The most frequently asked questions I get asked: “How to get sponsored on Instagram? How do you get brand sponsorships for your blog? How to pitch brands as a micro influencer or a small blogger?” Without fail, every single week these roll into my Instagram DMs. I get it, it can feel impossible to land a brand collaboration. What brands are even looking for bloggers? And it can feel so overwhelming to approach a big brand like Nike to work with your blog. So today, we are tackling it all. From blogger networks to pitching brands, to responding to brand emails!
This post contains affiliate links.
How To Connect With Brands For Sponsored Posts On Instagram, TikTok, or your Blog:
Pitch brands
Working directly with brands is the key to making real money as a blogger. Aside from the money, it's also a major key in maintaining your authenticity and credibility with your audience! The course that taught me how to pitch brands as a micro influencer, how to respond to brand emails, and SO much more about how to approach brands as a blogger pitching brands or working with them directly: BossPitch.
Before taking BossPitch, I never approached a single brand. I thought I was too small of a blogger for brands to collab with which left me feeling self conscious. Through BossPitch, I realized I was leaving money on the table! With a newfound confidence, I increased my rates, began approaching brands for collaborations and started to make serious money.
Based on the difference (of my increased rates, yep she helps with pricing too!), the course more than paid for itself after just two campaigns! In other words, I earned back the money I paid for the course in less than two campaigns based off the difference alone! That's why I say this course is about so much more than just pitching brands, it about mindset as a blogger and the confidence to land and negotiate sponsorships.
The investment has continued to pay off. In the months that followed, I more than doubled my rates; which were already 4x higher than friends who had been blogging for over 4 years! I've also gotten over $5,000 in furniture for my new house. In the years that followed, I've signed MULTIPLE brand sponsorship contracts for $20k. Yes, you read that right.
>>> Sign Up For BossPitch HERE! AND get a FREE 1-1 with me! <<<
Here's a little video testimonial I put together for the course less than a year after taking it (sorry in advance for my frazzled look and rough edits, I was working on a deadline and kept getting really excited about the course that I would go on long tangents):
If you sign up for BossPitch using my affiliate link, then you will also get a 60 minute one-on-one session with me for free! Just shoot me an email or hit me up on Instagram so I can confirm you purchased through my link!
This session can be used to talk about pitching, or ANYTHING blog/business related! Whether you want to talk about pitching, a blog audit, graphic design, content strategy, social media strategy, or a little bit of everything! That's right, a $275 value, 60 minute “pick my brain” session for FREE.
If you still want more info on BossPitch, visit this post and if you scroll down to the bottom there is a video Q&A with some past students about their experience!
Blogger Networks.
Blogger networks are a great place when starting out. Basically you join them and the network acts as the middleman between you and the brand. You submit pitches for their open campaigns and then get a notice if you've been selected. Some networks require you to have a certain number of followers or page views, and those usually pay better.
Blogger networks will save you time when working with brands. However, you'll ultimately make less money as they take their cut of the budget.
>>> Join my FREE 5 Day e-course and learn how to launch a successful blog here!! <<<
SPONSORSHIP PRICING TIP:
A lot of bloggers I talk to set their rates comparable to what blogger networks offer for campaigns – DON'T DO THIS! Typically, networks will take around 50% of the allotted budget for their work as the middleman. Meaning brands were actually willing to pay you double the number you're seeing! Personally, when I first started out, I set my rates at $250 which is what most networks paid out… little did I know brands were actually willing to pay $500 (hence why it's better to work with them directly).
Some blogger networks I love when starting out include: Clever Girls, Social Fabric, and Pollinate. – but there are tons out there, so explore to find ones you like!
They Contact Me
Have a media kit ready to send off for press inquiries at a moments notice (something else you'll learn in BossPitch)! Also make sure it's easy for brands to contact you through your site. I would also recommend having a contract ready to send brands to sign when moving forward with the agreement; it simply keeps things clear down the road. Be professional and punctual with your responses.
Referrals.
Okay, truth, I am typically the one doing the referring… Not too many bloggers are keen on this which I am super surprised about. Maybe it's the coach/therapist in me, but I believe in making appropriate referrals when I can't serve someone. Several companies have reached out to me for campaigns which didn't work out for one reason or another and I offered to introduce them to fellow bloggers that might better serve them. In fact, it's happened so often now that I've decided to create a little database for myself.
