How to Pitch to Brands on Instagram and Land Paid Deals in 2025

Want to turn your Instagram presence into paid partnerships in 2025? Whether you’re a growing creator or an established influencer, learning how to pitch to brands the right way can open the door to real opportunities.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step, from preparing your profile to crafting a pitch that gets noticed and building long-term brand relationships. If you’re serious about landing deals that pay, keep reading.

Why Brands Want to Work with Instagram Influencers

Instagram has become one of the most powerful platforms for connecting brands with their target audiences. But it’s not just about flashy photos or big follower counts. Brands today are looking for influencers who can build real trust, create relatable content, and drive results.

Here’s why influencer partnerships on Instagram are so valuable in 2025:

Engagement beats follower count: Brands now focus more on engagement rate than the number of followers. A smaller account with a loyal, active audience can often outperform a large one with low interaction.
Niche influence matters: Influencers who specialize in a specific topic(like fitness, skincare, or tech) tend to have highly focused and trusting followers. This makes their endorsements feel more authentic and effective.
Higher ROI than traditional ads: Influencer campaigns often cost less than traditional media buys and bring higher returns. They can spark word-of-mouth, generate conversions, and even go viral. All of that organically.
Trust and relatability drive sales: Audiences are more likely to trust a recommendation from someone they follow than from a direct ad. That personal connection creates a sense of social proof.
Storytelling that resonates: Unlike typical advertisements, influencers tell stories. They weave the brand naturally into their content, whether it’s through a morning routine, a travel vlog, or a skincare tutorial.

What Brands Are Really Looking For:

Real people, not perfect celebrities.
Honest reviews and real-life usage.
Content that sparks comments, shares, and saves.
A long-term relationship, not just one post.

In short, brands want to work with Instagram influencers because they deliver what traditional ads can’t: authentic connection, trust, and real influence. Whether you’re a nano, micro, or macro influencer, there’s a place for you if you know how to pitch it right.

Now that you know why brands want to work with Instagram influencers, let’s explore the steps you could follow to pitch to brands and land paid deals in 2025.

Step 1. Prepare Your Instagram Before Pitching

Before you reach out to any brand, your Instagram profile must be ready to impress. Think of it as your digital portfolio. Brands will look at your profile to decide whether you align with their values and whether your content reflects professionalism and influence. If your account doesn’t clearly show what you’re about, chances are you won’t get a response, even if your pitch is strong.

Here’s how to make sure your profile is pitch-ready:

a. Optimize Your Profile

Your bio and display picture are the first things brands and new followers see. Make sure they’re clear and aligned with your niche.

Use a professional profile photo that reflects your brand.
Write a clear, niche-specific bio with keywords.
Add contact information, preferably a business email, so brands can reach you directly.
Switch to a creator or business account to unlock analytics and the paid partnership tag.

Legal Tip: Always include a business email and enable the creator label to maintain transparency and make it easier for brands to identify you as an influencer.

b. Make Your Content Look Professional

The visual consistency of your feed matters. Even if your content is casual, it should still follow a clear, polished aesthetic.

Maintain a consistent editing style or color tone across your posts.
Use high-resolution photos or videos with well-thought-out captions.
Post authentic and engaging content that tells a story or sparks interaction.

c. Use Instagram Features to Show Off Your Skills

Brands love influencers who know how to maximize Instagram’s tools. These features give you more room to showcase your creativity and engagement skills.

Instagram Highlights: Create highlights for previous collaborations, testimonials, or niche-specific content.
Instagram Stories: Use them to connect with your audience daily. For that, you can use Q&As, polls, product teasers, etc.
Reels: One of the most discoverable formats, perfect for showing off your editing and storytelling skills.

