Brand deals are one of the best ways for creators to earn money and grow their influence. YouTubers, TikTokers, Instagram creators and all others know that working with brands can help turn content creation into a full-time career. In influencer marketing, brands look for creators who align with their values and can authentically promote their products.
However, landing paid collaborations isn’t just about having a large following. Creators need to know how to pitch themselves effectively. A well-crafted pitch and a professional media kit can make all the difference in standing out. This is where Pushbio can help creators become the appeal for any brand looking for creator partnership.
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With Pushbio, you can;
- Link all your social media profiles together effortlessly.
- Showcase all your content, products, and services in one space.
- Share everything through a single link.
Create your own free link in bio page
Ready to simplify your online presence?
With Pushbio, you can;
- Link all your social media profiles together effortlessly.
- Showcase all your content, products, and services in one space.
- Share everything through a single link.
With Pushbio, you can create a sleek, professional media kit that builds credibility and makes it easy to share your work. In addition to this, the brand deal feature also means creators have access to a ready pool of brands looking for creators to partner with. This piece shows you exactly how you can leverage both features to pitch and land paid collaborations.
Brand collaborations explained
Brand deals are agreements between creators and companies where creators promote a brand’s products or services in exchange for payment, free products, or commissions. These collaborations are a key part of influencer marketing, helping brands reach their target audience in a more authentic way.
Brands work with creators because they offer a direct and trusted connection to potential customers. Unlike traditional ads, creators’ promotions feel more personal and engaging, making them more effective in driving sales and brand awareness.
How to pitch and land paid collaborations
Landing a lucrative brand deal is every serious creator’s aim. The fact that it opens doors to other opportunities and can be a potential springboard for more deals means creators are always in search of ways to capture business attention.
To this end, here are some proven strategies to help you pitch successfully to brands and land yourself a lucrative brand deal:
1. Research and choose the right brands
Before reaching out, take time to find brands that align with your content, audience, and values. Companies prefer working with creators whose style and niche match their brand identity. For example, if you create fitness content, pitching a beauty brand may not be the best fit. Instead, focus on businesses in the health, wellness, or sports industries. This increases your chances of securing a brand deal because the partnership feels natural to both your audience and the company.
In addition, brands look for creators who can provide real value. Take your time to study the company’s past sponsored content campaigns to understand their marketing strategy. Check if they collaborate with influencers in your niche and how they promote their products. Use this information to tailor your pitch, showing them how your content can help them reach their goals. A well-researched pitch demonstrates professionalism and makes it easier for brands to see you as a valuable partner.
2. Find the right contact person
Sending your pitch to the wrong person can lead to delays or no response at all. Instead of using general email addresses like “[email protected],” try to find the marketing manager, influencer coordinator, or PR representative. Many brands list their media contacts on their website or LinkedIn. You can also check their social media pages, as some companies openly invite creators to collaborate.
Why do you need the right contact person? Addressing the right person in your email makes your pitch more personal and professional. If you can’t find a direct contact, consider engaging with the brand on social media first. Commenting on their posts or sending a polite DM can help you get noticed before you officially pitch. Brands often appreciate creators who show genuine interest in their products, increasing your chances of getting a response and securing a brand deal.
3. Personalize your pitch
Brands receive countless emails from creators, so a generic message won’t stand out. Instead of copying and pasting the same pitch, creators should spend a decent amount of time customizing it for each company. Mention the brand by name and explain why you’re interested in working with them. Show that you understand their products and audience by referring to specific campaigns they’ve run or their brand values.
The goal of every brand deal is to secure partnerships that feel authentic. Highlight what makes you unique, whether it’s your storytelling skills, engaged community, or creative approach to sponsored content. Use real data to support your pitch, such as your follower demographics, engagement rate, or previous successful collaborations. A personalized and well-structured pitch increases your chances of getting a positive response.
4. Clearly outline your value
When pitching to brands, creators should avoid the ask, ask, and ask syndrome. Instead of just asking for a collaboration, show brands what you can offer. Explain how your content can help them achieve their goals, whether it’s increasing brand awareness, driving sales, or building trust with their audience. If you have past success stories, share them. For example, “A recent sponsored post I created for a skincare brand resulted in a 20% increase in their website traffic.”
Numbers speak louder than words in brand deals. Even if you don’t have previous partnerships, you can highlight your engagement rate, video views, or audience insights. Brands want to know that their investment in you will bring results. By focusing on value rather than just asking for a deal, you position yourself as a strong and professional collaborator.
