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If you’re trying to connect with an influencer, you’ve probably already Googled, “reaching out to influencers template” for assistance. As experts in influencer marketing, we have some advice on how to approach influencers for collaboration

Keep reading to find tips and templates to reach out to influencers

Identify the influencer’s preferred communication method

The initial contact between a brand and an influencer is usually done through email or a direct message (DM), on a social channel. Which is better? Each option has its benefits. 

Emails give you more space to explain the campaign, the influencer’s role, and expectations. Emails also come across as more credible than DMs.

A DM is a short, simple message that’s easy to craft and meant to pique an influencer’s interest. A DM is usually short on details, which are discussed in follow-up emails or calls. A problem with DMs, though, is that they could be perceived as spam. Given the prevalence of spam, many influencers on Instagram have brand DM requests in a hidden messages folder on the app.

While your brand may prefer email or DM, it’s best to see if the influencer specifies his or her preference. Where do you look? Check the influencer’s social media channels, specifically the bios on Instagram and TikTok and the About tab on YouTube. If a creator lists their email in their bios, use that to connect with them.

Beauty influencer Chizi Duru, for example, lists her email address in her Instagram bio.

Make a plan

Long before you craft brand emails for influencers, you need to do two things: Plan the campaign and identify relevant influencers. 

You need to know what the campaign looks like, so you can provide details to the influencer. Know the campaign’s goals, channels, content type, and deadline before you reach out. 

Pro tip: Using the IZEA Flex influencer marketing platform, you can leverage the AI Briefs tool to easily draft campaign briefs that can be downloaded and sent to the creators you want to hire for your project.

It’s best to reach out to a handful of influencers, even if you only plan to work with one or two. Some influencers might not respond to your message; others might decline it. 

If you don’t have the bandwidth to handle influencer outreach emails, IZEA’s Managed Services team can help with your campaign execution from start to finish.

When you’re ready to begin your search, review our guide, How to Find Influencers for Your Brand.

Send the influencer a message

The next step in your influencer outreach is to craft a message. To help, here’s a look at outlines and templates you can reference as you write an email or DM.

Email outline for brands to connect with influencers

If you plan to send an email, here’s a rough outline to use:

  • A subject line that includes “Collaboration opportunity” or similar wording
  • Greeting
  • Compliment a specific post or piece of content
  • Introduce yourself and the brand and product or service you want to promote
  • Suggest a collaboration and provide basic details
  • Provide instructions for the next steps

Email template brands can use as a collaboration message to influencers 

When you’re ready to write your message, gather the contacts from your influencer email list, and draft a note like this:

Subject: Collaboration Opportunity – [Brand Name]

Hello [Influencer Name],

I follow your Instagram and can’t get enough of your delicious recipes. I especially love your healthy shrimp tacos.

I’m [Name], [position] at [Company Name]. We sell a [type of products] geared toward [target audience/customer].

Since you promote healthy food and speak to our target audience, we think you would be an excellent partner in promoting our newest product launch. We are excited to offer you the opportunity to feature [Product Name], a [description of the product], in your upcoming content. We would love to see how you incorporate our product into your daily routine in an Instagram Story and post or a dedicated Instagram Reel. 

We are open to discussing any partnership ideas you have in mind. If this sounds like a collaboration you would like, please let us know, and we can discuss the details further.

Thanks,

[Your Name]

DM outline for influencer outreach

If you plan to reach an influencer by DM, here’s a suggested format for your message. It’s similar to the email outline, but it’s a little shorter. 

  • Compliment content
  • Suggest a specific collaboration
  • Offer next steps

DM template brands can use 

Here’s an example of a DM that brands can send to a creator:

Hey [Influencer Name],

I love the delicious recipes you share on Instagram. At [Company Name], we offer healthy, ready-made meals for busy, health-conscious moms.

I’d love to discuss collaborating with you to promote [Product Name].

Interested? Reach out, and we’ll discuss the details. 

-[Your Name]

Wait for a reply

Some influencers will respond quickly; others may take some time. If you reach out to well-known influencers with a larger audience, they’re likely full-time influencers and will respond quickly. Others have day jobs and work on influencer content during their spare time. As a result, they may take more time to respond.

Here are a few tips to follow as you await a reply:

  • If you don’t hear back in a week, send a short follow-up message
  • If you still don’t hear a response, assume he or she isn’t interested

Remember, some tools can help you find influencers and connect with them. The Creator Marketplace, for example, allows you to search for influencers, review profiles, and reach out to relevant creators. It’s a great place to start your influencer marketing campaign, especially for quick projects.  

Influencers:

Looking to partner with industry-leading brands? Create your free profile today. 

Marketers:

The world’s biggest brands trust IZEA’s influencer marketing software and managed solutions. Find out which solution is right for you.

 IZEA MANAGED SERVICES 

Strategy and execution from the company that launched the industry.

Request a proposal

Learn more about our Managed Services offerings

influencer marketing software Managed Services

 IZEA MANAGED SERVICES 

Strategy and execution from the company that launched the industry.

Request a proposal

Learn more about our
Managed Services offerings

influencer marketing software Managed Services

 IZEA MANAGED SERVICES 

Strategy and execution from the company that launched the industry.

Request a proposal

Learn more about our Managed Services offerings

 IZEA MANAGED SERVICES 

Strategy and execution from the company that launched the industry.

Request a proposal

Learn more about our Managed Services offerings