If you’re just getting started or want to fine-tune your Instagram presence, these articles will help you go even deeper:

Related Articles to Optimise Your Instagram Profile Further:

Step 2. Find the Right Brands to Pitch

Once your Instagram profile is polished and ready, the next step is to identify which brands are worth reaching out to. You don’t want to send pitches randomly. Targeting the right brands that align with your niche, values, and audience will increase your chances of landing paid collaborations.

a. Research Brands in Your Niche

Start by focusing on companies that naturally fit your content. Think about the types of products or services you already use and enjoy. This action is vital, as it will make your promotions feel more authentic to your audience.

So,

Look for brands that target the same demographic as your followers.
Check their Instagram page and find out whether they are already collaborating with influencers. If yes, that’s a good sign.
Focus on products or services you genuinely believe in. This way, you’ll be able to pitch more confidently, and your content will feel more real.

b. Make a List of Potential Brands

Keep track of the brands you’re interested in by creating a pitch list or spreadsheet. This will help you stay organized and avoid sending duplicate messages.

Include:

A mix of big brands and small businesses. Keep in mind that smaller brands may have smaller budgets, but they’re often more open to working with micro-influencers.
Links to their Instagram pages and websites.
Notes on their latest campaigns or influencer partnerships.
Contact details (emails, social media handles, or PR agencies).

c. Engage With the Brand Before Pitching

Before you send a pitch, warm up your relationship with the brand by engaging with their content. This helps them recognize your name when your message lands in their inbox.

Follow them on Instagram.
Like and comment on their recent posts. Be genuine, not spammy.
Share their posts or products in your Stories and tag them.
Mention their products naturally in your content (if you already use them).

Doing this builds familiarity and can sometimes lead to the brand reaching out to you before you even pitch. It also gives you specific content to reference in your message, which makes your pitch feel less cold and more personalized.

Step 3. Decide Where and How to Pitch

Once you’ve identified the right brands, the next step is figuring out how to reach them. There are two main ways influencers connect with brands: through Instagram DMs or email. Each method has its place, and choosing the right one can impact whether your pitch gets read, or ignored.

Choose Between DMs and Email

Instagram DMs are great for making a quick, informal connection. They’re especially effective for smaller brands or when contact information isn’t available on the website.

i. Use DMs if:

You already engage with the brand on Instagram.
The brand follows you back.
You want to introduce yourself briefly and ask who the best person is to email.

ii. Emails, on the other hand, are more professional and preferred by most established brands and PR teams. Use email if:

The brand’s bio includes a business or PR contact.
You want to attach a media kit, proposal, or rate card.
You’re pitching to a larger brand or agency.

Tip: If a brand’s bio includes “Email us for collaborations,” always go with email first. It shows your level of professionalism.

How to Find the Right Contact

If the brand hasn’t clearly listed a collaboration email, here are a few ways to track it down:

Brand’s Instagram Bio: Check for an “Email” button or contact info.
Official Website: Look for sections like “Contact,” “Media,” or “Press Inquiries.”
LinkedIn: Search for employees in marketing, social media, or PR.
Instagram DMs: If you can’t find anything else, send a short DM asking who to contact.

DM Example for Contact Info

Here’s a quick message you can send if you’re unsure who to reach out to:

Hi , I’m a content creator who loves your brand and would love to explore a possible collaboration. Could you please let me know the best contact for partnership inquiries? Thanks so much!

This friendly, professional approach opens the door without going straight into a full pitch, making it easier to transition into a proper conversation once you have the right contact.

Step 4. What to Include in Your Pitch to Brands

Once you’ve identified the right person to contact, it’s time to send a well-crafted pitch. Your goal is to show that you’re not only a fan of the brand, but also someone who can help them connect meaningfully with their audience. The more relevant, clear, and confident your pitch is, the better your chances of landing a deal.

Here’s what your pitch should include:

a. Write a Catchy Subject Line

This is the first thing a brand sees, so make it count. Keep it short, clear, and personalized.

Include your name and the purpose of the email.
Keep it under 10 words if possible.

