How to Navigate the World of Brand Collaborations

Almost every major industry has seen a rise in social media influencers, with brands and marketers leveraging them now more than ever. While it’s exciting when a brand first offers to work with you, since it can often mark your transition from ‘content creator’ to ‘influencer’, it’s important to take a step back and evaluate whether the partnership works for you.

Done well, brand partnerships can enhance your image, amplify exposure and build credibility. On the other hand, poor collaborations can do the opposite and have the potential to harm your brand.

This is the golden rule to follow: Never partner for partnering’s sake.

Don’t forget the purpose behind the collaboration, and evaluate whether the brand is well aligned to your own personal brand and can enhance your value proposition. Avoid sacrificing brand image for the allure of money; remember that more opportunities will come in the long-term if you build a strong following who views your opinions as authentic.

If the brand collaboration isn’t the right fit, followers may question the purpose behind collaboration, often resulting in increased disengagement. For example, many influencers received backlash and were called “sell outs” after promoting fitness teas with proven laxative effects to impressionable audiences. No amount of money is worth promoting poor options and products to your following. Choose to work with brands and personalities you can trust and ask yourself if you would recommend the product without the attached incentives.

Want to learn more about influencing? Check our my resources tab! There's some videos and podcasts that can provide further insight.

Talk soon,

Demi