5. Include a professional media kit
Brands want to know if your audience aligns with their target market. A media kit includes key insights like follower demographics, engagement rates, past campaign success, and content reach. Marketers receive multiple pitches daily. A media kit helps your pitch stand out by providing all the necessary information in one place. We have a detailed article on how to create a professional media kit that helps you land a brand deal.
Brands can quickly scan your stats, content style, and audience fit without needing to ask for additional details. This efficiency increases the chances of your pitch getting noticed and approved. Instead of asking brands to research you, providing this data upfront helps them quickly assess your value and makes decision-making easier.
6. Keep It concise and professional
A long, overwhelming pitch may lose the brand’s attention. Keep your email clear, concise, and easy to read. Start with a short introduction about who you are, followed by why you love their brand, and then outline your value. End with a call to action, such as asking if they’d be open to discussing a collaboration.
Professionalism matters in influencer marketing. Avoid using casual language or sending a one-line email that simply asks for free products. Proofread your pitch for grammar errors and ensure your email is well-structured. A polished and professional approach increases the likelihood of getting a positive response and building long-term relationships with brands.
How to enhance your pitch with a media kit on Pushbio
A media kit is a digital document or webpage that showcases your brand as a content creator. It includes essential details about your audience, engagement, past collaborations, and what makes you a valuable partner for brand deals. Think of it as your influencer resume; brands use it to quickly assess whether you’re the right fit for a campaign.
Having a professional media kit streamlines your pitching process. Instead of sending lengthy emails explaining your stats and achievements, you can share a single link that presents everything in a structured and visually appealing way. A well-designed media kit increases your chances of landing sponsored content opportunities by making you look credible and organized.
Key elements of a strong media kit
- Bio and niche overview – A short introduction about who you are, what type of content you create, and your niche (e.g., beauty, tech, fitness).
- Audience insights – Data about your followers, including demographics, location, and interests. Brands want to know if your audience matches their target market.
- Engagement metrics – Your average likes, comments, shares, and view rates. High engagement is more valuable than follower count in influencer marketing.
- Past collaborations – Showcase previous sponsored content partnerships and successful campaigns to build trust.
- Testimonials – Positive feedback from brands you’ve worked with or media coverage adds credibility.
- Contact information – Make it easy for brands to reach out with a clear email or direct contact button.
Creating a media kit from scratch can be time-consuming, but Pushbio makes it effortless. It allows creators to build a professional, customizable media kit in minutes. Unlike static PDFs, a Pushbio media kit is a dynamic webpage that brands can easily access anytime.
Creators can update their stats in real time, ensuring brands always see their most current data. This modern approach helps creators stand out, as brands prefer well-organized, easy-to-navigate presentations.
You can learn how to create a professional media kit using Pushbio here
How to find and pitch to brands using ‘Brand Collab’ feature on Pushbio
Pushbio’s Brand Discovery feature helps creators connect with brands looking for collaborations by provideing creators with access to over +10,000 brands. This feature makes it easy for creators to connect with brands and unlock new income opportunities. With direct access to potential partners, you can promote products that match your niche, increase credibility, and build long-term brand relationships.
Here’s how to use it:
- Log in to your Pushbio account.
- Go to ‘Brand Collab’ from the left sidebar menu
- Browse through brands actively looking for creators
- Use the search bar to find specific brands quickly
- Apply filters to narrow down results by niche or industry
- Once you zero in on a brand of your choice, click on ‘Send Pitch’ to begin the collaboration process.
- A pitch page with a pre-filled proposal will load automatically.
- You can update the subject line to make it more relevant.
- Edit the pre-written pitch or write a new one from scratch.
- Use the text editor tools to personalize and enhance your pitch.
- Click the ‘Pitch’ button to send it to the brand.
If a brand is interested, you’ll get a confirmation email at your Pushbio-registered email. Pushbio’s Brand Collab feature saves you time by streamlining brand discovery, helping you monetize your influence effectively.
How to negotiate a favorable brand deal as a creator
While brands have specific goals for wanting a brand deal with a creator, a creator also wants some form of compensation for work done. This is where a creator’s negotiation skill comes to play. Ensuring you have fair compensation in a brand deal is the creators job as business will often look at ways to minimize cost and still achieve the same goal.
Therefore it’s important that a creator brushes up his/her negotiation skills before approaching any potential deal with a brand. Your ability to negotiate a favorable deal can make or mar your sponsored content monetization technique. To help creators get the most out of a deal, here is what they should consider:
1. Know your worth and set clear rates
Before negotiating, understand the value you bring to a brand. Factors like your audience size, engagement rate, content quality, and past brand deals influence your pricing. Research industry benchmarks for influencer marketing rates based on your platform and follower count.
