Looking to turn your Instagram presence into a source of income? Whether you’re a budding creator or an established influencer, landing brand deals can take your account to the next level. In this article, we break down 12 actionable steps for 2025 that show you how to optimize your profile, connect with the right brands, and create content that attracts partnerships.

So, we invite you to read our article and discover the strategies that can help you secure collaborations and grow your influence professionally.

1. Start with the Right Account

If you want to work with brands on Instagram, the first step is to set up your account correctly. A Creator account or a Business account gives you access to features that are not available on personal profiles. These tools help you look more professional and allow brands to see that you are serious about partnerships.

Why switch to a Creator or Business account?

Profile insights: See detailed analytics about your audience, engagement, and post performance. Brands use this data to decide if your account is a good match.
Branded content tools: Tag posts as “Paid Partnership” to stay transparent and meet advertising rules.
Shopping features: If you sell products or plan to promote brand products, you can link items directly to posts or Stories.
Professional profile setup: Add contact buttons like email, call, or directions, making it easier for brands to reach you.

Switching is free and only takes a few steps in your Instagram settings. Once you do this, your account is ready to attract brand attention in a more professional way.

2. Make Your Profile Look Brand-Ready

Once you have the right account type, the next step is to make your profile appealing to both your audience and potential brand partners. Your profile is the first thing a brand sees, so it needs to show your niche, style, and interests clearly.

Key elements of a brand-ready profile

Profile picture: Use a clear photo or logo that reflects your personal brand.
Bio: Keep it short and direct. Mention your niche (for example, fashion, fitness, or tech) and add a line that shows your personality or values.
Contact info: Include an email or business contact button so brands can reach you easily.
Link in bio: Direct followers and brands to your website, portfolio, or media kit. If you promote different links, use tools like Linktree or Beacons.
Highlights: Use Instagram Story Highlights to showcase your best content, collaborations, testimonials, or behind-the-scenes clips.
Feed design: Keep your posts consistent in style. Clean visuals and a focused theme make your account look professional.

Why this matters

Brands often decide within seconds whether to reach out to an influencer. A profile that looks clear, professional, and consistent shows that you take your content seriously and are a reliable partner.

3. Build a Clear Media Kit

A media kit is like your resume for brand deals. It gives potential partners a quick overview of your value as a creator and helps them decide if you are the right fit. Having one shows professionalism and makes you stand out from creators who rely only on DMs.

What to include in your media kit

Basic details: Your name, niche, and contact information.
Account stats: Current followers, average engagement rate, reach, and impressions.
Audience breakdown: Location, age groups, and interests of your followers.
Past collaborations: Highlight previous brand deals or campaigns, even small ones. Add results if possible (e.g., “Helped increase engagement by 25%”).
Content examples: Include high-quality images or links to posts that show your style and quality.
Unique value: A short section on what makes you different, such as high engagement, a loyal niche audience, or storytelling skills.

Keep it updated

Your stats and experience will change over time. Update your media kit regularly so brands always see the most accurate numbers. Adjust it for each brand by focusing on details that match their goals. For example, if you’re pitching a fitness brand, highlight your health-related content and audience demographics that fit their market.

4. Show Brands You’re a Fan Before Asking

Before reaching out to brands for deals, it helps to show genuine interest in them first. Brands prefer working with creators who already connect with their products, as it makes collaborations more authentic.

How to engage with brands authentically

Follow their account: Stay updated on campaigns, product launches, and brand values.
Like and comment on posts: Thoughtful comments stand out more than generic ones.
Share their content: Repost Stories or posts that resonate with you and add your own perspective.
Tag them naturally: If you already use their products, tag the brand in your posts without asking for anything in return.

Use UGC to get noticed

Posting user-generated content (UGC) is one of the best ways to get on a brand’s radar. Create high-quality photos or videos featuring their products, then tag or mention them. Many brands re-share UGC, which not only gives you exposure but also shows that you can create content that fits their style.

Why this approach works

By engaging first, you show brands that you genuinely like their products. This builds trust and increases the chances of them seeing you as a valuable partner when you eventually pitch for a collaboration.

5. Use Official Tools and Platforms

Finding brand deals doesn’t always mean waiting for brands to notice you. Instagram and third-party platforms now provide tools that help creators connect directly with companies looking for partnerships.

