My Top 3 Tips for Influencers When Working With Brands

      13 Comments on My Top 3 Tips for Influencers When Working With Brands

Our world is a constantly changing market. As technology changes so do the ways in which we interact with one another and so do the ways companies interact with consumers. Who knew just how much social media would impact and change the way each of us live and work for that matter?

book review - FB

When the opportunity presented itself to read the new book, Influencer Marketing for Dummies, I knew I needed to hop on it and so I did. It’s been an interesting read, even as a book geared mostly towards the companies working with influencers, whereas in this situation, I am the influencer.

I may not be the biggest influencer with the highest daily page views, most likes on Facebook, or followers on Twitter and Instagram. I may not be the influencer who’s had such success she could make this her full time job. I may not even be the influencer who has the most strategic plan in place to become the previously mentioned influencers.

But I am an influencer with a voice, a reach and an opportunity to make an impact. (Side note: I am working on each of those things…)

So what am I getting at exactly?

My Top 3 Tips for Influencers When Working With Brands

book review - PIN

1 – Know Your Worth

Girl, you are worth something! Remember that if you are doing something for a brand, they are taking your precious, limited time and that isn’t free! Yes we all start somewhere, but don’t be afraid to ask for your worth or go beyond payment in product-only. [Remember: this doesn’t mean you can’t ever work for product only, take it as a case by case basis but don’t ever assume you are “too small” to be paid for your time!]

2 – Create a Relationship

This goes both ways – for you and the brand. Early on in the book, they talk about how some companies approach bloggers as they would a newspaper or magazine, forgetting that they’re approaching a person. Even just this week I received the most generic email from a company. I could tell they never read my blog and they weren’t clear on what they wanted from me. My response was simple and straightforward “I don’t get what you’re asking from me? This doesn’t seem to fit my blog.”

3 – Be Genuine

Guys, I totally get it…blogging isn’t free! I’ve been doing it for 5 years, I totally get it! It’s nice when sponsored posts come along and we can get paid a little for our hobby (because let’s get real, for most of us that’s what this is…at least for now). But being genuine is going to work in your favor and the brand’s favor. Too many sponsored posts often scare away readers because they feel forced, but when you’re honest and genuine and those sponsored posts fit within your usual content, your readers will keep coming back, trust your opinion, and ultimately benefit that brand!

I have really enjoyed reading Influencer Marketing for Dummies as a refresh of how I approach working with brands, agencies, and the like, and how they should be approaching me! I’ve made some great relationships over the last 5 years of blogging (Clever Girls Network, included!) but sometimes we all need that reminder and that’s exactly what this book was for me!

Now in order to celebrate the blog’s birthday next week and the release of Influencer Marketing for Dummies, I have one copy to giveaway to a lucky reader! (Note: all entrants must be over 18 and reside in the U.S.)

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Do you have any top tips for working with brands?

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13 thoughts on “My Top 3 Tips for Influencers When Working With Brands”

  2. Christina

    My top tip would be exactly what you said: form a relationship. I recently had two instances where 2 brands that I love mentioned that they couldn’t pay for certain things, I said I would still do them in this instance because I wanted to work with them in the future. I wouldn’t knock out a brand you love just because you want to get paid. You’ll still be on their radar as they grow!
    Christina recently posted…Mocha Frappuccino Smoothie Bowl + The Ultimate Smoothie Bowl Round-UpMy Profile

  7. Jenn - a traveling Wife

    How have I not heard of Influencer Marketing for Dummies before?! Those three points are great. I also like to make sure to set boundaries. Not only do I value my work, but I value my credibility with my readers and audience. I refuse to let a brand take advantage of my business or my readers. 🙂
    Jenn – a traveling Wife recently posted…Reminders vs. ResolutionsMy Profile

  8. Lindsay

    I wish I lived in the U.S. or I’d be entering to win this book. I love Dummies’ books, they’re so helpful even if they seem a bit humorous.
    I really need to put myself out there to different brands this year. I need to compile a list first, then start approaching brands. That is my goal. Thank you for the refreshing reminder to get on it.

    Have a great weekend!
    🙂 Lindsay
    Lindsay recently posted…10 Things That Made Me Happy This WeekMy Profile

  9. Charlotte

    I can’t believe I haven’t been following you on all of your platforms but I am now 🙂 This sounds like a really awesome book–thanks so much for sharing! It’s so true–as influencers it’s important to establish mutually beneficial relationships with brands… and it’s great to go back to brands we’ve worked with in the past about other opportunities to collaborate for a giveaway, gift guide, etc. Thanks for this 🙂
    Charlotte recently posted…case of the FridaysMy Profile

  10. Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen

    This book sounds like a great read and I definitely agree with all of those things! Being genuine is key for me. I’m not a fake person and I don’t want others to think I’m not being real about what I’m sharing!

  13. Sana

    I enjoy reading and doing sponsored posts. Lot’s of great new products to learn about. And so when I am out shopping I am more aware of what I might want to buy 🙂

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