I started my blogging journey several years ago and I did not expect to be where I am today. I know that sounds crazy, but I really didn’t. I never knew what an influencer was or how to become one until about a year ago.
The more I wrote blog posts and became active on social media, the more I started to build friendships with fellow bloggers. I mean, we all need friends, don’t we?
We began to help each other grow on social media and offer tips on how to bring in an additional income through a creative side hustle. Now, we even call each other sisters! I didn’t expect that to happen but I’m happy it did.
I’ve come across several bloggers and influencers who didn’t want to provide any tips – let alone even reply to my messages. Alas, that’s another story for another time.
If it wasn’t for our group, I don’t think I ever would’ve known about collaborations! Sure, I could’ve researched it online, but I never even the possibility existed.
So, now that I have tapped into the potential of collaborations, I want to help YOU start getting collaborations! By the end of this post, you’ll have all the tips to help you get started. I’m about to reveal some major info to help you to land your dream collaboration(s) as a blogger and/or influencer.
Are you ready to know the secret?
Before we get into it, I’m going to be real with you. I landed my first collaboration with only 3,000 followers on Instagram and guess what? It was a PAID collaboration.
I was so shocked. I simply couldn’t believe it.
A number of negative people told me to not apply and that I would get declined because I only had 3,000 followers. Looking back, it’s a good thing that I didn’t let doubt stop me from applying.
That first paid collaboration was with Pampers.
I really enjoyed my Pampers collaboration – it was easy and everything went smoothly.
Here’s how you can land your first collaboration and finally start making some extra money:
- Know your audience
- Join Influencer Marketing Agencies
- Pitch
- Build relationships
- Offer to work in exchange for exposure – suggest writing a guest blog or posting on Instagram in exchange for a free product.
It takes time, patience and consistency to become a successful blogger and influencer. I totally get it but always remember that you can and will be successful!
My first collaborations were made possible through an influencer marketing agency. The process was overall good and stress-free. The best part is that I’ve had an influencer rep that I could contact if I ever had any questions.
Some influencer marketing agencies to join include AspireIQ, Clever and Massive Sway. There are many more, but these are several that I use and would highly recommend.
When working with a brand, you can always opt-out of getting paid and instead choose to receive a free product or be featured on their social media and/or website for exposure.
At the beginning of your blogging journey, it’s extremely important to build your portfolio. The more clients you work with, the better chance you have to work with that brand again and other brands in the future. It’s like having a resume, a company may not want to hire you if you don’t have the desired experience. It’s the same thing as being a blogger or influencer. Brands want to see that you have worked with other brands before. It shows them that they can work with you and build an authentic and trustworthy relationship.
These 5 tips have helped me and they can help you too. The sooner you start to apply them, the sooner you can start working with brands!
How incredibly helpful! I have never heard of then Affiliate networks before! I’ve joined several and they’re ok so I’d like to try these other networks! Thanks for being willing to share sounds like you’ve encountered the bloggers that like to keep the good stuff to themselves… lol
Thank you so much Monique, I have been researching and planning to start my blog for years now but working two full time jobs and running a small business I kept putting it on the back burner. After reading your post I now see that I’m not alone and can partner with others. Thank you so much again.