Instagram Creator Marketplace

The Creator Marketplace is Instagram’s official platform where brands can search for and reach out to influencers. Once your account becomes eligible, you can:

Get discovered by brands that match your niche.
Receive collaboration requests directly through Instagram.
Access campaign details, expectations, and payments in one place.

This tool makes the process more professional and ensures both sides are protected.

Influencer platforms

Apart from Instagram’s built-in tools, there are influencer marketplaces designed to match creators with brands. Popular ones include:

Collabstr: Lets creators list their services (like sponsored posts, Reels, or Story shoutouts) so brands can purchase directly.
Afluencer: Focuses on connecting micro and mid-tier influencers with businesses across different industries.

These platforms can help you land deals faster, especially if you are still building visibility and don’t have brands approaching you yet.

Comparison: Creator Marketplace vs Influencer Platforms

Feature	Instagram Creator Marketplace	Influencer Platforms (e.g., Collabstr, Afluencer)
Access	Available inside Instagram (eligible accounts only)	Open to most creators with social media profiles
Brand Discovery	Brands search and contact you directly	Creators can apply to campaigns or list services
Security	Backed by Instagram, safer payments and contracts	Varies by platform, but most have built-in protection
Best For	Mid-tier to larger creators with consistent activity	New or growing creators looking for quick opportunities
Cost	Free (Instagram may take a cut of payments in future)	Often free to join; some platforms charge fees or commission

Why use these tools?

Using official tools and influencer platforms shows professionalism, helps you avoid scams, and increases your chances of connecting with brands that are actively seeking creators.

6. Add a Link in Bio for Brand Inquiries

Your bio is one of the most valuable spaces on your Instagram profile. While most creators use it for directing followers to their website or other platforms, it can also be a powerful tool to attract brand deals. Adding a dedicated link for business inquiries makes it easy for brands to reach out in a professional way.

Why add a business inquiry link?

Professional approach: Instead of sending DMs, brands can use a direct link to submit proposals.
Organized communication: Keeps your brand inquiries separate from general follower messages.
Better first impression: Shows that you are serious about partnerships and open to opportunities.

Tools you can use

CollabLink: A simple platform where brands can submit collaboration offers directly through your bio link.
Custom links: Use a personal website form, Google Form, or portfolio site with a dedicated “Work With Me” page.
Link-in-bio tools (Linktree, Beacons, etc.): Add a separate button for brand inquiries along with your other important links.

Tips for setting it up

Keep the label clear (e.g., “Work With Me” or “Brand Partnerships”).
Test the link to ensure it works smoothly on both mobile and desktop.
Check your submissions regularly so you never miss an opportunity.

By giving brands a professional way to contact you, you increase your chances of receiving serious offers while keeping your DMs open for audience engagement.

7. Send Smart, Tailored Pitches

Even with a strong profile and media kit, brands may not always find you first. Reaching out directly can open more doors, but the way you pitch matters. A generic message rarely works. Thus, your pitch to the relevant brand via Instagram should show that you’ve researched the brand and understand how your audience aligns with their goals.

Why email works better than DMs

Professional tone: Emails are more formal and easier for brands to track than Instagram messages.
Better visibility: DMs often get lost in “message requests,” but emails go straight to the marketing team.
Room for detail: Email gives you space to attach your media kit and explain your offer clearly.

How to craft a strong pitch

Start with a clear subject line. Example: “Collaboration idea with for ”.
Introduce yourself briefly: Mention your niche, audience size, and engagement rate in one or two lines.
Explain why you’re reaching out: Show you understand the brand’s products, campaigns, or values.
Show the fit: Highlight why your audience would be interested in their product. Use past results if possible.
Give an example of your work: Share a link to a similar post or campaign you’ve done before.
Attach your media kit: Keep it short and easy to view.
End with a clear call to action. For example: “Would you be open to discussing how we could work together this quarter?”

Sample Pitch Email Template

Subject: Collaboration Opportunity with

Hi ,

My name is , and I create content in the space. I recently came across your and love how it aligns with my audience’s interests.

I have followers on Instagram with an average engagement rate of , primarily within . I believe a collaboration could help highlight your brand to an engaged and relevant audience.

