’ll want to spend time evaluating the going rate for different types of opportunities. Just keep in mind that underpricing yourself means you’re also devaluing your brand and minimizing what you bring to the table.
Often, companies will look beyond those who are charging ridiculously low rates in favor of a brand who knows their value.
Higher rates often equate to having a greater perceived value so keep this in mind when determining what you plan to charge possible clients.
Your rates will also be based on whether it’s a one-time gig or if the company plans to hire you regularly. Consider giving special pricing to long-term clients. In addition, you should base your rates on the platforms they are interested in having you use.
If your following on Pinterest is only half the size of your following on Instagram and a company is only focused on Pinterest, your rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
Always be upfront and honest with the companies that hire you. If you’re still working on building a following in one avenue, but feel your brand power is stronger on another platform, let them know you want to build long-term, trusting partnerships with clients who know they can count on you.
