What do you do if your creativity as an influencer isn't helping you negotiate better partnerships?

In the fast-paced world of influencer marketing, your creativity is your currency. But what happens when that creativity isn't translating into successful negotiations with brands? It's a common predicament that can leave you feeling stuck. However, there are strategies you can employ to turn the tide in your favor. Let's explore how you can leverage your influence and creativity to forge better partnerships and elevate your career.

1 Assess Value

Understanding your unique value proposition is critical when your creativity alone isn't enough to seal the deal with potential partners. Take a step back and evaluate what sets you apart from other influencers. Consider your engagement rates, your audience demographics, and the unique style of your content. By recognizing and articulating your value beyond creativity, you can approach negotiations with a stronger, more compelling case for why brands should partner with you.

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Laura Journal des Bijoux

Chief Editor Jewelry&Watches column to Swiss Luxury Group CELEBRE MAGAZINE, contributor to Rapaport, Jewelry Ambassador at Robb Report Italy, editor at Orafo Italiano & Forbes Italy/Diversity in Luxury Leaders List 2024
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There is a lot of competition and creativity might not be enough to stand out. it's fundamental to identify what makes you distinct. This could be high engagement rates, a niche audience, or a distinct style of content that resonates uniquely with followers. By understanding and conveying these aspects, you enhance your negotiating power and can present a more compelling case to potential partners. Recognizing your UVP allows you to not only differentiate yourself from others but also to align more effectively with brands that value what you specifically bring to the table. This method is effective to show mutual benefits derived from what you uniquely offer.

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2 Enhance Skills

If creativity isn't giving you an edge, it might be time to enhance other skills that are vital in influencer marketing. Focus on developing your analytical abilities to understand your audience better and to provide potential partners with data-driven insights. Improve your communication skills to articulate your ideas more effectively during negotiations. By diversifying your skill set, you become a more attractive partner for brands looking for influencers who can offer more than just creative content.

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Heidi Brøndal

Influencer Marketing Specialist | Talent Agent | Connecting Creatives and Brands
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When you as an influencer are engaging with brands and companies it's crucial to have some understanding and show professional skills and etiquette. These little things make you seem more professional and can enhance the trust and credibility a brand has in you. For example; write clear and professional emails, offer to send a meeting invite, and have your media kit ready to share, polish your negotiations skills, learn and install Google Meet, Zoom and Teams - so you never have to scramble right before a meeting.

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3 Network Smartly

Networking is a powerful tool in the influencer world. If creativity isn't opening doors, build relationships with other influencers, content creators, and industry professionals. Attend events, join online communities, and engage in conversations where you can share experiences and learn from others. A strong network can lead to introductions and recommendations that might result in partnerships your creativity alone couldn't secure.

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4 Tailor Pitches

When negotiating with brands, tailor your pitches to align with their marketing goals and values. Research the brand thoroughly and demonstrate how your content can solve a specific problem or tap into a particular market they are trying to reach. Customizing your approach shows potential partners that you understand their needs and can deliver results, making the partnership more appealing even if your creative flair isn't the primary draw.

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Alexander Melendez

I Manage a Team of Rockstar Agents and Talents. // Licensed Attorney // Contract Law // Talent Agent (See about Section) // Manager // Twitch Consultant // Content Creator // Just a Dood in Space
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Tailoring your pitch for each brand is vital to being chosen for any campaigns. A small brand in the gaming space is going to have different KPI's than someone like Pepsi. You need to show them how you create value for them beyond your creativity. Yes the creativity is important, but why should they choose you over anyone else? Study their commercials and other ads, review their target demographics and find out any pain points the brands have that you can solve. You should always pitch a solution for a problem that the brand is having.

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5 Diversify Content

Sometimes, diversifying your content can help in negotiations. If you've been focusing on one type of creativity, consider branching out. Experiment with different content formats, such as videos, blogs, or podcasts, to appeal to a broader audience and offer more versatility to potential partners. This approach can showcase your adaptability and willingness to innovate, which are highly attractive qualities to brands.

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6 Reflect & Adapt

Finally, take time to reflect on your approach and be willing to adapt. If certain strategies or content styles aren't resonating with brands, consider adjusting your tactics. Seek feedback from peers or mentors and be open to constructive criticism. Adapting your strategy based on industry trends and feedback can help you stay relevant and attractive to potential partners, ensuring that your creativity isn't the only tool in your negotiation arsenal.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Heidi Brøndal

Influencer Marketing Specialist | Talent Agent | Connecting Creatives and Brands
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Reading books on negotiations can help you get a better understanding and leverage your way into better partnerships. Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher and Negotiate Like Your Life Depends On It by Chris Vos are great books to start with. Having mock negotiations with other influencers or friends is super helpful as well!

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What do you do if your creativity as an influencer isn't helping you negotiate better partnerships?

1

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3

4

5

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1 Assess Value

2 Enhance Skills

3 Network Smartly

4 Tailor Pitches

5 Diversify Content

6 Reflect & Adapt

7 Here’s what else to consider

Influencer Marketing

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What do you do if your creativity as an influencer isn't helping you negotiate better partnerships?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Value

2 Enhance Skills

3 Network Smartly

4 Tailor Pitches

5 Diversify Content

6 Reflect & Adapt

7 Here’s what else to consider

Influencer Marketing

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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