Here’s an example of my recent work:
I’ve attached my media kit for more details.

I’d love to discuss how we could work together. Please let me know if you’re open to a brief conversation or call.

Looking forward to your thoughts!

Best regards,

Make Sure To Keep the Tone Personal

Brands receive many collaboration requests. By customizing your message, mentioning a recent campaign you liked or how you personally use their product, you show genuine interest instead of sending a copy-paste pitch.

8. Pick the Right Brands and Influencer Tier

Not all brands are looking for the same type of creator. Choosing the right brands and understanding your influencer tier can make your pitches more effective and improve your chances of landing deals.

Influencer Tiers

Tier	Followers	Key Benefits	Ideal For
Nano-influencers	1K–10K	Very engaged and loyal audience	Brands with small budgets or hyper-targeted campaigns
Micro-influencers	10K–50K	High engagement, trusted audience	Small to medium brands looking for authentic promotion
Mid-tier influencers	50K–500K	Larger reach, good visibility	Medium to large brands with bigger campaigns
Macro-influencers	500K+	Wide reach, professional collaborations	Large brands or national campaigns

Choosing the right brands

Focus on brands that fit your niche and content style.
Check whether they have previously collaborated with influencers of your size.
Look for brands actively running campaigns in your category, such as beauty, fitness, fashion, or tech.

Why this matters

Brands are investing more in creators with real, active followings, especially in niches where trust and authenticity matter. Working with the right tier ensures your engagement isn’t lost in a large pool of followers and makes your collaborations more meaningful and effective.

9. Know How to Create with Brands

Once you have brands interested, the next step is creating content that benefits both parties. Knowing the right formats and methods helps you produce effective collaborations while boosting your visibility.

Use Instagram collaboration features

Collab posts: Instagram allows you to co-author posts or Reels with brands. If you use this feature, your content appears on both your account and the brand’s account. This helps reach both audiences and increases engagement.
Collaborative Stories: Share Stories featuring the brand and encourage them to re-share on their profile.

Offer paid UGC (User-Generated Content)

Create content that brands can repurpose for their marketing campaigns.
Examples include high-quality photos, videos, or tutorials showing their products in use.
Paid UGC often leads to repeat collaborations because brands value ready-made content that fits their style.

Tips for successful content creation

Maintain your authentic style while highlighting the brand’s product.
Follow brand guidelines closely, including colors, logos, and messaging.
Provide multiple content options if requested, this increases chances of the brand using your work.

Creating content that aligns with both your style and the brand’s goals not only strengthens partnerships but also builds a professional reputation as a reliable collaborator.

10. Stay Up-to-Date and Use Platform Bonuses

Instagram frequently introduces new features and programs that reward creators for engaging content. Staying informed about these updates can provide extra income opportunities and help you maximize the value of your account.

Instagram Breakthrough Bonus programs

These programs pay creators for Reels, videos, or other content that performs well.
Payments are based on views, engagement, or specific campaign goals.
Participating can increase your earnings without needing a direct brand deal.

Other Instagram features to watch for monetization

Reels Play Bonus: Get paid for high-performing Reels on your profile.
Instagram Subscriptions: Offer exclusive content to subscribers for a monthly fee.
Live Badges: Earn money when followers purchase badges during your live streams.
Affiliate Program: Promote products and earn a commission on sales through affiliate links.
Instagram Shops: Sell your own products directly on the platform, combining content and e-commerce.

Tips to stay current

Follow Instagram updates and the official Creator blog for announcements.
Experiment with new features early to take advantage of bonus opportunities.
Track performance and engagement to see which features maximize your earnings.

By combining these platform bonuses with brand collaborations, you can diversify your income while keeping your content strategy aligned with current trends.

11. Track Results and Stay Compliant

To grow as a creator and maintain strong relationships with brands, it’s important to track the performance of your content and follow legal guidelines. Doing so ensures your collaborations remain professional and trustworthy.

Track your performance

Engagement: Monitor likes, comments, shares, and saves to see how your audience reacts.
Reach: Check how many unique users saw your posts or Stories.
Clicks: Track link clicks from your bio, swipe-up links, or call-to-action buttons.
Conversions: If promoting a product, track sales, sign-ups, or app installs generated by your content.

