Getting brand deals is part strategy, part vibes.
Big creators mostly get hit up, smaller ones have to hustle, and mid-tier folks do a little of both.
Your industry matters too: tech, fashion, lifestyle, entertainment—they all play differently. We broke it down into three types of influencers, how they land gigs, get paid, and keep it all moving.
Big creators have the most reach, but smaller creators often have better engagement and drive more action. So, it’s not just about the follower count—it’s about what your people do.
If you're huge, the work kinda finds you.
Brands usually slide into your inbox first, often through your agent or manager.
Big tech YouTubers or fashion IG stars get offers for sponsorships, ambassadorships, even capsule collections.
You don’t really cold-email at this stage. Your visibility alone brings in serious offers.
In tech and finance (niches that make money), you can charge more. Fashion and entertainment deals are more about exclusivity or long-term collabs.
Deals are usually handled by your team—they talk rates, content usage, exclusivity, etc. Managers aim for solid upfront payments, not just free stuff or commissions. Expect five-figure payouts for IG posts or sponsored YouTube vids. Some land long-term contracts or even startup equity.
Bigger audience = bigger paycheck. Think $10K+ per post and more if you’re a celeb-level name.
Tech creators can earn just as much as fashion ones, thanks to higher-value products and buyers.
This is the grind zone. You get noticed but still pitch yourself. Think fashion content creators or YouTubers with steady followings.
Most build a media kit to share stats and brand wins, then DM or email brands. Tagging brands organically helps too. If a brand likes what they see, you’ll get offers for gifted products or lower-budget paid work.
Most mid-tier creators handle negotiations solo. They offer package deals (like an IG post + TikTok combo), talk usage rights, content timelines, and try to push past free-only deals. If they show strong engagement, they can justify higher rates.
Typical rates: anywhere from $500 to $5K depending on your niche.
Tech creators might mix flat fees with affiliate links. Beauty and fashion folks might get PR packages + cash. Bigger deals mean more structure—like ambassadorships or monthly retainers.
This is where hustle matters most. Micro creators usually pitch brands first, showing off tight engagement and a clear niche.
They’ll make posts tagging brands they already love, then follow up with a DM or email.
Platforms and marketplaces are key at this stage—they connect small creators to brand campaigns.
Engagement rate is the flex here: even if you don’t have a ton of followers, if they’re obsessed with your content, that matters.
Negotiating starts simple: maybe free stuff first, then adding in small fees.
As they grow, micro creators start asking for $50-$200 per post. Some bundle in affiliate links or hybrid deals (flat rate + bonus per sale).
Most get paid in perks or small amounts of cash, but it adds up over time.
Micro creators often mix brand deals with side hustles like Patreon, guest blogging, or merch.
Growth is the long game—cross 10k and things start moving faster.
Whether you're mega or micro, it’s about knowing your value, showing results, and building relationships.
Big names get big checks, but smaller creators can still win—especially if their audience actually listens.
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