To be added, simply click here and fill out the form (no stats are taken, just your blog/instagram, location, age, niche, etc.). If you're a good blogger, you won't work with brands on campaigns that don't align. Use those moments as an opportunity to build a relationship with the PR person. Make his/her life easier by referring them to someone whose audience would better align. Not only will you get brownie points for helping them, hopefully other bloggers will keep you in mind and return the favor.
>>> Join my FREE 5 Day e-course and learn how to launch a successful blog here!! <<<
RELATED READS:
How To Price Yourself & Ask For Payment When Getting Started
How To Grow Your Email List With 3 Creative Lead Generators
5 Things To Do When Feeling Defeated & Depleted
I need to sign up w a network. I imagine it’s a good way to get your feet wet even if it pays less
For sure! That’s where I started!
Great tips, Rachel! It can be scary for a new blogger to take the leap into working with brands. I love your practice of referring brands to other bloggers if you aren’t the right fit for them. That’s a great idea!
For sure! I waited 6 months before I would let myself think about it because i wanted a strong foundation and not to get distracted. And thank you! I wish referrals would become more of an industry standard instead of all those cloak and dagger, close to the chest shenanigans haha
Sooo interesting! Do you know any blog networks that have international (or European) opportunities? I think I’m not ready yet to be working with brands (views, readers, amount of blog posts etc), but I’m interested in knowing all about it.
Not off of the top of my head – but I do know for sure they exist! I was in one when I firsssttttt started blogging that was just for products (not compensation – which I don’t recommend) that had US and EU opportunities! So I am sure there are paid ones out there too!
This is good info. We are considering starting this at my blog.
Glad it was helpful
Wow..I didn’t know there is such course, it seems like really great course from what you describe. I wish the price could be a little cheaper, but I do consider it once I save up for it. Thanks for sharing this.
It’s such a game changer! It’s really worth every penny! Every person I’ve talked to made there money back within the first 2-3 campaigns and then it just keeps paying for itself over and over!
I actually read this thoroughly because this post is informative & I really want to connect with more brands!! Thank you Rachel for this information <3
You’re welcome! Definitely check out BossPitch if you want to kick up your brand connections! It’s a total game changer for taking your future into your own hands!
This is awesome! I’ve opened the blog networks in other tabs that you suggested. About to check it out! This was super informative and helpful.
Glad it was helpful! Definitely don’t rely on networks though! They could shut down, not pay you, and a bunch of other horror stories I’ve heard! Pitching the brands yourself is really how you take control of your income!
wow I have been blogging for 3 years…and still not making much …this is an area I struggle in ..is sponsored posts! I cant wait to dig into this info later and will use your code if I sign up
xo
Valerie
The course will definitely help then! Let me know if you have any questions about it at all!
Great info Rachel. I’ve used networks myself, they seem to be the best bet. I also get contacted through Instagram a lot.
I actually do best with pitching them directly! Wayyyy better than networks! More money, better opportunities, better relationship, less rules/hoops!
Great tips! This is an area that I know very little about so your tips are wonderful! Also, love your dress!
Thank you!!! I would definitely check out BossPitch for more info too! It really is a game changer in working with brands and taking the control back into your own hands!
A media kit is SO important to have for Brands! Im also making sure I am updating it also
Same! You have to take yourself seriously if you want others to!
This is interesting. I’m a new food blogger and interested in trying out a few sponsored posts, but I haven’t reached out to any brands yet. I love your point about not under selling yourself though. I think as women and beginners we are way too apt to do that!
For sure! It’s so easy to see the super low rates thrown out in networks, and think that’s what we’re worth #SMH
I think working with brands can be super confusing especially for a newbie blogger. Your point about charing more than you make with a blogging network is a GREAT tip. Now that you said it it seems SO obvious but I never thought about the cut a network takes before. Thanks for all the valuable blogging info <3
For sure! Haha I was always surprised when I had friends with 4x pageviews than mine who had been blogging for 4 years and charging network rates, I was like why?!
Thank you! This is extremely helpful for someone getting started with monetizing!
-Clarissa @ The View From Here
You’re welcome! Let me know if you have any questions about BossPitch! It really is a game changer for taking control of your future when working with brands!