Examples:

“ x – Let’s Collaborate!”
“Partnership Idea for – From ”

b. Introduce Yourself and Your Niche

Start your email with a short introduction that sets the stage.

Mention your name, location (optional), and content niche.
Keep it to 1–2 sentences.

Example:

Hi, I’m Jane, a travel and lifestyle creator based in London. I create engaging, story-driven content for my audience of young professionals looking to travel smarter.

c. Show Why You Love the Brand

This is where personalization matters most.

Mention a product, campaign, or value that drew you to the brand.
Make it genuine. Avoid generic lines.

Example:

I’ve loved your eco-friendly skincare line ever since I tried your vitamin C serum last year. Your commitment to sustainable packaging really resonates with me and my audience.

d. Suggest a Collaboration

Be clear about what you’re proposing.

Mention the type of content: Reels, Stories, static posts, giveaways, etc.
If possible, suggest a concept or idea related to their campaign.

Example:

I’d love to collaborate on a Reel tutorial or a “get ready with me” series that features your new summer skincare collection.

e. Share Your Stats

Data helps brands evaluate whether you’re a good fit.

Mention your follower count and engagement rate.
Highlight relevant demographics (age range, location, etc.).

Example:

My Instagram account has 12,000 followers with a 4.8% engagement rate. Most of my audience is aged 25–34 and based in the UK and US.

f. Show Examples of Past Work

If you’ve done brand deals or UGC before, link to them.

Choose examples similar to what you’re offering.
If you haven’t worked with brands yet, share your best-performing organic content.

Example:

Here’s a link to a past collaboration I did with a skincare brand that achieved over 50k views: .

g. Attach a Media Kit

Your media kit pulls everything together in one place.

Keep it concise: 1–2 pages is ideal.
Include your bio, audience demographics, engagement rate, sample content, and testimonials.
Mention your pricing if applicable,or say it’s available upon request.

Special Note:

A good media kit should include:

Contact information Audience demographics Follower and engagement stats Sample posts or campaign screenshots Past partnerships Testimonials or feedback from brands

When all these elements come together, your pitch becomes more than just an email. It becomes a professional proposal that shows you’re serious, prepared, and aligned with the brand’s goals.

Step 5. Craft a Pitch that Gets Opened

Sending a pitch is one thing. However, getting it to read is another matter. Your message needs to grab attention quickly, look professional, and spark enough interest for the brand to reply. This step is all about making sure your pitch doesn’t get ignored or sent straight to the trash.

a. Keep It Short and Direct

Brands and PR teams are busy. They don’t have time to read long, essay-style emails. Aim for four short paragraphs or fewer, and get to the point quickly.

Structure your email like this:

Paragraph 1: Who you are and what you do.
Paragraph 2: Why you love the brand.
Paragraph 3: What kind of collaboration you’re suggesting.
Paragraph 4: A call to action and mention of your attached media kit.

b. Personalize Your Message

Generic, copy-paste emails are easy to spot, and just as easy to ignore. Show the brand that you’ve done your research and genuinely care about working with them.

Mention a specific product or campaign they’ve run.
Highlight shared values or interests between your brand and theirs.
Avoid using the same pitch template for every brand.

c. Use the “Three Rs” Formula

When crafting your pitch, make sure you communicate the Three Rs:

Relevance: Why your content fits their brand.
Reach: Who your audience is and how many people you can influence.
Resonance: How well your audience connects with the type of product or brand you’re pitching.

This helps show that you’re not just another influencer but a valuable marketing partner.

d. Proofread Your Email

This step is often overlooked, but it matters.

Double-check spelling, grammar, and tone.
Make sure names and brand details are accurate.
Test any links (media kit, examples, etc.) before sending.

An error-free email shows professionalism and builds trust.

