PR AGENCY DIARIES: OPEN TO INFLUENCE? HOW TO PITCH YOURSELF TO BRANDS
So you’ve built your social following, found your niche and now you want to work with your favourite brands? In a sea of Insta-fame securing a paid or contra gig can be harder than it looks so we’ve compiled our tips to get you a foot in the door and on the road to a fully-fledged career on social.
1. Pick and stick
Most brands are only interested in working with influencers who genuinely love their product or service. Decide which brands you really, REALLY love, reach out to their agency or marketing manager by email and get on their radar stat!
2. All the info, all in one place
In your outreach include all the important stuff up front (put together a media kit if you can) as well as why you want to work with that brand. Personal anecdotes about how you’ve been using brand X’s moisturiser for 10 years will go a long way – just make sure what you’re saying is true and they can’t scroll back to find another ‘fave’ and catch you out.
3. Know your niche
Before pitching yourself to a brand you need to know what you’re offering. Who are your followers, what are they interested in and will they be receptive to the brand you’re trying to work with?
Tell the brand why you think you’re a good fit and NEVER send a copy-paste ‘insert brand name here’ email to every company under the sun – we see you!
4. ASA or bust
While we don’t necessarily agree with the structure of the ASA guidelines for influencers - thems the rules and we don’t make them! Make sure you know what is required of you and assure the brand you’re wanting to work with that you will tick all boxes, so they don’t have to follow you up about it. Then follow through.
5. Be prepared for a no (and don’t take it to heart)
Despite your best efforts, the answer may be a ‘no’ or a ‘not right now’ and that’s ok. Most of the brands you reach out to won’t have the perfect campaign waiting in the wings for your call so don’t take it personally.
If you really think your channel has something to offer a brand, commit to keeping in touch and follow through on your promise. Touch base with the team every few months to say hi and when you least expect it the timing may be perfect.
Nothing ventured nothing gained, right?!
Want more tips? See our 101 on working with brands as an influencer here.