I love that you refer brands to other bloggers if they don’t happen to align with your vision. Writing a sponsored post has crossed my minds so many times, but I’m at that self-conscious stage, so I’m attempting to grow my blog a bit before I pitch to my first brand. Thanks for sharing your tips! I’m definitely going to have to keep them in mind 🙂
Thank you!! I am so surprised it’s not more common practice!
Thanks so much for this. I took notes because I really need to get brave about it all! Thanks so much for sharing.
You’re welcome!! If you’re looking to get brave, definitely check out BossPitch! It’s SUPER encouraging and the FB group is super responsive and self esteem building!
This is great info Rachel! Thanks so much for sharing, BossPitch sounds like a really great program too!
It is! Let me know if you have any questions about it!
These are great tips, and I learn so much from other bloggers! The blogging community is so important to get together with other brands! Thanks for sharing this!
For sure! Happy it was helpful! Let me know if you have any questions about BossPitch!
these are great tips! I’ve never heard of pollinate before, but I’m gonna check them out!
Enjoy!
You must be in my brain hahah. Yesterday, while I was driving to one of the workshops for my organization (which is the org that my blog was built around), I was literally thinking that I needed to start working with sponsors for both events and my blog… and you came to mind… and then I see this. Thank you so much!
Haha! No way!! I would definitely check out BossPitch too then! It breaks it down in so much detail when dealing with brands, and there’s a fb group for more personalized info! I’ll be getting to your email hopefully later today or by Monday btw!
Woohoo, awesome! Definitely will.
This is very interesting. I will check out the sites you recommended. I don’t usually do things like products, but have some ideas how this can work on my blog.
Nice! You can use BossPitch to work with brands for travel and experiences too! not just products!
I’m really interested in seeing where my blog can take me over the next year. I appreciate you sharing all these tips! Especially the networks.
No problem! If you are looking to see where your blog can take you though, do not rely solely on networks! It’s WAY hit or miss and will hold you down! I would highly recommend checking out BossPitch if you’re trying to turn your blog into your business and travel, get products, furniture, etc. Networks are SUPER limiting on the possibilities!
This information is amazing, I am going to have to save this for future use!
Happy it was helpful!
Thank you for this post. I know that I should be pitching more, but like you, I think I’m just too small. I can say that my very first sponsored post came as a result of a referral from a blogger who remembered me asking her about it. She actually reached out to me! I was so moved by that, as many people would not have done that. Should I land more sponsored posts, I will be sure to pay it forward.
That’s so awesome to hear! I haven’t heard of any bloggers referring to others yet! And girl, if you are stuck in that “small” mindset check out BossPitch! For real, it’ll get you so motivated and pumped and ready to tackle the world!
I did not even start pitching to brands until the beginning of this year, and it has been so amazing! I’ve grown and learned so much from it! It’s definitely worth it and gets way easier with practice and once you figure out what works! 😉
Exactly! How long have you been blogging btw?
This something I have been thinking about a lot lately as my blog is finally starting to grow a little. There’s a lot of confusing information out there. Thanks for the great advice!
There really is!! That’s why I liked taking BossPitch (a) I’ve known Erica for a long time and she’s a Wharton Grad who worked in PR, (b) she breaks it down in such an easy to understand digestable way, (c) the community in the fb group really helps you think things through and gives great suggestions! — wayyy better than trying to figure it out on my own with contradictory info on line that I dk if i can even trust!
These are all such helpful tips butttt IMO one-on-ones will always be the most helpful! 🙂 Also, with referrals do you ask the other bloggers if they mind being contacted first or just go ahead and do the referral?
Always ask first, in case they wouldn’t be a match too!
So many great tips and this is something that I’ve been looking into more lately but just didn’t know where to start. Now I feel much more confident in how I should start connecting with brands 🙂 I do have one question though, when is a good time to start connecting with brands for sponsored posts? I’m still somewhat new to blogging so I just don’t know when I should start trying to work with brands!
I think it’s generally up to you! I knew myself pretty well (read: get hyperfocused, crazy, type-a, and lose my passion at times) – so forced myself to wait 6 months from launch. It was SUPER hard because I really wanted to jump out the gate, but I resisted. The general thing I’ve heard is 1k across everything (1k fb, 1k twitter, 1k pinterest, 1k monthly pageviews, etc.) again, it’s just a general rule of thumb, but you can do it with less!