Using Instagram Insights or third-party analytics tools can help you collect and analyze this data. Sharing results with brands can strengthen your credibility and increase the chance of repeat collaborations.

Stay compliant with disclosure rules

Always use Instagram’s “Paid Partnership” tag for sponsored posts.
Follow advertising guidelines in your country, such as clearly stating when content is sponsored or includes affiliate links.
Transparency protects both you and the brand and builds trust with your audience.

Tracking results and maintaining compliance ensures your account remains attractive to brands and helps you build a professional reputation over time.

12. Plan for the Long Term

Building a successful career on Instagram requires thinking beyond individual brand deals. Long-term planning helps you create a sustainable presence and opens up more opportunities for growth and income.

Focus on relationships

Build trust with brands: Aim for ongoing partnerships instead of one-off collaborations.
Maintain good communication: Respond promptly, meet deadlines, and show professionalism.
Network with other creators: Collaborations and referrals can lead to new brand opportunities.

Prioritize content quality

Consistently produce high-quality visuals and videos that align with your niche.
Develop a recognizable style and voice to strengthen your personal brand.
Maintain regular posting schedules to keep your audience engaged.

Expand monetization strategies

Affiliate links: Earn commissions by promoting products you use and love.
Reels and short-form content: Take advantage of Instagram’s algorithm to boost visibility.
Subscriptions: Offer exclusive content or perks to paying followers.
Product collaborations or sales: Launch your own products or merchandise as your audience grows.

By focusing on quality, consistent branding, and long-term partnerships, you can create a professional, reliable presence that attracts both brands and followers over time.

Final Thoughts

Getting brand deals on Instagram in 2025 is about more than just follower count. It’s about professionalism, strategy, and authenticity.

From setting up the right account and creating a polished profile to building a strong media kit and crafting tailored pitches, every step helps you stand out to brands. Engaging genuinely with brands, using official tools, tracking results, and staying compliant ensures your collaborations are successful and trustworthy.

Remember, long-term growth comes from consistent quality, building relationships, and exploring multiple monetization opportunities. By combining strategic planning with creativity and authenticity, you can turn your Instagram presence into a sustainable source of income and meaningful brand partnerships.

Key Takeaways

Use the Right Account Type – Switch to a Creator or Business account to access analytics, branded content tools, and professional features.
Optimize Your Profile – A clear bio, consistent feed, contact info, and Story Highlights make your account brand-ready.
Create a Media Kit – Include stats, audience demographics, past collaborations, content examples, and your unique value.
Engage with Brands First – Show genuine interest in products and share user-generated content to get noticed.
Leverage Official Tools and Platforms – Use Instagram Creator Marketplace and influencer platforms to connect with brands safely and efficiently.
Add a Dedicated Link for Brand Inquiries – Make it easy for brands to contact you professionally via a bio link or form.
Send Tailored Pitches – Personalize outreach with research, clear value propositions, and a media kit for better response rates.
Choose the Right Brands and Influencer Tier – Focus on brands and campaigns that align with your niche and follower size for effective collaborations.
Create Content That Works for Brands – Maintain authenticity, follow brand guidelines, and offer versatile, high-quality content.
Track Performance and Plan Long-Term – Monitor engagement, reach, and conversions, stay compliant, and build sustainable relationships with brands.

FAQs

How much do Instagram brand deals pay?

Payment varies widely based on your follower count, engagement rate, niche, and the brand’s budget. Smaller influencers may earn a few hundred dollars per post, while top influencers can earn thousands to millions.

Do I need a lot of followers to get brand deals on Instagram?

Not necessarily. Micro-influencers with engaged audiences often secure brand deals. Engagement and niche relevance are often more important than follower count alone.

How do Instagram brand deals work?

Brands typically pay influencers to create and share posts, stories, or videos featuring their products. Deals are usually negotiated and may include specific deliverables and deadlines.

Are brand deals on Instagram worth it?

Brand deals can provide a lucrative income stream and help grow your personal brand, but it requires consistent effort, authenticity, and professionalism.

How to Get Brand Deals on Instagram: A 12 Step Guide For 2025

Jennifer Wilcox

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