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

You often consider how great it would be to transform your Instagram profile into a business, but finding sponsors appears to be quite challenging.

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

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

I will also share some tips on what to do when you land 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 conduct research and search for Instagram-sponsored posts throughout the platform.

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

If you want to secure your own Instagram sponsorships but are unsure of your eligibility or how to begin, here are some key points to consider.

1. Know What You Want

It is essential to identify the brands you wish to have as sponsors. Create a list of brands you would like to partner with.

2. Conduct some investigation!

Do these brands typically engage in sponsorships? What type of influencers do they collaborate with? Do they partner with micro-influencers or macro-influencers? Is their follower count similar to yours? Does your personal brand align with this brand’s image?

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

3. Reach out to as many sponsors as possible

Now that you know which brands you want to collaborate with, you need to reach out to them. You can always choose to DM a brand directly and propose a paid partnership.

The brand will typically refer you to an individual responsible for sponsorships within their company.

4. Make Your Brand Pitch Stand Out

If you choose to contact the brand directly, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

5. Contact an Influencer Agency

Sometimes, larger brands may not respond to all their messages, leaving your message unanswered. In this situation, you should consider reaching out to them through an influencer agency.

Influencer agencies provide an excellent opportunity to begin your career in influencer marketing.

Agencies assist you in applying for different influencer campaigns and will connect you with the individuals who manage them.

Here are some agencies that numerous influencers have rated highly for their business:

Agencies are an excellent choice for aspiring influencers, as they can assist small accounts in attracting brands and increasing their follower count.

6. Include Your Contact Information in Your Bio

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

7. Present Your Audience

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

Provide as much information as you can about your followers, including who they are, what they do, when they are most active, and what type of content they engage with the most.

Imagine an average Instagram user who follows you.

Avoid sending generic pitch emails to multiple brands.

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

8. Tag brands that you use regularly

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

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

Of course, you should strive to make that content engaging and visually appealing, in line with their brand colors and style.

9. Video Content Is Highly Effective

Many brands are increasingly focused on video marketing, so consider this when pitching to them.

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

Of course, you should understand that larger brands are tagged in numerous Instagram posts, and you may not be noticed immediately. However, you should strive to post consistently to enhance your chances of securing sponsorship on Instagram.

10. Be Prepared for Pitch Meetings

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

Good for you! However, this is definitely not the end of the road. This is where it gets tricky!

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

11. Inquire about everything you wish to know

Sometimes, when agreeing on something new, people may feel uncomfortable asking questions because they believe it makes them appear inexperienced.

Don’t let this hinder you!

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

12. Know Your Worth

When discussing paid Instagram sponsorships, it is crucial to agree on your compensation for these services.

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

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

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

A general guideline is typically $10 for every one thousand followers; however, it still depends on various factors, including the type of content and service you are providing.

13. Be Prepared to Negotiate

These prices generally apply to a single sponsored post. However, if you are aiming to secure a deal or seeking your first Instagram sponsorship, consider enhancing your offers by adding extra value.

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

Demonstrate to the brand that you genuinely care about their achieving the best results, as this serves as a strong foundation for future collaboration.

Now that you’ve agreed on the rates, ensure that both parties will honor the deal.

14. Sign the Contract

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

A contract safeguards your rights, ensures you receive payment for your work, and obligates you to fulfill the tasks you agreed upon with the brand, making it beneficial for both parties.

Most brands already possess a sample contract for freelancers, so don’t hesitate to request it and review it carefully 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 chosen brand. What should you do next?

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

Remember that most brands have their own communication styles, so what appears to be 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 interact with their followers, and consider how you can integrate these insights into your content.

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

16. Seek Approval

Whatever you do, ensure that you have the brand’s approval before publishing the content. Do not post it unless you have a clear green light, as posting something they do not agree with can damage both your image and the company’s.

17. Display Results

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

Demonstrate to the brand that you value them even after receiving payment. If the results are positive, excellent! Propose another collaboration when they require it.

18. Be Honest

If the results are not ideal, don’t attempt to conceal them. Present the results, provide insight into why you believe your audience didn’t respond positively, and suggest some new ideas at no cost.

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

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

Things You Should Also Know

Here are a few additional tips that can help you stand out and find a sponsor.

Understand What Sponsors Seek

Sponsors seek a content creator whose social media presence and Instagram profile align with their brand identity, as this enables them to effectively reach the right audience.

It is crucial for them to identify the appropriate social media influencers who will enhance 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 imply that you cannot seek sponsorships if you lack that? Not necessarily!

The good news is that the number of Instagram followers is just one of many factors. You can also attract sponsors through your overall aesthetic and high-quality content.

Stand Out!

For sponsors, the attraction of influencer marketing stems from the opportunity to have real people use and document their products, along with the advantage of reaching an engaged audience without significant spending on this type of promotion.

Standing out is essential to attract the attention of potential sponsors and initiate your paid sponsorships or partnerships.

If you post consistently and share content that resonates with a brand’s target audience, you’re already well on your way to securing paid brand deals or even a paid Instagram sponsorship.

Dare to be different!

Your Instagram feed should be visually striking and serve as a collage of thoughtfully curated posts. Remember that, in this context, your Instagram account acts as your portfolio, so aim to express yourself in the best possible manner.

Brand sponsors seek influencers who resonate with their target audience. You should pursue brands that align with your values. If your Instagram page features a specific theme that appeals to your desired audience, leverage that to your advantage.

Instagram Sponsorship Example

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

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

@stanzipotenza is an influencer known for creating parodies of famous horror movies. His content appeals to those who have seen these films, which also includes fans of horror and mystery games. Merge Mansion is one such game.

In this case, her prior content has influenced the brand’s decision to sponsor her.

Now you’re probably wondering, what should I do if my content lacks a specific theme?

Begin with small steps

If your content isn’t specifically tied to a particular theme, it may be more challenging to connect with certain brands, but it is not impossible.

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

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

You can begin conducting reviews and engaging with your audience while gaining experience and initiating collaborations with brands.

This is an excellent opportunity for micro-influencers to enhance their portfolio and attract attention from other brands. Create one or two outstanding reviews in your unique style, and others will take notice.

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

Now, go and secure sponsorship!

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