Thank you Rachel! Your advice is so helpful 🙂 I think the 1k is a good general rule of thumb!
Great tips and this is something that I’ve been looking into more lately but just didn’t know where to start. I have been trying to build my site check it out @ joyfuliowan.com
Jenn
I’ve been a few times actually! you are doing great! I would totally recommend checking out BossPitch! It will really help you get into the right practices out the gate and give you a community to ask questions to!
I loved your testimonial and your honesty about underselling yourself. I’m so there with you and it’s so hard as a newer blogger to gain the confidence to get paid what you’re worth. Congrats on all of your success!!
Thank you! Are you trying to work with brands?
Great insight! It’s crazy how much the blogging world has changed with brand partnerships even just in the past couple years. And I agree, BossPitch is a great course!
Truth!
Great tips! My plan is to spend all day tomorrow pitching brands. Look forward to reading more of your posts!
Thank you! Good luck pitching!
This is such a helpful post! I’ve really had no idea how to start this process, so I appreciate this! Do you have any tips on what to include in a media kit/contracts to have ready??
Thank so much!
Neelofar | The Loveliest Lily
http://Www.theloveliestlily.com
That’s all covered in BossPitch!! I would highly recommend if you’re new to the process checking it out!
This is super helpful! Definitely bookmarking this for later – and will definitely think about taking that course. I was thinking about taking Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing though – would you suggest it or know anything about it?
I’ve heard of it! Personally I am super skeptical on 99% of courses. And I don’t actually know the people who put that together, but see it pushed by a lot of affiliates. When BossPitch launched the first time I immediately signed up because I’m friends with Erica and know how much she knows (she graduated from Wharton and studied this for heaven sake) – I really only buy from people I know now since I’ve had bad experiences/investments from others pushing me or from peer pressure – For me, I don’t like affiliate marketing (I know it can be super lucrative but why am I going to build my business around someone else’s which could either a) suck (thereby ruining my rep) or b) shut down (thereby closing my revenue stream)). I prefer to take control of my future and income by creating my own revenue streams through pitching (again, brands could shut down but there are so many more and your income is based off your efforts) and coaching!
And that’s the thing – I see a ton of people promoting it and saying how it’s helped them, but I can’t find anything more than that. I get the person who made it has to make money off it, but maybe offer a better description about your program other than “It helped this blogger make $xxxxx more dollars this month in affiliate sales!”. That doesn’t help me at all to get an idea of if it’s worth anything to me. I’ll definitely check out this course then – especially if you know Erica and know she’s the real deal! Pitching really seems like the way to go – that way I can pursue brands I like and use rather than try and find stuff through multiple networks. Thanks for the help Rachel!
Haha she is! She’s one of my closet friends through blogging (I seriously talk to her more than I talk to my own family & friends combined haha)! Let me know if you have any more questions about it! Hope to see ya in a 1-1 ?
I actually signed up last night haha. I caught the replay of Erica’s BrandOut, and just decided to go for it. Glad I did too – it won’t be this price ever again! So thank you (and thank you Erica if you’re reading this), for suggesting the course and providing a ton of info about it and what exactly it will help me do. I’m SUPER excited!
Yay! I saw! I’ll be sending out all the prep details for our 1-1 in the next couple of weeks! Right now, just start a running list of questions in the notes section of your phone or something, as they come up, I find this helps a lot (people’s minds have a tendency to go blank when filling out the questionnaire or during the session, so better to start getting organized asap)! looking forward to it!
This is so helpful. The blogging community in Dubai is still fairly new so a lot of brands don’t really know what to do with us yet but I’m determined to get in on the ground floor!
Oh nice!!! Then definitely check out BossPitch!! Erica teaches you a lot about how to educate brands when pitching them (since influencer marketing is so new across the globe, I also spend a lot of time teaching brands about how we can work together and the power of me!)
This is a really great post! I have been wanting to do that course but the timing is off. I really feel empowered after reading this. You have a way with words! 🙂 Thank for this information!
Awe thank you!! I really hope you decide to take the course! I know we were talking about it and about a session with me, so this is going to be the cheapest way to get it all in one!