Bonus Tip: Use This Email Pitch Template

Here’s a simple structure you can follow to get started:

Subject: x – Let’s Collaborate?Hi ,I’m , a content creator in the space with a highly engaged audience of followers. I love and have featured your before on my Reels!Would love to explore a collaboration—maybe a sponsored post or Instagram Story series. Attached is my media kit with audience stats and past work.Looking forward to hearing from you!Best,

This email is short, personal, and professional, a perfect way to grab attention in a crowded inbox.

Step 6. Send It Via Your Chosen Communication Method

Once your pitch is written and polished, it’s time to send it out using the most appropriate method, which can be email or Instagram direct message (DM), depending on what you discovered in Step 3. Whichever channel you choose, how you send it matters just as much as what you say.

If You’re Sending an Email

Email is usually preferred for formal pitches, especially when working with medium to large brands or agencies.

Make sure to:

Use a professional email address (avoid nicknames or personal handles).
Include a clear subject line that reflects your pitch.
Add a professional signature at the end of your email with your name, Instagram handle, and other relevant links.

Email Signature Example:

Best regards, Instagram: @yourhandle Email: you@example.com Portfolio/Media Kit:

If You’re Sending a DM

For smaller brands or informal outreach, a DM can work well, but keep it brief and direct.

Your message should:

Get straight to the point in 2–3 short lines.
Mention that you’re interested in collaborating.
Include a link to your email address or media kit for more info.

DM Example:

Hi! I’m , a content creator who loves your brand. I’d love to explore a collaboration. If it’s fine with you, can I send over my media kit and ideas? You can also reach me at . Thank you, Good day.

Final Checks Before You Hit Send

Double-check all links: Media kit, past work, Instagram handle. Make sure they work.
Confirm attachments are included: Don’t forget to attach your media kit or any promised files.
Check formatting: Make sure your email or message is spaced properly and easy to read.

Taking these final steps ensures you make a strong first impression and avoid rookie mistakes that could cost you a brand deal.

Step 7. Follow Up Without Being Pushy

You’ve sent your pitch, but the brand hasn’t replied. Don’t worry. This is normal. Brands receive a large number of collaboration requests, and it may take time for them to respond. That said, a polite follow-up can help bring your pitch back to their attention, without coming across as pushy or impatient.

When to Follow Up

If you don’t get a reply right away, give it some breathing room.

Wait at least 7 to 14 days before following up.
Avoid chasing them after just a couple of days. It may seem overly eager.
Use this time to continue engaging with their brand on Instagram (likes, comments, story replies).

How to Write a Respectful Follow-Up

Keep your message short, friendly, and professional. The goal is to remind them without pressure.

Follow-Up Example:

Hi , just checking in to see if you had a chance to review my pitch. I’d still love to collaborate if there’s an opportunity now or in the future. Thanks again for your time!

Set a Limit on Follow-Ups

Persistence is good, but too much can be a turn-off.

Limit yourself to two follow-up messages unless the brand responds.
If they don’t reply after two follow-ups, it’s best to move on for now.
Stay polite and leave the door open for future opportunities.

Even if they don’t respond, they may remember you for a future campaign, especially if your profile continues to grow and evolve.

Step 8. If You Get Approved, Use Instagram’s Paid Partnership Tag

Once a brand says yes to your pitch, it’s time to deliver the content. But make sure to always keep in mind to do it professionally. One of the most important steps when posting sponsored content is to use Instagram’s Paid Partnership tag. This isn’t optional. It’s required for transparency and helps both you and the brand stay compliant with advertising standards.

What Is the Paid Partnership Tag?

The Paid Partnership tag is a feature on Instagram that clearly marks your content as sponsored. It appears at the top of the post or Story and shows your audience which brand you’re working with.

Helps brands track post performance directly.
Builds transparency and trust with your followers.
Required by Instagram and advertising regulators in many countries.

How to Enable the Tag

Setting it up is simple:

Create your post or story as usual.
Go to Advanced Settings before publishing.
Tap “Tag Business Partner” under Branded Content.
Search for and select the brand you’re working with.
Post your content as usual. The tag will appear at the top.

