Why this topic is important: Whether you’re a brand thinking of reaching out to an influencer, or a blogger considering working with a brand; what you are potentially creating together is a partnership. You want to make sure that your missions and brands (either business or personal) vibe together. While this article is specifically aimed at bloggers, I absolutely believe that if you are reading this as a brand, you can ask yourself the same questions that the bloggers should be asking themselves. Keep reading for more info on collaborating with brands!
In the beginning I just felt so flattered that someone believed that I could actually be an influencer and promote something. I didn’t feel like I had any power at the table (hint: you do).
A few months ago I had brunch with Rebecca of Blogger Not Billionaire , who said something that really stuck with me.
The collaborations you don’t accept say more about you than the ones you do accept.
We can all agree that receiving “free” items (I would argue that they’re not actually free considering all the hard work that goes into photographing, styling, etc. is a pretty big commitment, but that’s a discussion for another time) is pretty cool, we can’t accept every offer that comes our way. So today I’m sharing a few tips/questions to ask yourself for how to decide if a collaboration is right for you.
Collaborating with brands tip #1 Does this collaboration make sense with my brand?
This is the first question I ask myself when I receive an email from a brand. I check out their site and their social media platforms to see what they’re about. P&P is about women empowerment, trendy chic style, and bougie traveling. If the brand I’m looking at qualifies then I’m ready to get to phase 2.
Collaborating with brands tip #2: Would I wear/ use this again?
Once I decide that I like the brand, I ask myself if I would wear/use the product again after the shoot. I love blogging, but there is so much behind the scenes work that goes into a post. If you don’t see yourself wearing or using the product again after the post, in my book that’s a good way to know that you should pass.
Collaborating with brands tip #3 : How much is this worth to me?
When I first started blogging, I didn’t feel that I was in any position to charge brands (in fact for the most part, I still don’t feel that way). But at the same time, when I get into the negotiations, I look at the cost and benefit. If you haven’t heard of Social Blue Book, the site measures your Instagram engagement and following and lets you know how much 1 of your posts is worth.
Let me set up a theoretical scenario to show you how I measure this. Let’s say a brand contacts me and offers me a bag (retail $30) in exchange for 1 blog posts and 3 Instagram posts. If 1 of my Instagram posts is worth $50, then I’m losing $$ on this deal. Especially when you add in the cost of a photographer.
You need to figure out how much a post is worth to you and then determine if what you’re getting is worth what you’re giving.
Collaborating with brands tip #4: Ask other bloggers/ influencers what they think
There have been times where I’ve been unsure if I’m being offered a fair deal, or I’m not sure how I feel about the brand image or products. That’s when you should look to your blogger/influencer friends for advice. I also occasionally do some detective work, and find other bloggers who have worked with the brand and DM /email them to learn more about their experience.
Collaborating with brands tip #5: And if you’ve accepted and it’s not right…
Very rarely does it happen that a product/ service isn’t as advertised and I don’t feel comfortable sharing it with my followers. In this case, I give the brand an option of allowing me to send it back (and not featuring the product) instead of writing a negative review. I think this tends to be a win-win. I don’t like bringing negativity to the blog (I prefer not writing a poor review, and only sharing things I love), and brands tend to want to keep negative reviews off the internet.
When I was in SD recently, I put this look together. I wanted something that said spring, but due to the gloomy weather and all day walking, I wanted warmth and comfort. I’ve been obsessed with statement chokers lately, and when new women’s boutique Vice Privé wanted to send me a few pieces, I was over the moon. I’ve been wearing this necklace on repeat. I also went with the pop of orange to make it a little more fun!
| Vice Privé Choker c/o | Adidas Originals | Forever21 Leggings | Coccinelle Bag (old, similar) | SHEIN Blouse c/o |
Disclosure: I’ve really enjoyed working with all of the brands I’ve partnered with so far. Part of the reason I’ve had so many positive experiences is because I made sure the brands I work with fit with my blog!
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Pinned! I’m not at the point where I work with brands yet, but this seems like great advice for whenever the time comes.
I’m sure the brands appreciate your offer to send back the product if you don’t like it, rather than writing a negative review. Does this seem to be standard practice in the blogger community?
-Krista
I’m glad this was helpful! To be totally honest, I don’t know. I’ve noticed that typically in the blogging community people tend to very hush hush regarding contracts and working with brands. I’d like to assume though that bloggers wouldn’t post things to their blog that they don’t like (hence sending it back..) I did once have an item that didn’t work for me, and the brand said I could just keep it and just not post about it. Sometimes that’s easier for both parties involved!
Hi! I feel so bad if something is sent that I don’t like, so I really try to research the company/product before even accepting.
So helpful babe and all good tips!! I’m always a people pleaser but sometimes brands just don’t fit my vision and that’s just reality!!
Thank you for reading Andrea and glad it helped!
Great tips! I also weigh if it is a brand that I love and can work with them long-term in a mutually beneficial way if the product/fee is not up to my basic rate.
Loved this post girl! My favorite question in this whole process is asking how much the collaboration is worth it to you. I constantly have to ask myself that because it can be so easy to say yes to every brand that comes your way.
xo, emma
Loved this post! I love how honest you are about this. It’s true that many brands will want to work with you but sometimes it just doesn’t feel right. Thanks for sharing this and keep up the amazing work, babe!
xx, Victoria C.
http://www.airofsimplicity.com
I really liked your site!
I WISH I was popular enough of a blogger to have a brand that wanted me to rep them! I guess I am still new (ish) in my first 6 months of blogging. How did you get started with brand reps? And do you reach out to people, or do they reach out to you?
I would say I started noticing brands emailing me once I hit 1K. But I still do reach out to brands when I discover them and think that their product/service is something my readers would align with! Don’t get discouraged, it just takes time!!