Yes, I’ve been talking about it with my husband and seeing if the finances line up. I know it would all be invaluable information and I need to just do it. Hopefully I can do it!
So I was telling my husband about the course and the one on one with you and he was looking at the course and all of a sudden shows me that I’m enrolled in it. I of course started crying. Haha ? so I am taking the plunge and actually buying my first course. I am excited to be pushing forward!
Haha YAY!!!! SO excited!! Wait so you are enrolled now? You aren’t showing up on my affiliate page :- We’ll have to talk to Erica about that so you can get your 1-1!
I love the tip about what brands are willing to pay and how much of that the blogger gets.
#Mindblowing! Haha bloggers are leaving so much money on the table by sticking solely to networks!
Wow. Lots of helpful information here. Thanks!
You’re welcome!
BossPitch totally changed the way I approach brands and how I monetize my blog. It’s been so empowering to take complete control of my blog and monetization strategies and not rely on what campaigns are available through SoFab!
For sure! It’s so nice to have control of our futures!
I totally need to start pitching to brands more often! I have before but I need to make it a habit.
Definitely! Have you taken BossPitch?!?
Woah that’s so awesome that you got your furniture for free! I’ve heard of bloggers getting a whole new set of kitchen appliances, too. So awesome! Thanks for sharing your tips!
I love this, thanks for sharing. As a blogger, I struggle with sponsored posts because my following is lower than what is usually required!
That’s why it’s awesome to work directly with the brand! The standards are often quite different than in networks!
These are great tips! It took me so long to feel comfortable pitching to brands, and sometimes I still feel weird. But I do know that I’ll get comfortable and getting comfortable means doing something I need to do. I like brand networks but working with brands directly usually equals a higher payout.
For sure!
This is a great post and I really appreciate those tips! I do plan on taking Erica’s course eventually, but I can’t right now. Hubby has one more semester to pay for and then we will be back on our feet! 😀
Awe :- I know we’ve talked about it and that you’ve been wanting to! But it’s good you’re doing the financially responsible thing, proud of you!
Thanks so much! It’s hard, but I know it’s right 🙂 We will get there!
As a new blogger, so many great tips here!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for sharing this! I have recently started drafting letters to reach out to some brands I would like to work with, but I always stop myself before I hit send. Mostly for the same reasons you shared. I just get in my head to much!! This has been super helpful to give me the push to just reach out, the most that could happen is that they say “no”. Thank you for the encouragement and tips!!
You’re welcome! Happy pitching!
Having a contract is such a smart idea! I’ve started to work with brands more, but usually rely on them to send a contract. I’m making one this weekend.
Oh be careful with that! Remember, they are in favor of the brand. I’ve heard night mare stories where brands would make it all one sided and really harm the blogger!
Insightful! Great advice and ideas. How often does BossPitch do this course?
This is only her second time launching it, but the last launch was November! – I don’t know how often she plans to open and close the cart though and the price will probably go up the next launch!
I’ve also found that following and engaging with brands on Instagram has also helped lead to collaborations!
Definitely!
Thank you for these tips! I’m just getting into doing sponsored posts, and these are really helpful
Glad it was helpful!
woohoo loved your video! (And bosspitch!) It was definitely super helpful because prior to it I hadn’t pitched to a single company either and now have a few under my belt.
I always refer other bloggers when a sponsored post isn’t a good fit for myself or if I can’t attend an event… you make a good point, why don’t more bloggers do that?
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
Oh, thanks for sharing!! I am probably too small to be thinking about this, but the day I feel ready, I will come back to this post and all your other tips <3
http://thesophiadiaries.com/personalstyle/casual-coral
This is such great information. I’ve been pitching to brands since the start of the year (it was one of my goals for my blog) and I’ve gotten quiet a few that way but I definitely want to learn how to reach out even more. I had no idea blogging networks were even a thing so i’ll be looking into that asap. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome! If you are looking to reach out to even more brands, definitely check out BossPitch!!
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing this, it is so helpful and I have been searching for a post like this. You’re THE MVP 🙂
xx, Taylor (thesprinkle.tayloramead.com)
Haha thank you!
This is very interesting, Rachel! Especially the part about pitching higher rates than the networks. I definitely want to start pitching to brands more.
Do it!! You’re leaving money on the table girl!
