I saw an ad on social media for a cool family activity that was only in my area for a few months. It was right after we had just paid for summer camps, so I was trying to find all the free places to go. Life is so expensive yall!
And that’s when it hit me: “Wait, maybe I can also start doing videos for local events.”
I live in Virginia, but my account doesn’t really focus on “local stuff”. But why not cover experiences that are also available in other places when opportunity arises? The ones that travel around like a circus or have franchises nationally. That would make sense for my audience and my content.
So I pitched a local event that was only here for a few months, and it worked! And it is definitely a system that can be replicated, so I went ahead and wrote it down below for you in 4 steps 😉.
I saw an ad for a cool family activity while scrolling and thought, why not ask? I followed this brand & started engaging with their content for a couple of weeks (at least a few days if you don’t have much time).
I simply said:
“Hi! Are you working with influencers at this time? My followers are always looking for places to go with their kids, and our target audiences match! I would love to drive people your way. Here is my portfolio for your reference”
Or say “Let’s work together” if you don’t have a portfolio, but I definitely recommend you to get one for brands to take you seriously. We have a free template here in our 7-Week Checklist, in Week 4).
They answered and told me they did. They were offering free entrance, snacks, and treats in exchange for two reels and a partnership code.
I countered with a carousel post with stories providing them an overview of why I felt that approach was beneficial for them. I also requested one extra VIP visit without any content requirements, allowing my family and me to enjoy it without worrying about creating content. They never tried that approach, but were willing to try it out.
I saved a few hundred dollars and we had an amazing time, twice! I also connected with 5 new local mom creators because they had an influencer event during the first visit.
Could I have tried to arrange a paid partnership? Yes! But this all happened within a few days of deciding to go there, so I negotiated something I felt was fair for both the brand and myself.
Gifted opportunities can work, when it’s the right timing, product, and terms. As a mom of 3, this has saved my family money, led to VIP access, and helped me grow as a creator in my local area. I talk more about it here in “Should I Take Gifted Opportunities?”.
Regarding the partnership code, since I saw a mutual benefit, as I am trying to grow my local following, I allowed them to use it while they were in my area, but for any further time, or any usage rights, I would definitely charge them. I usually charge brands for a partnership code, but I make exceptions whenever I see a benefit. It’s my business after all, I can do what I want, and I love to provide good customer service so I can get returned partnerships (which now I have with this brand 2 years in a row!)
If you want to get paid for hosted partnerships, it’s definitely possible! Brands that offer hosted experiences typically pay larger influencers with a big percentage of followers in that city/country/state, travel accounts, or accounts focused on visiting local spots. These are the ones that make sense for them to pay, as they are most likely to reach people in that location. If you fall in those categories, definitely try to pitch a paid opportunity, however, if you are open to accepting gifted experiences, you can enjoy many free outings for you and your family this way.
Do you want to see the partnership I am talking about? Check it out here in year 1, and here for year 2! As you will see, both pieces of content super simple, and I had fun, so it was totally worth it to me.
Now it’s your turn! Go find some places you want to go to, follow them, engage with them for a bit and shoot your shot!
Ready to Make Money as a Mom Creator?
Step 1 - Fill out your Creator Profile & Check Out if we have any Brand Deals Available: This is how I match you with real brands & where I keep all of the current deals I am recruiting for. I can’t send you sh*t if I don’t know what you’re about.
Step 2: Download the Free 7-Week Creator Content Monetization Checklist: I mapped out for you the steps to monetize your content. Provides you a roadmap on what to do each week, and includes a portfolio template. A portfolio is a MUST HAVE if you are taking this seriously.
Step 3: Grab The Creator Content Cashflow System: Your UGC & Influencer Brand Deal Playbook: A complete step-by-step breakdown of the entire brand deal process. From finding brands, pitching, and scriptwriting, to negotiating, reviewing contracts, figuring out your rates, and beyond. Nothing skipped.
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