Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes in Your Influencer Marketing Pitch to Brands

The most common revenue stream for influencers is sponsored content. By working with brands to generate authentic, promotional content, influencers earn a flat fee or a commission based on sales inspired by their post. Research shows 82% of creators earned income through sponsored content in 2023, according to eMarketer. While a majority of influencers make money through collaborations, the biggest challenge for influencers is often finding a brand to collaborate with. Brands reach out to influencers, but influencers can also be proactive and pitch to brands they’d like to work with. If you’re an influencer crafting a marketing pitch or responding to a Casting Call on izea.com, be sure to avoid these common pitfalls: 

Mistake: Pitching to brands that don’t share your audience

Pitching to brands that don’t share your audience is a common mistake that can derail potential influencer collaborations. When an influencer’s followers don’t align with a brand’s target demographic, the content may fail to resonate, leading to poor engagement and ineffective campaigns. The disconnect can result in a lack of interest from both the brand and the audience. 

To ensure a successful partnership, it’s crucial for influencers to research brands thoroughly and align with those whose values, products, and audience demographics match their own. This alignment not only enhances authenticity but also maximizes the impact of the campaign, creating a win-win scenario for both the influencer and the brand.

Mistake: Not pitching to brands that post ads on influencer marketing platforms

Join an influencer marketing platform that allows brands to post their campaigns to get pitches. 

On izea.com, for example, brands that are actively looking for influencers can place Casting Calls. Casting Calls explain what the brand wants from creators and give them a chance to apply for the role. 

One of influencers’ biggest challenges is finding brands that want to work with influencers. Casting Calls close the gap. Look at the brands calling for influencer pitches. 

Mistake: Lack of personalization in a pitch to brands

Too often, influencers create one generic pitch and send it to a handful of brands hoping to hear back. Brands want to see that you’re familiar with their products and understand their audience. They also like to know what concept you would have for the campaign.

Part of your influencer pitch should include a general idea for the content and why you would be a great fit for the campaign. 

Mistake: Poor description of what you do

Part of your influencer marketing pitch should offer a bio. It should explain who you are, what you do, and who you cater to. Often influencers craft a generic bio, like “I’m a food blogger,” or “I post about tech.” 

Answer the question “What makes you different?” 

To combat generic bios, get specific. Explain your niche, your audience, and the problem you solve. For example, describing yourself as “a food blogger that helps busy moms get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes,” is more specific and attention-grabbing. 

Mistake: Not sending a follow-up

Everyone is busy, and that includes marketers. As an influencer, don’t mistake a brand’s lack of response as disinterest. It’s a good idea to send a follow-up message three to five days after your initial outreach. 

The follow-up should be short and simple, something that asks the marketer if they’ve had a moment to consider your proposed collaboration. 

When you’re ready to craft an influencer marketing pitch, be sure to avoid these mistakes. In addition, craft detailed pitches by using IZEA’s resource: An Influencer Outreach Email Template to Help You Partner with Brands.