If you’re an aspiring influencer, you might be wondering how to pitch to brands, what to say, and when the right time to reach out is. These are common questions, and today we’ll walk you through the process of pitching to a brand and landing your first collaboration.
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Are You Ready to Start Pitching?

Before diving into the details of writing the perfect pitch, it’s important to assess your readiness. This isn’t solely about your follower count. Many believe you need a massive following to attract brands, but that’s not the case. Brands value authenticity, engagement, quality content, and a loyal community.
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What Brands Look For

When brands seek collaborations, they typically look for three main things:
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1. Parallel Interests: Shared interests between you and the brand are crucial. If your audience aligns with their target demographics, you’re more likely to catch their eye.
2. Community Engagement: Brands value engagement over follower count. A lively community with a 3% engagement rate or more is often more appealing than a large, less engaged following. Smaller communities can have higher engagement rates, making them valuable despite fewer followers.
3. Content Quality: High-quality content is crucial. Review your feed honestly—would a brand pay you to create content like that? If not, focus on improving your content creation skills.

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Crafting Your Pitch

Your pitch should aim to:

1. Create a Connection: Build a relationship with the brand.
2. Provide Value: Approach from a service mindset, aiming to benefit the brand.

When pitching, focus on fostering a connection. This might involve a call, a coffee meeting, or simply connecting with the person behind the brand. Ensure the collaboration is mutually beneficial.

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Email Pitch Template

Here’s a simple yet effective pitch template to get you started:

Subject Line: Keep it straightforward. Example: “Brand Name x Your Handle”

First Line: Introduce yourself, what you do, and who you do it for. Include a hyperlink to your name.

Next 2-3 Sentences: Share why you love the brand. Research them! Visit their website, look at their “About” page, see what nonprofits they support. Create a personal connection.

Connect to Your Audience: Show that you understand the brand and can connect it to your audience’s interests.

Highlight Your Best Assets: Share some quick stats about yourself. This could be your follower count, engagement rate, average story views, or email list subscribers.

Pitch a Specific Idea (Optional): If you have a specific idea for the collaboration, pitch it.

Wrap Up: If you don’t have a specific idea, simply express your interest in exploring potential collaborations.

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Final Tips

Cold pitching can be daunting, but it’s an essential step in building your influencer career. Don’t be disheartened by rejections or non-responses. Keep connecting with your audience and finding brands that align with your values.

This guide aims to empower you to start pitching confidently. If you have more questions about brand collaborations, feel free to ask in the comments below. Remember, persistence is key, and every pitch brings you one step closer to your first successful collaboration.

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FAQ

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1. Do I need a large following to pitch to brands?

No, a large following isn’t necessary. Brands value authenticity, engagement, quality content, and a loyal community. Even smaller communities with high engagement rates (3% or more) can be highly appealing to brands.

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2. What should I include in my pitch to a brand?

Your pitch should include:

• A straightforward subject line (e.g., “Brand Name x Your Handle”)
• An introduction about yourself with a hyperlink to your name
• Specific reasons why you love the brand
• Connection between the brand and your audience
• Quick stats about your social media presence (follower count, engagement rate, etc.)
• A specific collaboration idea (optional)
• A wrap-up expressing your interest in exploring potential collaborations

3. How can I make my pitch stand out to brands?

To make your pitch stand out:

• Personalize it by researching the brand thoroughly
• Show genuine enthusiasm for the brand
• Highlight how your audience aligns with the brand’s target demographics
• Emphasize your engagement rate and content quality
• Offer a specific collaboration idea if you have one

4. What do brands typically look for in influencers?

Brands typically look for:

• Parallel Interests: Shared interests between you and the brand
• Community Engagement: A lively community with a high engagement rate
• Content Quality: High-quality content that is consistent and visually appealing

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5. What should I do if my pitch gets rejected or I don’t get a response?

Don’t be disheartened. Rejections and non-responses are common. Keep refining your pitch, improving your content, and connecting with your audience. Persistence is key, and every pitch helps you get closer to landing your first successful collaboration.

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