In 2020, I made a goal to make five figures or $10K on brand collaboration. Well guess what? I’ve almost doubled it! I think a huge part of that achievement is that I’ve been able grow and maintain long-term partnerships with brands.
To give you a snapshot of my year so far: $12,400 of the $17,000 I’ve made this year came from recurring partnerships!
In previous years, I treated partnerships as more of a “one and done” kinda thing. However, this year I learned that many of my most valuable campaigns came from previous partners.
I was able to keep track of my previous brand partners using my collaborations tracker and spreadsheet. I talk all about my process for that in this post. In that post, I also share my free collaborations tracker template with you – click here to access that free resource!
Today, I want to share with you 6 key tips I’ve used to grow and maintain long-term partnerships with brands.
Consider the brand’s needs
When I initially pitch to brands, I always ask them how I can best support their marketing needs. This is a concept I try to bring forward with me throughout the campaign and any future endeavors with that brand. Considering their marketing needs shows that you care about the brand’s goals and objectives. It shows that you are a partner who wants to help further the brand’s mission. You want the campaign to be successful because you CARE! Brands will value this and continue to work with you because you’ve taken their needs into consideration.
Be responsive
While in the process of negotiating and working with a brand, BE RESPONSIVE! I usually try to respond within 24 hours of receiving an email from a brand, ensuring that I am prompt and professional throughout the collaboration. Trust me, nothing is worse than working with someone who won’t get back to you! They will remember that – not a good look.
Share wins from the collaboration and analytics
Did you go above and beyond for the brand campaign? SHARE YOUR WINS! Chances are, the brand is working with tons of influencers and just trying to keep track of who posted and who didn’t. Some brands are really on top of performance, but others are more focused on deliverables. Either way, everyone likes ANALYTICS!
Brands want to see that their collaboration with you was successful! After all, they’re just hoping to get their money’s worth. Show them your value by communicating insights from your campaign with the brand as soon as they are available. Sometimes I’ll even provide stats 24 hours after I post and then again later on in the week.
Follow up!
It may seem simple, but following up can be the key to landing another partnership with a brand you’ve worked with in the past. As a marketing professional for my 9-to-5, I understand how busy things can get at work. I like to put myself in the PR or brand representative’s shoes. If I can make things easier for them, by checking in every once in awhile, sign me up! This helps to keep my brand top of mind for upcoming campaigns.
I usually try to follow up 1 month following a campaign and then again 3 months following the campaign.
Pitch fresh concepts
When you follow up, share some concept ideas! Why not make your contact’s job easier? If you share some ideas, they may be more likely to say yes to working together again! This has definitely been true in my case.
Consider offering exclusive pricing or opportunities for them
Something I’ve been doing lately is offering exclusive projects and pricing packages for brands I’ve worked for in the past. An example for this is pitching brands you’ve worked with in the past to be featured in your gift guides this holiday season. With this, you can offer them one of the first spots in the guides and special pricing since you have partnered in the past! Know your worth and rates, but consider trying this strategy out.
What are some of the tactics you have used to maintain relationships with brands? I’d love to hear!
