Sponsorship is the the ultimate goal for every blogger/ content creator. There are many ways for bloggers to make a living blogging Sponsorship is simply the most coveted. Sponsored post are post that creators are given product or money to feature their products on social media. I use my blog and social media platforms as advertising leverage. I actively grow my social media and create content for a target audience (MOMS 21-41🥂🙌🏾 those are my people! I know my people! I love my people!) I’ve only been living my life as a brand for 4 months, I did not start pitching my blog until I had 1k followers on Instagram.

*Although the number of followers doesn’t really matter!

In order me to feel like I was running a business I needed one social media platform to have 1k followers. I felt this made me appear more credible when reaching out to brands. I took the time to grow my social media organically, I’m very close to my audience and they trust my opinion that being said I don’t reach out to every brand and I don’t accept every offer pitched to me because I have a relationship with my followers so I always keep that in mind.

I also make sure I actually have a relationship with the brand before I reach out. Since I’ve started I’ve landed several brand deals and had several sponsored post. My most recent brand collaborations are with “Follow your heart” brand vegan products and Chippendale’s!(to read about my brand deal with Chippendales click here 👉🏾Batmom goes to Chippendales)

Since I’ve started landing brand deals I thought I’d share the tips that have proven helpful to me landing brand deals. I’m even including an email Template! I love pitching to brands, I get this high that can’t even explain. I don’t care about hearing “No” because seeing “I would love to work you!that idea is amazing” feels better than anything I can put into words. So here’s my Top 8 Tips:

1. DON’T DM! STALK THE CEO!

Take the time to research the company you want to sponsor you. Simply go to google and search who the CEO is. Find out everything you can, do they have a Twitter? Are they funny? Vegan? Do they have a blog? Are they 90? Find a way you can relate.. that is your in and the subject of the email you are preparing to send. If you stalk you CEO and find out he has a blog.. READ THE BLOG! Then your subject line will be “Loved you blog post from 7/25/2018” THAT WILL GET YOU IN! building a relationship is key. If you can’t get through the front door.. use a window! Just get in that email inbox and get in with the CEO!

*if you can’t find the CEO pitch to brands in the “contact us” section. When I was unable to find the CEO I would pitch in the contact us section and many times they would give me the contact information I needed for sponsorship.

Really get outside of the box, doing research on the brand goes a long way. Finding out who the brand follows on social etc those little touches really go a long with brands. They’re more likely to work with you via email tactics rather than if you simply slide into their DM’s.

2. Be professional

Do not use any slang or abbreviations. Think of this as a job interview in a box. This is your chance to present you brand/blog/Content as a business with advertising leverage and an engaged audience. This is your chance to show how you can be of value to this brand you are reaching out to. You really want to put your best foot forward with this pitch. You don’t want to sound like you’re just talking to a friend off the street. This is a representation of you. Show how great you are and how well you write. Emails really are your first impression with a brand so keep it professional.

3. KEEP IT SHORT!

No more than 1-3 paragraphs if you can’t explain yourself in a paragraph you aren’t ready to pitch. Rewrite till it’s right. However don’t be vague! If you have an idea be specific:

For example if you’re reaching out to Nike.. tell them

“I have a series of post centered around working moms and their choice of fitness apparel. I want to feature Nike in my blog, do you work with social media influencers/bloggers”

Mention your idea don’t leave it too vague!

Show pictures of your idea. SHOW THEM YOU CAN DO THE WORK!

4. Give more than you take!

Give compliments, give ideas, give a platform for advertising etc Then ask for collaboration. Don’t just go into an email asking for free merchandise and money just because you have a large number of followers. Show that you are of value give reasons why you are of value. This template is an email of things to say in an email :

Edited to add:

I heard this podcast from Mattie James about The right time to pitch to brands and she made a statement that was so powerful., “DO NOT BE VAGUE PITCH YOUR IDEA” Don’t just tell the brand you have ideas, tell them what the post idea is about. Show them your idea! Listen to podcast it is very beneficial. I wrote this blog 7/25/2018 and this podcast was released 7/27/18 and I had to add this vital information. When you pitch be short, be direct, offer your platforms and show your ideas!

5. get used to “No” and radio silence.

You’re going to be sending a lot of emails and you won’t hear back at all. I write 5-10 emails for sponsorship a day.. and that’s honestly not enough but that’s all I have time for with my schedule on weekends I try to do 10-15. In the hundreds of emails I have sent I have only gotten a handful of responses back and just recently got a large brand collaboration. I don’t believe in “No” I believe in asking the next person if they want to work with me🤷🏾‍♀️ you only need one “Yes” it doesn’t matter if you get 1000 “no’s” listen for that yes! That “yes” is worth it all. It feels like the super bowl when someone accepts your proposal and reaches out to work. There’s something about knowing someone likes YOUR idea. That’s why I want everyone to try! There’s nothing that beats pitching to me.. NOTHING LOL

6. Follow up!

I follow up every 2-4 weeks if I really want to work with the brand and they are radio silent. I just send a gentle reminder. Try not to be pushy just see if they saw my email. If you don’t hear back don’t get discouraged.

7. If your pitch is accepted be grateful and deliver!

When your pitch is accepted be grateful, reach out and let them know you appreciate the opportunity and MAKE THE BEST CONTENT YOU CAN IN A TIMELY MATTER! Make sure to ask what they are expecting and when. Deadlines are real. If you are blessed to be working with your dream brand it’s amazing. Go over details so that you are also compensated fairly for your work.

8. MY FAVORITE YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT PITCHING

Everything I learned about pitching to brands I learned from YouTube and podcast so I continually educate myself how to pitch and learn different methods and apply them here’s my favorite videos and YouTubers

Latasha James Pitching to brands for sponsorship

Jessica Whittaker

Jessica Whittaker emailing sponsorship Approaching brands as a small blog

Remember the only way to really land collaborations is to put yourself out there and pitch! The more you pitch the easier it becomes.

I hope these tips help let me know what you think below🤗