How To Get Sponsored On Instagram: 20+ Tips To Start Earning

You often think about how wonderful it would be to turn your Instagram profile into a business, but securing sponsors seems to be quite difficult.

I admit it can be challenging unless you know the right tricks! Throughout my years of experience in social media and content management, I have learned some of the most effective techniques for securing sponsorships on Instagram.

In this article, I will share insights on how to find sponsors for your Instagram content, craft an impressive brand pitch, and navigate your journey to becoming one of the top Instagram influencers.

I will also share some tips on what to do once you secure a brand deal. Keep scrolling to learn more about how to get sponsored on Instagram!

How To Get Sponsored On Instagram: Complete Guide

You should research and look for Instagram-sponsored posts across the platform.

Pay attention to the types of content that attract the most sponsorship, and then develop a plan.

If you want to secure your own Instagram sponsorships but are uncertain about your eligibility or how to start, here are some key points to consider.

1. Know What You Want

Identifying the brands you want as sponsors is essential. Compile a list of brands you would like to collaborate with.

2. Conduct some investigation!

Do these brands usually participate in sponsorships? What types of influencers do they work with? Do they collaborate with micro-influencers or macro-influencers? Is their follower count comparable to yours? Does your personal brand align with the image of this brand?

Once you have the answers to these questions, it’s time to move on to the next step!

3. Contact as many sponsors as possible

Now that you know which brands you want to collaborate with, it’s time to reach out to them. You can always opt to DM a brand directly and propose a paid partnership.

The brand will usually direct you to a person in charge of sponsorships within their organization.

4. Make Your Brand Pitch Stand Out

If you decide to reach out to the brand directly, there are several important points to consider:

5. Contact an Influencer Agency

At times, larger brands may not reply to all their messages, resulting in your message going unanswered. In this case, you should think about contacting them through an influencer agency.

Influencer agencies offer a great opportunity to kickstart your career in influencer marketing.

Agencies help you apply for various influencer campaigns and connect you with the individuals who oversee them.

Here are some agencies that many influencers have rated highly for their services:

Agencies are a great option for aspiring influencers, as they can help small accounts attract brands and grow their follower count.

6. Include Your Contact Information in Your Bio

Additionally, if you have a substantial number of followers, be sure to include your contact information and add your email address to your Instagram profile bio.

7. Present Your Audience

Here, you can elaborate on and present your Instagram analytics results in detail.

Share as much information as possible about your followers, including their identities, occupations, peak activity times, and the types of content they engage with most frequently.

Imagine a typical Instagram user who follows you.

Avoid sending generic pitch emails to various brands.

Take your time to explore the brand you admire and tailor your message. Don’t hesitate to be creative; the more unique your pitch is, the greater your chances of securing brand deals.

8. Tag brands that you use frequently

If you have a specific brand in mind and are already a consumer of its products, you should use this to your advantage. Tag them in your Instagram stories and photos, as the brand will be automatically notified of your activity.

This helps them recognize you; the more you tag them, the higher the chances that they will notice you.

Certainly, you should aim to create content that is engaging and visually appealing, aligned with their brand colors and style.

9. Video Content Is Highly Effective

Many brands are placing greater emphasis on video marketing, so keep this in mind when pitching to them.

Record video content showcasing your use of the brand’s products and tag them in your Instagram post; you are likely to see results.

Of course, it’s important to recognize that larger brands are mentioned in many Instagram posts, and you may not be noticed right away. However, you should aim to post consistently to improve your chances of obtaining sponsorship on Instagram.

10. Be Prepared for Pitch Meetings

You have received positive responses to your pitch emails, an agency has scheduled a meeting with a brand representative, or some brands have even reached out to you for sponsored content.

Good for you! However, this is certainly not the end of the road. This is where it becomes challenging!

If you haven’t prepared in advance, you may come across as unserious or unprofessional, putting yourself at risk of losing a potential sponsor.

11. Ask about everything you want to know

Sometimes, when agreeing on something new, individuals may feel uneasy about asking questions because they think it makes them seem inexperienced.

Don’t allow this to hold you back!

If you have any questions about the type of content the sponsor wants, the number of promoted posts you should publish, or anything else, please feel free to ask!

12. Know Your Value

When discussing paid Instagram sponsorships, it is essential to reach an agreement on your compensation for these services.

The price you should request depends on several factors, including the number of followers you have, your engagement rate, and even the brand’s industry.

You can charge higher rates if you have unique content or a highly specific audience. However, the following are standard rates based on the number of followers on your Instagram account:

This is only an estimate, and as I mentioned, it depends on various other factors. Furthermore, this estimate does not include rates for accounts with fewer than 25K followers, although rates for smaller accounts are also available.

A common guideline is approximately $10 for every one thousand followers; however, this can vary based on several factors, including the type of content and service you offer.

13. Be Prepared to Negotiate

These prices typically apply to a single sponsored post. However, if you are looking to secure a deal or pursuing your first Instagram sponsorship, consider increasing your offers by adding additional value.