Really loved this! I need to look into bosspitch! seems like it would be a great resource to grow my brand. Thanks so much.
You’re welcome! Let me know if I can answer any more questions about the course for you!
This is such a helpful guide Rachel!! I’m always too afraid to pitch to brands but I really want to try it!
Do it!!
This is really great advice. I’ve done a few brand collaborations but I really need to start pitching more!
Definitely do it! BossPitch is the perfect crash course to learn all the ins and outs!
Great post! Definitely saving this for later. Love reading through your blog and learning new things 🙂
Thank you! Let me know if you ever want a question answered for “Ask Rachel” 🙂
I agree on referrals! I refer brands to other bloggers all the time when a post doesn’t suit me. I also find that a lot of networks you can actually negotiate with 🙂
YES! Why don’t more people do it?!? And I had no idea about that!
oh my goodness, this course sounds amazing, I would definitely benefit. I’m so glad I read your post today!
Haha yay!! Let me know if you have any questions about it!! Hope to see you for a 1-1 ?
This is great information! I love connecting with new brands for partnerships!
Glad you liked it!
What does your media kit look like? I’ve seen so many suggestions on having one but I don’t have the slightest idea on what to include in it.
E breaks this down in BossPitch with a great template!! – but the exact details of mine I usually only share with clients as it’s super detailed/laid out in a certain way; with that said, I would say make sure you have the basics: pageviews, UMVs and demographics, social stats, etc.
and be you while you’re doing it – if you’re a Christian and it’s Victoria’s Secret…… 🙂
the hardest thing for me about brands is knowing when you have enough views to even approach a brand.
I think it truly depends on your engagement, the brand, what you’re offering/looking for – but with that said a general rule of thumb I hear a lot of people use is 1k across all platforms (1k followers on social, 1k views on blog) — personally I waited until I was 6 months old on the blog before I started (just because I wanted to lay a strong foundation and not get $$$ obsessed). Let me know if you have any more questions!
Thank so for answering Rachel! Do you mean 1k views a day, a week or a month?
I have 10 k a month but never considered approaching brands.
Oh girl, PITCH!! I was talking 1k per month! Not taking into account your social stats, but with 10k per month you can start charging a base of $100 per post!) I talk a little about it here: http://www.theconfusedmillennial.com/price-yourself-ask-for-payment/
The whole concept of working with brands still confuses me! Thanks for the great tips 🙂
You’re welcome!! IF you’re looking to have it all demystified and broken down for you, definitely check out the course! It comes with templates and everything!
I’m new to all of this so I’m bookmarking this!
YAY! Thanks Theresa!
This course sounds amazing!!
Outside of networks I’ve worked with brands that have contacted me & I have worked with hotels & resorts that I have contacted, but for some reason contacting brands myself scares me.
Unfortunately, I just spent my allotted blog money for May & June for something I really needed done or I would totally jump on this wonderful opportunity! Is it only offered once a year? Is there a way to be put on a list for the next time it is available?
Thank you for sharing!! <3
Awe man! I know she will be relaunching again, but she told me she will be increasing the price on next launch! My guess is another 4-6 months! And I’ll touch base with her and get the link for the waitlist!
Thanks so much for sharing! I’ve been trying for so long to figure this out on my own, its awesome to have advice like this! This was super helpful!
Happy it was helpful Jade!! If you’ve been struggling, I highly recommend BossPitch! She breaks it down so seamlessly and gives you step by step processes on how to do things and templates! I really recommend checking it out if you want to uplevel your blog!
These were amazing tips. I think making sure you really get your pitch across is super important.
It is!
Interesting, I’ll have to look into that more. I rarely pitch companies, but I’m sure that program helps a ton.
http://www.accordingtod.com
It totally does! Let me know if you have any questions on it! It really uplevels you as a blogger/business!
This was very helpful! I’m not confident in pitching brands yet, but in my limited attempts have been surprised about what I could secure as part of it! I’ll keep this course in mind.
That’s awesome!
This is so cool! Thank you for sharing you tips and I loved your video! This would be great for all bloggers!
Thank you!
