We’ve all been there — you spend time crafting what you think is the perfect pitch, send it to your dream brand, and then… nothing.
No response, no acknowledgment, just radio silence. In a space as crowded as Instagram’s influencer market, this is a reality many face.
So how do you break through that wall of silence and actually get noticed?
It’s not about being the biggest influencer or having the most followers — it’s about being smart, intentional, and personalized with your approach.
The truth is, brands get flooded with pitches, and the ones that stand out are the ones that show genuine effort and a connection with their values.
If you’re ready to up your pitching game and create proposals that actually get you noticed, let’s dive into some powerful strategies to help you rise above the noise.
Let’s make sure the next pitch you send out leaves the brand thinking, “We need to work with this person.”
How do we do it?
1. Do Your Research
Before you even think about reaching out to a brand, spend time learning about them. Brands appreciate when influencers take the time to understand their mission, products, and audience.
- Review their Instagram feed: What type of content do they post? What tone and aesthetic do they use? How do they engage with their audience?
- Check their website: Look at their blog, product offerings, and company values.
- Understand their target audience: Are they targeting millennials, Gen Z, or a more niche demographic?
By doing this, you’ll have a solid understanding of the brand’s identity, making it easier to align your pitch with their goals.
2. Tailor Your Pitch to Their Brand
Now that you’ve done your research, it’s time to customize your pitch. Here’s how:
- Use their brand voice: If the brand is fun and playful, adopt a similar tone in your pitch. If they are more formal, maintain a professional tone.
- Highlight common values: Show that your values align with the brand’s. For example, if you’re pitching to a sustainable brand, emphasize your commitment to eco-friendly practices.
- Reference specific products or campaigns: This demonstrates that you’ve taken the time to understand their business. For example, “I noticed your latest campaign around organic skincare, and I believe my followers who are passionate about wellness would love to learn more about your products.”
By speaking their language and tying your message to their unique offerings, you’ll create a pitch that resonates deeply.
3. Focus on Their Needs, Not Yours
A common mistake influencers make is focusing too much on what they want. Instead, your pitch should center on how you can add value to the brand.
Ask yourself:
- How can your audience benefit their brand?
- What type of content can you create that fits their aesthetic?
- What results can you deliver that align with their goals (e.g., increased brand awareness, sales, or engagement)?
Here’s a key tip: use metrics to back up your claims. Mention your average engagement rate, follower demographics, or past collaborations that were successful. For instance, “I recently partnered with a sustainable fashion brand and saw a 20% increase in engagement on my posts. I believe my audience would similarly engage with your products.”
4. Create a Compelling Subject Line
Your subject line is the first thing a brand sees, so it needs to grab attention. Keep it concise, personalized, and intriguing. Some examples:
- “Excited to Help [Brand Name] Reach [Target Audience]!”
- “Let’s Collaborate: Ideas to Boost [Brand Name]’s Next Campaign”
- “[Brand Name] x [Your Name]: A Winning Partnership Proposal”
By using the brand’s name and making it clear you have ideas to offer, you’re more likely to spark their interest.
5. Showcase Your Unique Value
What makes you different from other influencers? This is your chance to highlight what sets you apart:
- Your niche: Are you focused on a specific area like beauty, fitness, or wellness?
- Engagement rate: Brands care more about engagement than follower count. A smaller, engaged audience is often more valuable.
- Unique skills: Do you excel at video creation, photography, or storytelling? Can you create content that other influencers can’t?
If you’ve worked with brands before, share results and testimonials to further solidify your credibility.
6. Keep It Concise and Actionable
Brands are busy, and they don’t have time to read long, rambling pitches. Keep your message clear, concise, and to the point. Once you’ve outlined your value, end your pitch with a strong call to action (CTA).
Some examples of effective CTAs include:
- “I’d love to chat further about how I can contribute to your upcoming campaigns. Are you available for a quick call next week?”
- “I’d be happy to share my media kit if you’d like more information. Let me know when is a good time!”
- “Looking forward to discussing how we can collaborate. Feel free to reach out!”
7. Add a Personal Touch
While professionalism is key, don’t forget to add a bit of personality to your pitch. Show excitement and passion for the brand and let your unique voice shine through. It can be as simple as saying, “I’ve been a fan of your products for years, and I’m thrilled at the possibility of collaborating.”
Including a personal anecdote can also work wonders. If their product or service has made an impact on your life, share that story. Brands love authenticity, and a genuine connection can make your pitch memorable.
8. Follow Up, but Don’t Spam
After you’ve sent your pitch, wait a week or two before following up. A gentle follow-up email can nudge them to take action. However, make sure your follow-up is polite and respectful. Avoid sounding impatient or pushy.
Here’s an example:
- “I wanted to check in and see if you had a chance to review my proposal. I’m still very excited about the possibility of working together!”
Conclusion: Start Crafting Personalized Pitches That Shine
Crafting a standout pitch requires research, customization, and clarity.
By understanding the brand, tailoring your message, and demonstrating the value you bring, your chances of securing collaborations will skyrocket.
Remember, brands want influencers who align with their goals and can drive results, so focus on showing how you can make that happen.
Are you ready to start pitching and land your next brand deal? Follow these steps, and soon, you’ll be standing out in the crowded influencer space!