The keep point here is to not undersell yourself. Brands invest in creators who drive results so if you can show that you can deliver, they might be willing to pay the big bucks. Set a base rate for different types of content (posts, stories, videos) and be prepared to justify your pricing with engagement data and past campaign success. A media kit showcasing your insights can strengthen your negotiation position.
2. Highlight the value you bring
Brands care about return on investment (ROI). Instead of focusing only on your follower count, emphasize how your content aligns with their marketing goals. Share proof of successful past sponsored content, engagement rates, audience demographics, and conversion rates.
If you can show that your audience trusts your recommendations and interacts with your content, brands will be more willing to meet your rates. The stronger your case, the better your chances of securing a higher-paying collaboration.
3. Don’t accept the first offer right away
Many brands start with a lower offer expecting negotiation. If their initial proposal is below your standard rate, politely counter with your pricing and explain why it’s justified. If they claim they don’t have the budget, consider negotiating for added benefits like long-term contracts, performance-based bonuses, or additional perks (e.g., affiliate commissions, product exclusivity).
It’s important for creators to always assess the initial offer carefully. Don’t rush to accept just because it’s a brand deal. Taking low-paying partnerships too often can undervalue your work and make future negotiations harder.
4. Be willing to negotiate beyond money
If a brand has a limited budget, explore alternative benefits. Some brands offer performance-based pay, free products, affiliate commissions, or exposure on their platforms. While monetary compensation should be a priority, consider whether these extras align with your long-term growth.
For instance, if a brand has a large audience and offers to feature your content on their official page, this exposure could lead to more brand deals opportunities. Creators need to carefully evaluate if the deal brings strategic value beyond just the payout.
5. Get everything in writing
Once you finalize a deal, ensure all terms are documented in a contract. A well-defined agreement should include deliverables, payment terms, content usage rights, exclusivity clauses, and deadlines. This prevents misunderstandings and ensures you’re protected if issues arise.
A caveat for creators; be cautious about brands that want unlimited usage rights to your content or exclusivity without fair compensation. Read the fine print, and don’t hesitate to request adjustments to protect your creative work and future earning potential.
6. Stay confident and professional
Negotiation is a normal part of business, so approach it with confidence. Brands respect creators who know their value and communicate professionally. Creators should endeavor to prepare well, present strong engagement data, and stand firm on fair rates. This will increase your chances of securing better-paying and long-term brand deals.
Common mistakes to avoid when pitching to brands
Creators are humans and as such, they are prone to mistakes. However, making errors when pitching can be disastrous as you can lose a potential deal. Below are some of the most common mistakes creators often make when pitching to brands:
- Sending generic pitches: Brands receive countless collaboration requests, so a copy-paste pitch won’t stand out. Instead of sending a generic email, personalize your message. Show that you’ve done your research and explain why you’re a great fit for their target audience.
- Focusing only on yourself and not on the brand’s goals: Many creators make the mistake of listing their follower count, content style, and past work without addressing what the brand gains from the partnership. Instead, shift your focus to the brand’s marketing goals, whether it’s increasing sales, boosting brand awareness, or launching a new product.
- Not showcasing proof of performance: Simply stating that you have a strong audience isn’t enough, you need data to back it up. A Pushbio media kit is an excellent way to present this data in a professional and organized format.
- Neglecting professionalism in communication: Casual or overly informal pitches can make you seem unprepared. Avoid vague or one-liner messages like, “Hey, I’d love to collab!” Instead, structure your email with a professional greeting, a clear introduction, key points about your value, and a call to action.
- Giving up after one email: Not hearing back from a brand doesn’t always mean rejection. It could simply mean they’re busy or haven’t seen your message yet. Many creators make the mistake of sending one pitch and never following up. A well-timed follow-up email can increase your chances of getting noticed.
Final Thoughts
Securing brand deals requires strategy, persistence, and professionalism. Start by understanding how influencer marketing works, researching the right brands, and crafting a personalized pitch that highlights the value you bring. Avoid common mistakes like sending generic emails, failing to showcase proof of performance, or neglecting follow-ups. A well-prepared pitch increases your chances of landing sponsored content opportunities.
To stand out, present yourself as a professional. A strong Pushbio media kit helps brands quickly assess your credibility by showcasing your audience insights, engagement metrics, and past collaborations in a sleek, accessible format. Instead of overwhelming brands with long emails, a single link can tell your story effectively.