Note: The brand may need to approve you as a partner first, so ask them to grant you access through their business settings.

Why This Matters

Using the Paid Partnership tag not only keeps you compliant but also protects your reputation and adds a layer of credibility to your brand.

Your audience knows you’re being transparent.
Brands appreciate that you’re following the rules.
It helps avoid penalties or content takedowns by Instagram.

Reminder: Always follow ad disclosure guidelines. Along with the Paid Partnership tag, use clear hashtags like #ad, #sponsored, or #partner where applicable. It’s not just about rules. It’s about building long-term trust with your followers.

Step 9. Set Your Rates and Negotiate Brand Deals

Landing a brand deal is a major milestone. But before you celebrate, there’s one key step you shouldn’t overlook: pricing and negotiation. Knowing your worth and approaching this part with confidence helps you secure fair compensation and build long-term value as a creator.

a. Know Your Worth and Set Competitive Rates

Rates can vary depending on your niche, engagement rate, and audience size. Instead of guessing, base your pricing on current industry benchmarks:

Nano-influencers (1K–10K followers): $25–$100 per post.
Micro-influencers (10K–50K): $100–$500 per post.
Mid-tier influencers (50K–500K): $500–$2,500+ per post.
Macro/mega influencers (500K+): $2,500–$10,000+ depending on niche and reach.

Factors that influence your pricing:

Engagement rate.
Content quality (e.g., video editing skills).
Platform (Instagram Story vs. Reel vs. Static Post).
Rights usage and exclusivity.
Campaign duration or multi-post deals.

Tip: Use tools like Social Bluebook, Influencer Marketing Hub, or your own campaign results as reference points.

b. Offer Bundle Packages

Brands often look for more than one post. By offering bundled content, you provide added value while increasing your revenue.

Examples of bundle packages:

1 Reel + 2 Stories.
1 In-feed Post + 1 Story Swipe-Up.
Monthly content packages for long-term partnerships.

Bundling also makes it easier for brands to say yes, especially if you price it attractively.

c. Negotiate Smartly

Don’t be afraid to counter-offer or adjust the proposal. Most brands expect negotiation, and it’s a sign of professionalism when handled well.

When negotiating:

Clearly define what’s included: number of posts, deadlines, caption requirements, and usage rights.
Ask if the brand needs exclusivity (e.g., avoiding competitors for a set time), and charge accordingly.
Be polite and flexible, but avoid undervaluing your work.

d. Suggest a Clear Next Step

Once pricing is discussed, always leave the conversation with a simple call to action.

Example:

“Would you like me to send you some content ideas or concepts to get started?”

This keeps momentum going and shows you’re ready to deliver.

A strong rate negotiation isn’t just about getting paid more. It’s about building a foundation of trust and professionalism that can lead to long-term partnerships.

Step 10. Use Tools and Platforms to Expand Reach

You don’t have to rely solely on cold pitching to land brand deals. Many successful influencers grow their visibility and get discovered by brands by using influencer platforms, social networks, and presentation tools. These options help you expand your reach, streamline pitching, and find new collaboration opportunities, especially if you’re still building your name.

a. Sign Up for Influencer Marketplaces

Influencer marketplaces are platforms where brands look for creators to collaborate with. Creating a profile on these sites can help you get discovered and receive inbound offers from brands that align with your niche.

Here are a few trusted platforms to start with:

Collabstr – A marketplace where brands can browse creator profiles and book them directly for content.
Ainfluencer – Focuses on Instagram and TikTok collaborations, often used by small to mid-sized brands.
Daisy – Offers tools for creators to manage their campaigns and connect with vetted brands.

Tip: Keep your profiles updated with recent stats, content examples, and niche tags to improve visibility.

b. Consider Using a Pitch Deck

For larger brands or long-term campaigns, a simple media kit might not be enough. In such cases, a pitch deck can make your proposal stand out.

