One of the first things that people think about when they hear the title 'digital influencer' is all of the free products you can get when working with brands. And it's true, that is a definite benefit of this career and allows you to create great content while receiving things that you and your audience can enjoy. But before you accept every offer that comes your way, there are some Do's and Don'ts you should think about. 

In this blog and video, I will be sharing when you should and when you shouldn't accept free products from brands. This is great information for anyone just starting their career as an online influencer, and for people who are currently stuck in the 'free product but no paid sponsorship' phase. And let's face it, even if you are already making money from your online influence, there's always more you can learn. 

Let's get started! 

Here are the things you should think about BEFORE you accept free product from a brand: 

Will it Benefit Your...

We are fresh off the heels of this year's #sparksummit, and we learned a LOT about the industry! Our industry panel revealed some insider secrets of how they find influencers, what they look for in an Instagram feed, and what happens once they want to work with you.

How brands look for influencers and how to get found

They look through hashtags, locations, and sometimes even Google. Another key to being found: have your e-mail address in your Instagram bio!

The 3 Things Brands Look For in Your Instagram Feed

Authenticity

Brands can tell if you're really passionate about your brand or if you're just in it for the likes.

Aesthetic

Your aesthetic is the general look and feel of your feed.

Audience

Brands may be checking out your page, but they're also looking at your audience. This is ultimately who they will they

WHAT actually happens when they want to work with you

If a brand e-mails you - great! You're halfway there. However, you can't assume you're the only influencer they've...

Is your mindset holding you back?

Until you take 100% responsibility for your success, you will never achieve it. What are you doing to build your brand and to grow your following? What steps are you taking? Posting is not enough, it’s never been enough. So if you’re waiting for things to happen, chances are they’re not.

There are three HUGE MISTAKES that influencers make that hold them back from reaching their full potential: 

#1 Believing you need TONS of followers in order to work with brands.

There are students in my courses with under 10k who have booked PAID sponsorships with brands More likely, you need to gain clarity on your brand. 

#2 Facing the Fear of Not Being Good Enough

Have you ever thought:

"Who am I to do this?" 

"Why is my story worth telling"

If you're letting fear block you - it will always be a "no". What have you got to lose?

#3 Treating Your Brand as a Hobby and Not A Business

This is why it’s important to practice...

So, what’s the difference between a collaboration and a sponsorship anyway? When working with brands, it can become tricky to figure out exactly what they're offering. Here are three different ways you can work with brands at any stage of your brand's growth.

The 3 Different Ways to Work With Brands

Collabs 

Brand collaborations are usually unpaid, but product is typically provided. Sometimes they ask you to buy the product or give you a discount code, but this is generally something to avoid unless they give you product for free. Why should you pay THEM for your hard work?

Partnerships

Partnerships may be paid or unpaid; the term can be vague  and you may need to ask the brand for clarification on what they're offering.

Sponsorships 

This is our big goal as influencers - a paid deal where you are offered payment for promotion services on your channel. 

What Should You Focus on If You Have Fewer Than 10k Followers?

The #1 thing you should be doing...