How to receive PR with no followers 🎀💌

Okay, so you’ve heard it’s possible to get PR packages without a huge following, and you’re probably wondering, 'How?!' I totally get it – I was there too! I used to scroll through Instagram, seeing creators unboxing amazing products from brands like Summer Fridays and Osea, thinking it was a dream only for mega-influencers. But guess what? It’s not! I've been on this journey for a while now, and I’ve cracked the code on how to score those coveted boxes, even if your follower count is still in the double or triple digits. Let’s dive a bit deeper into those 3 strategies I mentioned earlier, because the devil is in the details, right? 1. Pitching Brands Directly (My Go-To for Dream Collabs!) This is where you get to be proactive! When I first started, I was so intimidated, wondering what to say. But honestly, brands are always looking for authentic voices, not just big numbers. For example, when I wanted to work with Function of Beauty, I made sure to follow them, comment on their posts, and even posted a story using their product (without being asked!). When you reach out, whether by email or DM, make it personal. Tell them specifically what you love about their brand or a particular product (like Good Molecules’ Niacinamide serum!). Briefly explain how you use it, and offer to create user-generated content (UGC) for them. This means high-quality photo or video content they can use on their channels, without necessarily requiring a post on your feed. This is a huge selling point for brands looking for authentic reviews and visual assets without the 'influencer' price tag. Your content portfolio, even if small, speaks louder than your follower count. This is how you start getting PR packages for non-influencers! 2. Leveraging Influencer Programs (Hello, Freebies & Paid Gigs!) These programs are a game-changer for getting no contract digital PR packages. The article touched on Trend.io, Skeepers, and Influenceher, and I can personally vouch for their effectiveness. Trend.io: Fantastic for connecting directly with brands looking for UGC. You apply to campaigns, submit content, and if approved, you get paid! They focus on content quality, not follower count. Fill out your profile fully and showcase your best work. Skeepers (formerly Octoly): I've received amazing products here! Brands list what they offer, and you apply for what you genuinely want to try. You usually agree to post a review or content on your socials. A clean, aesthetic social feed, even small, is key. Influenceher Collective: Great for college-aged creators or lifestyle enthusiasts. They have various campaigns, from product gifting to paid collaborations. Authenticity and good content aesthetic are crucial. These platforms streamline the process and often don't require long-term contracts. You participate in campaigns, receive products, create content, and sometimes even get paid! It’s an incredible way to build experience and receive PR packages without followers. 3. Tapping into Partnered Apps & Websites (Your Gateway to New Brands!) These apps are like treasure maps for product discovery! I’ve had success with Kale, Influenster, and Bounty. Influenster: One of the most well-known. You fill out a detailed profile, and they send you 'VoxBoxes' with free products to try and review. The more reviews you write, the more likely you are to receive future boxes. Be an active community member. Kale & Bounty: Similar to Influenster, these platforms offer opportunities to try products and create content. You choose a product, create content, and often get rewarded. These platforms are excellent for getting PR packages without social media requirements for posting, or at least without a minimum follower count. You're giving brands valuable feedback and content, and in return, you get to try new things. I remember getting a beautiful Osea body oil through one of these and I was ecstatic! So, don't let a small follower count hold you back. Your passion, creativity, and willingness to create amazing content are your biggest assets. Start exploring these avenues today, and you'll be unboxing those dream PR packages before you know it! Happy creating! 🎀