Your pitch deck can include:

A brief overview of your brand and niche.
Examples of past successful campaigns.
Collaboration ideas and creative angles.
Audience stats and performance data.
Testimonials or case studies.

A well-designed deck can help you look more professional and prepared, especially during negotiations or if you’re applying for a brand campaign through an agency.

c. Track Opportunities on Social Media

Many influencer marketing opportunities aren’t advertised through formal channels. They’re posted on social platforms.

To stay ahead:

Follow brand managers and influencer agencies on LinkedIn.
Search for hashtags like #PRRequest or #InfluencerCollab on Twitter (X).
Join creator communities or Facebook groups where opportunities are regularly posted.

Being active and alert on these channels can help you spot deals early, often before they become competitive.

Leveraging these tools and platforms can save time, expand your reach, and keep your pipeline of brand collaborations consistently full.

Step 11. Build Long-Term Relationships with Brands

Securing a brand deal is great, but building a lasting relationship with that brand is even better. Long-term collaborations bring more stability, recurring income, and credibility to your influencer career. Brands also prefer to work with creators who are dependable, consistent, and easy to collaborate with.

Here’s how to turn one-off campaigns into ongoing partnerships:

a. Deliver What You Promise

The foundation of any strong relationship is trust. That starts with doing what you said you would, on time and to a high standard.

Stick to the agreed posting schedule and deadlines.
Follow brand guidelines closely (tone, captions, tags, hashtags).
Communicate early if delays or issues come up.

Being reliable makes you a low-stress partner that brands are more likely to work with again.

b. Stay in Touch

Once the campaign ends, don’t go silent. A simple thank-you or post-campaign check-in shows professionalism and genuine interest in working together again.

Send a thank-you email after the campaign ends.
Share performance results (reach, engagement, saves, etc.).
Reach out a few months later to ask about future opportunities.

c. Ask for Feedback and Testimonials

Constructive feedback helps you improve, and testimonials can make your next pitch more convincing.

Ask how your content performed and whether it met their goals.
Request a short testimonial you can add to your media kit or pitch deck.
Use positive feedback as social proof in future outreach.

d. Turn One-Offs Into Ongoing Collaborations

Once trust is built, you can offer value beyond a single post.

Suggestions for extending the partnership:

Propose a monthly content package or multi-campaign series.
Offer to become a brand ambassador or content partner.
Create seasonal or event-based campaign ideas ahead of time.

Brands prefer to stick with creators who know their products and audience well, as it reduces onboarding time and boosts authenticity.

Nurturing your relationships with brands is one of the smartest ways to grow as a creator. Instead of always chasing the next deal, you’ll start to create a steady network of partners who trust your work and want to keep working with you.

Step 12. Track Your Performance and Improve

Your work doesn’t stop after posting sponsored content. To grow as an influencer and secure better deals, you need to track your results, analyze what worked, and keep improving. This shows professionalism, gives you leverage in future negotiations, and helps build long-term trust with brands.

a. Monitor Results with Instagram Insights

Instagram provides built-in analytics that help you evaluate how your content performs.

Key metrics to track:

Engagement rate (likes, comments, shares, saves).
Reach and impressions.
Story views and interactions.
Profile visits and website clicks (if applicable).

Make it a habit to review these numbers a few days after posting a collaboration.

b. Share Data with Brands

Many brands want to see how their campaign performed. Even if they don’t ask, providing insights post-campaign adds professionalism and positions you for repeat work.

What to share:

Total reach and impressions.
Engagement stats (likes, comments, saves).
Story performance (views, tap forwards, link clicks).
Audience demographics (age, gender, top countries).

Tip: Send this in a short follow-up email or as part of a campaign report if the brand requests one.

c. Learn From Each Campaign

Not every post will be a hit, but every post can teach you something.