Gosh, I always feel super intimidated by the idea of pitching brands, and every time I get a positive response, I am stunned! I don’t know why, but I find that bloggers always undervalue themselves! There was some great advice packed in there; I might just have to look into the BossPitch course. I’ve heard several people talk about how much it’s helped them.
xo, G
theswirlblog.com
Haha! isn’t it the best feeling? They really do! It really is helpful and it’s SO nice to have a group of people to speak openly and honestly with after the course when pitching! Since you guys are all on the same page, it is super encouraging too! Hope you do it and I can finallyyy meet you in a 1-1!
I’d definitely recommend it! 😉 If you have any Q’s on it, I’m sure Rachel is a FABULOUS resource to ask since she’s just a baller, but you’re also more than welcome to reach out to me directly with questions, too! My email is [email protected]. So feel free to get Rachel’s and my thoughts on it for you specifically if you’re on the fence.
Thanks for the tips!! Pinning this for later!
Happy it was helpful!
How small is too small to get sponsored posts? I’ve got about 500 page views per month and I just started blogging a few months ago. Thoughts? Thank you!
Personally, I waited until I crossed the 6 month mark because I wanted to focus on building a foundational relationship with my audience rather than getting paid — but a general rule of thumb is 1k across everything (1k on all social, and 1k pageviews per month) – but you can really start whenever! It just depends on what your pitching for!
Thank you!! Just hit 500 on FB and Pinterest! And growing on Insta!! 🙂
Awesome! Congrats :-)!!!
So much good information here! I pinned this for later. I feel like I am ready for the next stage of growth with my blog and need guidance!
Definitely consider bosspitch then!! Not only do you get the course, I think the fast acting bonuses are still up too, and you get a session with me (in a blog coach in case it’s your first time around here ?)
Thank you so much for these tips!! I love your posts and I’ve found them so helpful!!
You’re welcome! So happy they’ve been helpful ?
I really want to take BossPitch-it sounds perfect for me!
-Alix
Do it!! Next time she relaunched the price is going up! And you still can get the early bird price and bonuses rn I think! Even if you miss her bonuses everyone who buys through my link gets a sales free 60 minute strategy session with me!
DO IT! 😉
I love clever girls. I have thought of reaching out to brands directly because I feel like I do a better job of displaying my value than a form on a website. I didn’t think about the fact that they are taking a cut by being the middle man. Kind of a duh moment lol
That one is my favorite! And yeah, when I realized that too, I was like, “oh duh” haha! let me know if you have any questions about BossPitch! It really helps to jump in with both feet on pitching brands, otherwise I find people drag their feet and get discouraged!
Girl, I need to find out who you pitched for furniture. I am having zero luck in that department haha. Every brand I reach out to, they offer me like $15 off an item lol. Pitching brands is really hard – definitely not easy as pie!
Haha the $5k was just 3 companies! I am in talks with 3 others and 2 said no! But that’s a 50% close rate (for the ones with definite responses), so I’m happy!
Yeah, I’ve had zero luck with furniture!
These are amazing tips for connecting with brands! Thank you so much for sharing! xx
You’re welcome!
Great tips! I’ve had some great sponsored blog posts using these techniques. They can be very effective 🙂
Gennifer Rose | http://www.GenniferRose.com
That’s great!
This is great info! I struggle with landing gigs that align with my blog, and I’m insanely picky, but I think pitching might offer better results for me. It’s scary, at first though! I just need to bite the bullet!
Glad it was helpful! It sounds like the perfect solution! Definitely do it!
This is so good to know! Thanks so much for sharing. kimballandkedzie.com
You’re welcome!
This is the post I needed to read. I’ve had my blog for 2 years and it has never earned me a cent. I have a miniscule following and I’m nervous about approaching brands as I am afraid they’d just laugh in my face. I will have to check out some of those blogger networks and see what I can find.
Ellie | http://www.scotchandstilettos.com
Do it! I just checked out your site and social stats, and you should definitely be monetizing!
I’ve been trying to get involved with networks, but I’ve never been selected to participate yet. I’ve actually had better luck pitching directly to companies, but still need to work on getting paid rather than trade.
Yes!! Definitely don’t work for free! they have budgets and you’re offering a valuable service! It’s not like they would higher a PR, marketer, or photographer and ask them to work on trade!
Sounds like an amazing course!
It really is! Let me know if you have any questions!