You can include one or two Instagram stories as part of a package deal with your sponsored post. Additionally, if you are engaging in video marketing, offering an extra promoted post at a reduced rate may help you secure the deal.

Show the brand that you truly care about their success in achieving the best results, as this establishes a solid foundation for future collaboration.

Now that you have agreed on the rates, make sure that both parties will uphold the agreement.

14. Sign the Contract

This may be the less glamorous part of the entire ordeal, but it is essential.

A contract protects your rights, ensures you are compensated for your work, and requires you to complete the tasks you agreed upon with the brand, benefiting both parties.

Most brands already have a sample contract for freelancers, so don’t hesitate to request it and review it thoroughly to ensure that you agree with the terms before signing.

15. Be Responsible

You’ve signed your contract and are now officially sponsored on Instagram by your selected brand. What should you do next?

First and foremost, strive to be punctual and deliver content on time. Additionally, create multiple versions of your sponsored content and send them to brand representatives for approval.

Keep in mind that most brands have their own communication styles, so what seems like a great idea to you may not align with their preferences, and that is perfectly acceptable.

Make an effort to understand their preferences, observe how they engage with their followers, and think about how you can incorporate these insights into your content.

Be open-minded and eager to learn new things, but also feel free to share your ideas if you have something innovative; sometimes, a fresh perspective can create a significant impact.

16. Seek Approval

Whatever you do, make sure to obtain the brand’s approval before publishing the content. Do not post it unless you have explicit permission, as sharing something they do not endorse can harm both your reputation and the company’s.

17. Display Results

Make sure to send Instagram analytics after publishing your sponsored Instagram post or video content. Include all the information you think might be interesting, as you know your audience best.

Show the brand that you appreciate them even after receiving payment. If the results are positive, great! Suggest another collaboration when they need it.

18. Be Honest

If the results are not satisfactory, do not try to hide them. Present the results, offer insights into why you think your audience did not respond positively, and propose some new ideas at no cost.

Take care of your clients, and you will surely retain them and attract new ones.

No matter what Instagram trends arise next, commitment and loyalty will never become outdated. It won’t be easy, but if you are persistent enough, it will undoubtedly pay off.

Things You Should Also Know

Here are some additional tips that can help you stand out and secure a sponsor.

Understand What Sponsors Are Looking For

Sponsors look for a content creator whose social media presence and Instagram profile align with their brand identity, as this allows them to effectively reach the appropriate audience.

It is essential for them to identify the right social media influencers who will boost brand awareness across major social media platforms.

Compensate for a Lack of Followers with Quality Content

Having a large number of followers is advantageous, as it inherently makes you more appealing to potential sponsors. However, does this mean that you cannot seek sponsorships if you lack that? Not necessarily!

The positive aspect is that the number of Instagram followers is only one of several factors. You can also attract sponsors through your overall aesthetic and high-quality content.

Stand Out!

For sponsors, the appeal of influencer marketing lies in the chance to have authentic individuals use and showcase their products, combined with the benefit of accessing an engaged audience without incurring substantial costs for this form of promotion.

Standing out is crucial for capturing the attention of potential sponsors and starting your paid sponsorships or partnerships.

If you post consistently and share content that resonates with a brand’s target audience, you are already on the right path to securing paid brand deals or even a paid Instagram sponsorship.

Dare to be unique!

Your Instagram feed should be visually captivating and function as a collage of carefully curated posts. Keep in mind that, in this context, your Instagram account serves as your portfolio, so strive to express yourself in the best possible way.

Brand sponsors look for influencers who connect with their target audience. You should seek out brands that reflect your values. If your Instagram page showcases a specific theme that attracts your desired audience, use that to your advantage.

Instagram Sponsorship Example

Below is an example of a successful partnership between a content creator and a brand.

The brand in question is the highly popular game Merge Mansion, and the influencer is @stanzipotenza.

@stanzipotenza is an influencer recognized for crafting parodies of well-known horror movies. His content resonates with viewers who have watched these films, including fans of horror and mystery games. Merge Mansion is one such game.

In this instance, her previous content has impacted the brand’s choice to sponsor her.

Now you’re probably wondering what to do if your content lacks a specific theme.

Start with small steps

If your content isn’t specifically linked to a particular theme, it may be more difficult to connect with certain brands, but it is still possible.

First, you should understand your position and what you can expect. If you have a smaller Instagram account, you should aim to target smaller brands.

Some smaller brands may not have a significant budget for sponsorships, but they are willing to provide their products for free in exchange for a mention.

You can start conducting reviews and interacting with your audience while gaining experience and establishing collaborations with brands.

This is a fantastic opportunity for micro-influencers to elevate their portfolio and draw the attention of other brands. Craft one or two exceptional reviews in your distinctive style, and others will pay attention.

You can use it to showcase your content and demonstrate that you are a valuable partner for collaboration, as numerous brands have already placed their trust in you for sponsorships.

Now, go and obtain sponsorship!

FAQ