Ask yourself:

What type of content got the most engagement?
Did your caption connect with your audience?
Was the post timing effective?
Did you follow the brand brief closely enough?

Use your answers to fine-tune your approach for the next campaign.

d. Keep Your Media Kit Updated

Your media kit is a living document. Keep it fresh by updating it regularly with:

New follower counts and engagement metrics.
Screenshots of strong-performing posts or Stories.
Recent brand collaborations and testimonials.
Updated pricing (if applicable).

This helps you pitch more effectively and reflect your current value as a content creator.

Tracking your performance and using those insights to grow will set you apart in a crowded influencer space. The more data-driven you are, the better you’ll get at landing deals that match your strengths and deliver real value to brands.

Final Thoughts

The landscape for Instagram influencers seeking paid brand deals in 2025 is both competitive and full of opportunity. What stands out most is the shift in brand priorities: engagement rates, authenticity, and niche expertise now matter more than sheer follower numbers.

Brands are looking for influencers who can foster genuine trust, spark meaningful interactions, and deliver measurable results, often at a higher return on investment than traditional advertising.

To succeed, influencers must approach brand partnerships with professionalism and strategy. This means optimizing their Instagram profiles as digital portfolios, consistently creating high-quality, relatable content, and leveraging Instagram’s features (like Reels, Stories, and Highlights) to showcase their skills and engagement levels. Effective pitching involves thorough research, personalized outreach, and clear communication of value, supported by a polished media kit and examples of past work.

Negotiation and relationship-building are just as crucial as the initial pitch. Setting fair rates, offering bundled content packages, and maintaining professionalism throughout the negotiation process help secure better deals and foster long-term partnerships. Transparency, especially through Instagram’s Paid Partnership tag, is non-negotiable and builds credibility with both brands and audiences.

Ultimately, the most successful influencers are those who treat every collaboration as a stepping stone to lasting relationships.

By tracking performance, sharing results with brands, and continuously refining their approach, influencers can position themselves as reliable, data-driven partners who deliver real value. In 2025, the key to landing paid deals on Instagram lies in authenticity, professionalism, and a commitment to ongoing growth and improvement.

Key Takeaways

Engagement Over Follower Count: Brands value high engagement rates and authentic audience interaction more than simply having a large number of followers.
Niche Expertise Matters: Influencers with specialized, niche content tend to attract more loyal and trusting audiences, making their endorsements more effective.
Authenticity Drives Results: Genuine storytelling and real-life usage of products resonate more with audiences than traditional advertisements.
Professional Profile is Essential: A well-optimized, visually consistent Instagram profile acts as a digital portfolio and is crucial for making a strong first impression on brands.
Target the Right Brands: Research and pitch to brands that align with your niche, values, and audience demographics for better collaboration opportunities.
Personalized, Professional Pitching: Tailor your outreach to each brand, highlighting why you value their products and how your content can benefit them.
Media Kit and Past Work: Include a concise media kit and examples of previous collaborations or strong organic content to demonstrate your value and professionalism.
Transparency and Compliance: Always use Instagram’s Paid Partnership tag and clear disclosure hashtags to maintain transparency and adhere to advertising regulations.
Negotiation and Value: Know your worth, offer bundled content packages, and negotiate professionally to secure fair compensation and long-term relationships.
Track Performance and Build Relationships: Monitor campaign results, share insights with brands, and nurture ongoing partnerships for sustained growth and credibility.

FAQs

How many followers do I need to pitch to brands?

You can start with as little as 1,000 followers if your engagement is strong and your niche is defined.

What if I don’t have any past brand collaborations?

Share UGC (user-generated content) or mock collaborations to show your skills.

Do I need a media kit?

Yes, it shows professionalism and makes it easy for brands to decide.

Should I ever work for free?

Maybe for your first brand or in exchange for high-value products. But set boundaries early.

How to Pitch to Brands on Instagram and Land Paid Deals in 2025

Jennifer Wilcox

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