Why Some Brands Don’t Pay
Some brands are clever, and many try to get free advertising, and why wouldn’t they? We like free stuff too. Many brands don't have a budget to pay Influencers, either because they haven't truly benefited from an influencer campaign to make budgeting a priority, or because they can easily obtain free content.
Big brands do this too, using their names to get free content from fans. Don’t get me wrong; to have a big brand in my portfolio, I might even consider a gifted collaboration, but it’s unfortunate that this is part of the “game.”
Many of us get emails or DMs from the same brands, and at the same time, with ambassador/affiliate opportunities, gifted collabs, or a message saying “We will send you a free product in exchange for XYZ”. It’s mass outreach. They’re not just emailing you, they’re emailing 100+ other creators too.
So why would they pay…
…if someone else answers “Yes”, offering to do the same thing you are charging for, but for free?
When Gifted Collabs Do & Don’t Make Sense
Before we go any further, let me be clear: I still take gifted deals sometimes. They can be amazing, for the right reasons.
Here’s when gifted collabs do make sense:
You are still new in the industry and are building your following and community
If they are asking for content and are being fair with the deliverables they want
It's a high-value item, with a great commission, that you know your audience will love and will sell well with them.
You’re building a portfolio or need specific content pieces for it.
It’s a product you need, a brand you already love, and you have time/capacity
You’re just getting started, so you need experience, and testimonials/reviews from brands for your portfolio
They are saying “no strings attached”, so are not asking for anything required. They just ask you to post it if you like the item, and if you want to.
But you should be getting paid if:
You have 5K+ followers, great engagement rate, a portfolio, and other current paying clients
If they are asking for an unreasonable amount of usage rights. Honestly, I don’t mind giving a few months for “social media only usage rights” for a gifted item that helped me get ahead somehow, but “perpetual”? anything over 12 months or outside of social media? That you have to pay for. It’s too valuable.
You are being told “we love your content, can you send it to us so we can post it”, which means they already see the value, so negotiating here to get paid is important. And the best part is, you already done the work!
You are being asked for deliverables that you should be paid for. Gifting anything more than a reel and a few stories, or a few months of usage rights for a picture or video, should be in exchange for a weekend getaway or something that holds true value for you.
Template: How to Turn a Gifted Deal Into Paid
Here’s my go-to template you can steal when a brand pitches a gifted collab:
Hello [Name], Thank you so much for reaching out! I’d really love to work together, your [product/brand] looks amazing. Currently, I don’t have the capacity to take on gifted campaigns, but I’d be happy to discuss a paid collaboration.
Does your team have a budget for that? You can view my portfolio here: [Insert Link]
Looking forward to hearing from you!
[Your Name]
I still see creators with 20K+ followers giving away video ads with usage rights without pay. Most laugh it off when I ask and say “I don’t know what I am doing”
Please know turning gifted into paid isn’t about “being greedy”, is about being smart and knowing how to do business in this industry. You’re running a business. And your content drives sales.
Let’s stop leaving money on the table and start getting what we’re worth. When one of us says yes to free work, it impacts all of us.
Let’s raise the standard, together.
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.
You don’t have to do this alone.
You’ve got me, and a whole squad of moms ready to help in our Facebook Group.
