133 | Part 1: Brand Collab Secrets: Strategies for Finding Brands

Today we are discussing how to find the right brand partnerships for your business and how to make it an easy and seamless part of your monthly tasks. Listen in to find out how you can identify these golden opportunities when they arise and then add them as part of your bottom line. 

If you’ve ever wanted to work with brands, but just weren’t sure where to start, or you’ve done brand collaborations in the past, but didn’t get the results you imagined, then this episode is for you.

Step 1: Alignment with Values and Audience Interests

Start by with brands that resonate with your audience. Not you. Your audience. This is key. 

The brand’s identity and goals must be in alignment with what you and your audience can offer in order to create an authentic and successful partnership. 

The easiest way to determine this for your business is to ask yourself: Will my audience find value in what this brand has to offer? 

Remember, a partnership that feels forced or off-brand can really turn off your audience, maybe even losing some that were previously loyal.  Another great way to just get started is to think about what brands YOU currently use in your everyday business and life. Most likely, your audience is just like you and it will be a good match! 

Now make a list and then a short list of the top 5-7 brands you’d like to work with and put it on a sticky note where you can see it every single day.

Step 2: Attracting Brand Partnerships

Moving on to the power of using your social media to attract these brands. First you need to realize that brands are eager to tap into the audience you have built. You should be proud of your hard work and know that they need you as much as you want them.

Brands are always on the lookout for influencers whose online presence can complement their marketing goals and it’s not always about follower count. Brands are looking for engagement and niche-targeted audiences. 

The easiest way to go about attracting brands is to “follow and tag” the ones on your sticky note you are already using in your current content. Create a posting checklist so that every time you post you remember this ‘tagging’ step. Then make a conscious effort to create content around the brands you don’t have content for and create additional content for the others on your list.

Step 3: Pitching Brands and Utilizing Networking

And lastly there’s the proactive approach: networking and pitching. Don’t wait for opportunities to come knocking; knock on their door instead. 

Start by messaging the brands on your sticky note via social media and stating “I hope you’re having an amazing day—I’d love to find out who I need to reach out to in regards to content collaborations?” Or whatever sounds most natural for you.

Wait a few weeks and bump your message if you don’t get a response right away. If you’re feeling spunky, comment on the most current post in their feed that you sent a message and can’t wait to hear back!

Once you have a response with the correct contact and email address, send the contact a brief but brilliant email with a compelling pitch that highlights a single unique and creative content idea that marries their product and your audience along with what makes your business unique, and why a partnership with them is an opportunity they shouldn’t pass up. 

Networking events, both virtual and in-person, can also be a great place for meeting potential brand partners. Approach them with a genuine excitement to start a relationship by finding out who you need to be in touch with for collaborations. Don’t try to pitch “onsite” at the event, always follow up a few days later when they aren’t as busy.

As we wrap up today’s mini-episode, remember that finding the right brand partnership is a mix of alignment, showcasing your value, and not being afraid to reach out. 

Keep your business’ values and audience at the forefront of your decisions, and you’ll find partnerships that are not just profitable, but also rewarding for both you and your audience.

Next week we are diving into the nitty gritty of negotiating the actual brand deals and strategies to land more paid projects vs. product only.

Whenever you’re ready:

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