6 Ways to Find Brands to Collaborate With
Collaborating with brands is something that anyone is capable of doing if you know where to look for those opportunities and learn how to reach out and communicate with brands. You do not have to thousands of followers on Instagram or even be titled as an Influencer to be able to partner with awesome companies.
Here I am giving you 5 ways and resources that help you to find brands that you can reach out to work together in exchange for free product, service or maybe even payment.
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Influencer Marketing Websites
These are websites that you can go to and register for free, create a profile and have the potential to work with awesome companies and promote products or services you love. Each website may work a bit different but I want to share with you a few of my favorites that I have scored some awesome deals with below.
On some of these websites the brands/companies use it as a search database where they can seek out influencers and people they want to work with. On some of the other websites the brands actually post campaigns that you can apply to.
A few of the best in my opinion are:
Facebook Groups
There are also several great and active Facebook groups that you can join in order to find brands to collaborate with. You can just keep an out on these groups and look for posts that are looking for people to promote their product or service. This also makes it more personal because you are usually talking to either someone that owns the business itself or an agency that works for the business.
Some great groups to checkout are:
Instagram Influencers, Brands & Professionals
Maybe you have brands that you follow on Instagram (both big and small) that you follow and absolutely love. Do not be afraid to reach out to them! You can make a quick but professional note to their direct message box. When you reach out explain to them why you love their brand/products or services and why you believe you would be a good fit to work with them. Numbers are not everything and brands are really starting to understand that and see the value of the micro-influencer. If you are a make-up artist for example and work with many clients everyday and followers that love makeup too than you have a great reason to reach out to companies you love that sell makeup and maybe they will do an exchange for you for free product. It never hurts to ask if you do it in a nice and professional way.
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Sending an email can be even better than just a message on Instagram or other social network. When you send an email to a potential company to work with you can than include a lot more information and attach a MediaKit. If you are not sure, a Media kit is like a resume for working with brands. It can include all your social platforms, blog, and/or what your focus or messaging is that you like to convey to your audience.
Agency
There are agents that can actually help you to get collaborations with brands. This is similar to registering with a website but you actually have a person that is doing the work for you and reaching out to companies that also work with them to find the right fit for their brand. With influencer marketing agencies they may have criteria in order to be a represented influencer or have a fee you pay in order for someone to help you try to get collaborations. If this is something you do not have the time to do and really want to pursue, having some help could be a great option.
Think Local
Going online is not the only way to find brands to collaborate with. You may have some great options right in your hometown. Companies how are really starting to see the value in marketing with influencers, its the new word of mouth option. If there are local restaurants or boutiques that are your favorite, why not ask if they would be willing to do an exchange. You may not be able to get paid but maybe a free meal in exchange for promoting them in a post, or a free shirt from a local clothing store in exchange for exposure. This will be a great opportunity to network locally and get some practice for yourself, as well as a possible testimony to add to your portfolio when you pitch to other brands. It really is a win-win.
Word of Advice…
Seek to work with brands and companies that you really do love and believe in. There is so much that is not real out there on social media, find your voice that allows your audience to believe in you. If you typically advocate for recycling but than you advertise for plastic containers, it wont make much sense will it. Products or services that you actually use will make you happier and those that follow will be more likely to be excited about what you have to show.
Do you want even more resources?
Templates of how to write collaborations proposal emails? The same ones I have used to score free hotels, paid collaborations and some of my favorite products for free?
Plus more resources & information on how to make money digitally??
I have an online course just for you!! Just for reading this blog post I will also give you 70% off!!!!!! Use the code ‘Blog70’ at checkout!
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Health, Love & Happiness,
Courtney