Being a small content creator doesn’t mean you can’t receive PR packages from brands. In fact, many companies are eager to collaborate with niche influencers who have engaged audiences. I currently have just under 6k followers on Instagram and have received PR from brands like Armani Beauty, YSL, Dove, and more. Here’s how to get started with receiving PR packages and building relationships with brands!
Step 1: Build Your Brand
Before reaching out to brands, make sure your social media profiles and content platforms are polished and professional. Here’s how:
- Consistency: Post regularly and maintain a consistent theme or niche. There was a time I was posting on Instagram 2-3x a day! But make sure your schedule is doable for you.
- Engagement: Focus on building an engaged community. Reply to comments, host live sessions, and interact with your followers.
- Quality Content: Invest in good equipment to produce high-quality photos and videos. iPhones are great and can definitely get the job done, but I love my Canon g7x (I have the mark 3, but heard the mark 2 is better) and Sony a5100 for really high quality videos. You can also invest in a mic to help the sound quality when recording on your phone!
- Tag Brands: When you genuinely use and enjoy a product, tag the brand in your posts and stories. They might notice and reach out. This is how I got my very first PR package from Lee Jeans, which led to multiple paid partnerships with them!
Step 2: Define Your Niche
Brands prefer to collaborate with creators who have a clear niche. Whether it’s beauty, fashion, tech, fitness, or lifestyle, make sure your niche is well-defined and reflected in your content. When I started with only fashion content, I got sent lots of clothes and accessories. Now that I post more lifestyle, I get beauty products, snacks/food, and even cleaning supplies!
Step 3: Create a Media Kit
A media kit is like your influencer resume. It should include:
- About You: A brief bio highlighting your background and what your content is about.
- Statistics: Your follower count, engagement rates, and demographics.
- Past Collaborations: If you’ve worked with brands before, include examples and testimonials.
- Contact Information: Make it easy for brands to reach you.
I find that a media kit is not always necessary, but it’s nice to have when brands do request one so you aren’t scrambling to make it at the last minute. I made mine in Canva!
Step 4: Reach Out to Brands
Don’t wait for brands to come to you. Be proactive:
- Research: Find brands that align with your niche and values.
- Email Pitch: Craft a personalized email pitch. Explain why you love their brand, how you can add value, and include your media kit.
- Follow Up: If you don’t hear back, follow up after a week or two.
However, if you build a strong, recognizable online presence, brands will start to reach out to you! This is how I’ve gotten almost all of my PR.
Step 5: Join Influencer Marketing Platforms
These platforms connect creators with brands looking for partnerships. Here are some websites you can sign up for:
- AspireIQ: A popular platform for influencers of all sizes. Sign up and create a profile to start connecting with brands.
- Influence.co: Offers a community for influencers to share tips and find brand opportunities.
- Octoly: Allows you to receive free products in exchange for honest reviews.
- Tribe: Focuses on matching brands with micro-influencers for specific campaigns.
- Famebit: Acquired by YouTube, it’s great for video content creators to find sponsorship opportunities.
- Grapevine Logic: Connects YouTubers and Instagram influencers with brands.
- Activate by Bloglovin’: Provides tools for managing and measuring influencer marketing campaigns.
- BrandBacker: Offers opportunities for sponsored posts, product reviews, and social media promotions.
I haven’t tried them all, but these are just a few of so many out there! There is also the chance that a brand finds you and reaches out directly asking if you’d like to be put on their PR list, so be sure to have your email in your bio.
Step 6: Be Professional
Once you start receiving PR packages, maintain professionalism:
- Honest Reviews: Always be honest in your reviews, even if it’s a PR product. Authenticity builds trust with your audience and brands.
- Timeliness: Post about the product in a timely manner, as per the brand’s request.
- Gratitude: Show appreciation to the brand by tagging them and sending thank you notes.
Conclusion
Getting PR packages as a small content creator is about building your brand and being proactive. By joining influencer platforms and maintaining professionalism, you can attract the attention of brands and start receiving those coveted PR packages. You can follow along my content journey on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Happy creating!
