How To Work With Brands as a Small Content Creator

Introduction.

As a small content creator, one of the most exciting parts of growing your presence is the opportunity to collaborate with brands.

If you’re just starting or have a smaller following, it might feel like working with brands is something that only big-name influencers can do.

But the truth is, that companies are always on the lookout for authentic voices, even if your audience isn’t massive yet.

So, how can you make those brand partnerships happen, and how do you approach them in a way that benefits both you and the brand?

Getting the right brand deals can be a game-changer for your content creation journey. It’s not just about making money (though that’s a big part of it), but also about building credibility, growing your audience, and opening up new opportunities for creative collaborations.

But it’s also a process. Working with brands means knowing how to pitch yourself, finding the right partners, and building relationships that last.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about working with brands as a small content creator.

From finding the right brands to pitch to tips for creating win-win partnerships, I’ll guide you through it all.

How Do I Work With Brands as a Small Content Creator?

1. Know Your Worth (Even If You’re Just Starting)

First things first: don’t undersell yourself. Brands aren’t just looking for huge followings; they’re looking for creators who align with their values, have a genuine connection with their audience, and can produce content that feels authentic.

If you’re just starting, your audience might be smaller, but that doesn’t mean it’s not valuable. Micro-influencers (creators with fewer than 10,000 followers) are actually in high demand right now.

According to a study by Social Media Today, 63% of marketers say that working with micro-influencers offers higher engagement rates compared to bigger influencers. This is because smaller audiences are often more loyal and engaged.

So, even if you have a small following, don’t be afraid to reach out to brands. Know that the content you create and the community you’ve built has real value.

2. Identify Brands that Match Your Style and Values

When looking for brands to collaborate with, it’s important to make sure that the brand fits your style and values.

The partnership should feel authentic to your audience. If you’re a beauty creator, you wouldn’t pitch a collaboration with a tech company—unless they’re launching a beauty tech product.

Start by identifying brands you already use and love. These are the easiest ones to pitch because you can genuinely vouch for their products or services. Think about companies whose products align with the content you create.

For example, if you’re a food blogger or chef, you might want to look for collaborations with food brands, cookware companies, or kitchen appliance makers. If you’re a fitness content creator, fitness apparel and supplement brands would be a good fit.

One thing to keep in mind is that smaller brands, especially those just starting out, are often more open to working with content creators who are still growing.

They’re looking for authentic endorsements and can sometimes offer more flexibility in terms of creative freedom or compensation.

3. Crafting the Perfect Pitch

Once you’ve identified the brands you want to work with, the next step is reaching out. The key to this is crafting a pitch that highlights what you can offer.

A good pitch shows the brand why working with you makes sense and how it benefits both of you.

Here’s what you should include in your pitch:

• Who you are: Briefly introduce yourself and your content. Share your story—why you create content and what excites you about the specific brand you’re pitching.
• Your audience: Even if it’s small, share what you know about your audience. What’s their demographic? What do they care about? If you have analytics or engagement stats, include those to show how engaged your audience is.
• Why the brand is a good fit: Be specific about why the brand aligns with your content and audience. Brands want to see that you’re not just looking for a paycheck but that you truly believe in their product or service.
• What you can offer: Explain how you can help the brand. Whether it’s through a sponsored post, an unboxing video, a giveaway, or a review, be clear about what you’re offering.
• Past work (if any): If you’ve done any collaborations before, include examples. If you’re new to brand partnerships, you can link to content that shows your creativity, engagement, or style.

Don’t forget to keep your pitch concise and friendly. Brands get a lot of pitches, so stand out by being professional but also showing your personality.

4. Understanding Compensation

As a small content creator, it’s important to understand that compensation doesn’t always have to be financial.

Some brands offer free products, affiliate links, or other perks in exchange for content. If you’re okay with this, that’s great!

If you’d prefer to get paid for your work, don’t be afraid to ask for a rate that’s fair for the time and effort you’re putting in.

Many small creators start with product-based collaborations or affiliate programs (where you earn a commission on sales made through your referral links).

These can be a great way to start building relationships with brands. As your following and credibility grow, you can begin negotiating higher-paying opportunities, like sponsored posts or even long-term partnerships.

5. Building Long-Term Relationships

Once you land a brand partnership, don’t treat it as a one-off. It’s much more beneficial to build long-term relationships with the brands you work with.

This could mean working with the same brand on multiple campaigns or getting exclusive deals in the future. The key is to continue providing value and stay true to your brand.

Remember, communication is key. Be professional, but also be open and transparent about your expectations.

Keep the brand updated on how the campaign is going, share analytics if they’re interested, and thank them for the opportunity. A little appreciation can go a long way in building trust.

6. Staying Authentic

One of the most important aspects of working with brands as a content creator is staying true to yourself.

Your audience follows you for your personality and your unique take on things. If you suddenly start promoting products that don’t align with what you stand for, it’s easy for your followers to notice and lose trust.

Always choose brand partnerships that feel authentic to your content and values. Being honest with your audience about sponsored content is also essential. Transparency goes a long way in maintaining your credibility.

FAQs

Q: How do I find brands to work with?

A: Start by looking at products you already use and love. Check out companies in your niche or industry.

Social media platforms and influencer marketing platforms like Upfluence or AspireIQ are also good places to find brand collaborations.

Q: Do I need a large following to work with brands?

A: Not at all! Brands are often looking for micro-influencers or niche creators who have smaller but highly engaged audiences.

If you have an engaged community that trusts your recommendations, that’s often more important than your follower count.

Q: How do I price myself as a small creator?

A: Pricing can vary depending on the brand and your audience. If you’re just starting out, you may begin with product-based collaborations or affiliate marketing.

As your audience grows, you can adjust your rates based on engagement and the type of content you create.

Conclusion.

It’s easy to feel like you need a massive following to start partnering with brands, but in reality, the opportunities are endless for small content creators.

By staying true to your voice, understanding what brands are looking for, and building authentic relationships, you can make brand collaborations a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Are you ready to reach out to that first brand? Or are you still feeling unsure about how to approach it?