... Read moreOkay, so you've seen my initial list of brands like Glossier, The Ordinary, OUAI, ASOS, Shein, and Everlane that are open to working with nano and micro-influencers. That's just the tip of the iceberg! As a creator, I know the biggest question isn't just who works with small accounts, but how do you actually get those coveted brand deals and PR packages? Let me share some more tips from my own journey!
Beyond Beauty & Fashion: Expanding Your Brand Collaboration Horizon
While beauty and fashion are fantastic starting points, don't limit yourself! Think about your niche. Are you into home decor? Sustainable living? Pet care? Fitness? There are brands in every category looking for authentic voices. For instance, I've seen smaller home decor accounts collaborate with brands like Target or smaller Etsy shops. Pet influencers often get PR from pet food or toy brands. The key is to genuinely use and love the products you promote.
How to Actually Land Those Brand Deals & PR Packages
This is where the real work happens! Getting noticed by brands, even ones that work with nano influencers, requires a proactive approach.
Build a Strong Portfolio: Your social media, especially Lemon8, is your resume! Make sure your content is high-quality, consistent, and showcases your personality. Having a clear niche helps brands see if you're a good fit.
Craft a Killer Media Kit: This doesn't have to be super fancy, but it should include your audience demographics, engagement rates, past collaborations (even gifted ones!), and content examples. It's your professional calling card.
Proactive Outreach (Cold Pitching): Don't wait for brands to come to you! Many of the brands I mentioned, like Glossier or The Ordinary, often have influencer contact emails. Look for a "Collaborate With Us" or "PR Inquiries" section on their website. Send a concise, personalized email explaining why you love their brand, how your audience aligns, and what kind of content you could create for them. Attach your media kit!
Utilize Influencer Platforms: This is a big one, addressing those "influencer platforms for nano influencers" queries! Platforms like AspireIQ, CreatorIQ, Influence.co, or even some brand-specific portals (like Sephora Squad or Amazon Influencer Program) are goldmines. You can often apply directly to campaigns or express interest in receiving PR. Make sure your profile is fully optimized.
Engage with Brands on Social Media: Follow your dream brands. Comment on their posts, share their content – genuinely engage! Sometimes, this organic interaction can lead to them noticing you.
Network with Other Creators: This community is amazing! Other nano and micro-influencers often share leads or tips on which brands are actively seeking collaborations.
What to Expect & Delivering Honest Reviews
When you do get a collaboration or PR, always remember to deliver value. If it's a gifted product, create beautiful content. If it's paid, ensure you meet all deliverables. And that query about "honest reviews"? Brands, especially skincare brands like The Ordinary, appreciate authenticity. Your audience trusts you, so always be transparent and share your genuine experience, good or bad. Always disclose gifted products or paid partnerships using appropriate hashtags like #ad or #gifted.
Landing brand deals as a nano influencer is totally achievable. It takes persistence, good content, and a little bit of strategic outreach. Keep creating, keep connecting, and those opportunities will come your way!
What steps do I take to partner with SHEIN?