Collaborating with brands on your social platforms isn’t as intimidating as you may think. The key to unlocking PR packages and long-term partnerships is knowing who you are and what you bring to the table. You have to be confident and stern on your brand. For me, it has always been about creating a space where brands see my authentic self-not just curated, pretty pictures. When I started modeling back in 2013 and decided to take social media serious in 2019, I didn’t wait for brands to notice me; I made my platform something you couldn’t ignore. My content is my personal blog which showcases my love for modeling, fashion, food and traveling. I was sharing, tagging, posting and directly connecting with brands. I remember when my first social media gig paid me $1,200 for a instagram post, I was overjoyed and it was only the beginning. I am grateful to have worked with brands like Andi Bagus, Beis Luggage, Nette Rose, Revolve, Victoria Secret, and Maria Cher to name a few. Today, brands are looking for content that feels genuine and aligns with their goals.
February 2023, brand collaboration in New York. Trying Maria Cher new collection
Here are six tips to help you approach brand collaborations confidently:
1. Make Your Social Platforms Brand-Friendly
“Your social media is your brand”
Think of all your social media platforms as a reflection of your personal brand. While brands love high-quality visuals, brands also value authenticity and variety. For example, If I want to collaborate with a clothing brand, I focus on creating fashion-forward content like try on hauls or reels showcasing outfits of the week. This shows how seamlessly their product fits into my lifestyle, creating an organic connection between the product and my niche.
2. Be Clear About Your Niche
“What social community do you want to attract?”
What makes you stand out? Whether it’s your fashion sense, skin-care expertise, photography skills, or engaging personality, find that unique element and make sure it’s clear to anyone visiting your page. A well-defined niche helps you attract brands that resonate with your lifestyle and audience. For instance, my niche focuses on fashion, food, traveling and modeling so I ensure my content reflects that.
3. Tag and Engage with Brands
“Genuine interest goes a long way”
You already have products from brands you love so create content featuring them! A quick photo, a detailed caption, and a simple tag can grab a brand’s attention. But be intentional- only tag brands you genuinely love and already use. Pair this with storytelling to explain why you love their products. For example, if you’re wearing a pair of sneakers you swear by, mention how they help elevate your outfit by their design or comfort. Networking online is just as impactful as networking in person. Engage with brands by commenting on their posts, responding to their stories, and sharing their content.
4. Be Reliable and Professional
“Your reliability is just as important as your creativity”
When a brand offers you a brand ambassador role with specific requirements make sure you fulfill them. Being a brand ambassador means representing and promoting a brand by creating content that aligns with their goals. Brands value creators who are dependable and professional. Keep your aesthetic cohesive and true to your brand while ensuring timely, respectful communication with brand inquiries.
5. Pitch Yourself
“Always be your number one fan”
Sometimes, you have to make the first move. Don’t hesitate to direct message through social media or email a brand, introducing yourself and sharing why you love their products. Keep it concise and explain how you can add value. Attach your media kit if you have one to show you’re prepared. If you don’t know what a media kit is, well, it’s your social media resume that includes short bio, contact info, services, metrics, content examples and audience insights. Along with your media kit create a personalized message referencing their recent campaign or product shows you’ve done your homework and genuinely understand their brand.
6. Focus on Relationships, Not Just Freebies
“Think of it as a long-term relationship”
When a brand finally reaches out, go above and beyond. If they ask for one post, consider adding an extra story or reel. This shows you’re invested in the partnership, not just after the free product. Over-delivering makes you more likely to be invited back for future collaborations and can lead to bigger opportunities down the line.
At the end of the day, patience is key. Building relationships with brands takes time. For me, it’s not about receiving free products or money- that’s just the cherry on top! It’s about working with brands that align with my values and using my platform to create content that resonates. Authenticity, consistency, and intentional connections will naturally attract the right opportunities over time.
“Networking online is just as impactful as netowrking in person. Use your platform to build a brand that’s impossible to ignore”
Augustah Allen