Ugh, I’m so mad, I wish I would’ve seen your post earlier. I signed up for Boss Pitch on Friday night. I’m so excited to take the class and can’t wait to learn. I’ve had little to no luck with networks so I’ve been pitching to brands.
Awe man! But the course is still going to be helpful!
connecting with brands can be hard some times, but this post is super helpful for bloggers that are trying to connect!
Thank you!
I’m so stinking PROUD of you, Rach. You are literally the perfect example of someone doing everything exactly as they should and reaping the rewards accordingly! You should be an inspiration to everyone considering BossPitch. You’re the real deal!
Aweeee thank you!!! <3 <3 <3
Super interesting! I used to be in PR out of college for a few years so I know how to pitch, but it’s honing it for this industry that’s been a little difficult for me!
I hear that! That’s why I loved BossPitch, because it wasnt just about pitching brands, it was great to learn how to educate brands about the power of influencer marketing!
Oh cool!!! I’ve actually been pitching brands lately with good results!
That’s awesome!
Definitely saving this for later. So much useful information! I really should create a media kit for myself to make myself look more professional and prepared.
Saving this for later! I really want to start working on this, as soon as I get my views up a little!
Great post, Rachel! I didn’t know about 50% going to networks.
Its a rough number! Some may take 30 some 40 some 50 some 60 and even some 70! you can usually tell if a network always offers $50 per post versus networks paying $450 per post
Always enjoy hearing another blogger’s take on working with brands. My most successful partnerships have been ones where either I directly reached out to the company or vice versa.
Me too!
I actually found this post organically on Pinterest and loved it! I think this is so helpful to fairly new bloggers like me who are wondering how to step out there and get started!
That’s awesome!! Let me know if you have any questions!
Very helpful! Even though I’m currently getting collaborations and sponsorship from brands, I still want to learn about this ?
Referrals are such a great way to connect brands with bloggers! I think word of mouth is one of the oldest tricks in the bag.
These are awesome tips! I’ve been blogging for a few years and am always learning new things. Just pinned this to my board for future reference.
ITS OUT NOW!! Cart closes in less than a week!
I just did my first sponsored post. I’ll be following your advice for more opportunities going forward. And thanks for the info on BossPitch.
These are such wonderful tips! I’m heading over to BossPitch now! Thank you!
Let me know if you have any questions on it!
Working with and reaching out to brands was so intimidating at first. It took a little practice, but it’s the best. I also love working with different networks! Thanks for these tips!!
I loved BossPitch! Such a helpful course. I totally need to get refocused and start pitching myself again.
These are awesome tips!! I love working with brands, but definitely feel like I’m not working with enough of them (and definitely not for enough money!) I really want to sign up for Boss Pitch, but I also have to get the funds for that too lol.
I really want to sign up and do Boss Pitch, but I just don’t think I’m at a good place with my blog to sign up (plus money is a bit tight). I’m hoping at this time next year, I can take this course (and I really hope Erica offers it again!!)
These are really great ideas! I am going to keep in mind the referrals. I have not gotten a paid gig yet but we gotta share the love!! 🙂
girl! When are we chatting?!?
I am going to look at your availability today ???
Yeahhh! BossPitch whoo! Changed my life and my blog, for real. These are great tips and it makes all the difference actually pitching and reaching out to brands.
YES!! Did you get my emails or DM? you still have a one-on-one with me!
Yes! I just suck haha. I will fill out the form this weekend 🙂
Haha okay! Seriously there is no rush! I had a hosting issue and like half my emails were going to spam so I just wanted to touch base and make sure you saw it and didn’t think I forgot!
I’m currently in the process of thinking about working with brands. It’s definitely an overwhelming feeling to think about if brands would want to work with you. But I think once I take that first step, it will be easier to take the next. I also love how you refer other bloggers when you aren’t able to help out the brand with their specific request. I think that’s pretty cool!
Thank you! It really only makes sense! IT builds a relationship with the PR person and helps your fellow bloggers!
I’ve been wanting to explore working with brands. I’m currently using Clever and a couple of others but never seem to get selected for the campaigns I apply for.
This course can totally help with that! Since pitching yourself directly to brands or via a network is a similar process! I started landing SO many more in networks after taking it and actually outgrew them really quickly because how much they typically underpay!
Pitching to brands is a great way to get your business name out there. I like to do this every once in a while.